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Cows are herbivores, and their natural diet consists mainly of grass and other vegetation found in pastures. However, there are certain scenarios in which cows could benefit from consuming concentrate animal feed, which is a specially formulated blend of nutrients and minerals. This article will explore why cows sometimes require this type of feed and how it can contribute to their overall health and productivity.
Nutritional requirements: While cows can derive most of their nutrient needs from grazing in pastures, there may be situations where the available feed quality is low or insufficient. For example, during the winter season or in regions with limited access to fresh grass, concentrate feed can act as a supplementary source of essential nutrients such as proteins, vitamins, and minerals. This ensures that cows receive a balanced diet regardless of seasonal variations.
Enhanced growth and development: Providing cows with concentrate feed can promote optimal growth and development, especially in young calves. Calves have high energy requirements for rapid growth during their early stages of life, and concentrate feed can help meet these demands. It contains higher levels of protein, which supports muscle and tissue development, and essential minerals that aid in bone formation and overall skeletal health.
Increased milk production: For dairy cows, concentrate feed plays a crucial role in enhancing milk production. By providing a concentrated source of energy and protein, it enables cows to meet the high demands of milk production efficiently. This feed also contains specific nutrients like bypass proteins and vitamins, which enhance milk quality and quantity. In turn, this benefits dairy farmers by maximizing their profits and meeting market demands for milk and dairy products.
Improved fertility and reproductive efficiency: Proper nutrition is essential for maintaining reproductive health in cattle. Cows that have access to concentrate feed are more likely to reach their breeding weight earlier and exhibit improved fertility rates. This is particularly significant in intensive breeding systems, where farmers aim to achieve multiple pregnancies in a short period. Concentrate feed provides the necessary energy and nutrients for successful ovulation, conception, and fetal development, resulting in higher reproductive efficiency.
Supplementary feeding during stress or illness: Cows that undergo stressful situations, such as transportation, weaning, or exposure to extreme weather conditions, may experience reduced appetite and weight loss. Concentrate feed can serve as a supplementary source of nutrition during these periods, providing cows with readily available energy and essential nutrients. Moreover, during illness or recovery from surgery, concentrate feed can help in restoring the cow’s strength and promoting faster healing.
Efficient feed conversion: Concentrate feed is typically highly digestible, allowing for efficient nutrient absorption and conversion into productive outputs such as milk production and weight gain. This reduces wastage and promotes economic efficiency for farmers, as the nutrients are utilized effectively, leading to improved feed conversion ratios.
While concentrate feed can be beneficial for cows, it is essential to ensure its proper usage and integration into their diets. Consulting with a veterinarian or nutritionist to determine the appropriate type and amount of concentrate feed based on individual cow requirements and nutritional deficiencies is crucial.

In conclusion, concentrate animal feed serves as a valuable tool in maintaining the health, growth, and productivity of cows. Its role as a supplementary source of nutrients, especially during challenging environmental or physiological conditions, ensures that cows receive the necessary dietary support for their overall well-being. By carefully integrating concentrate feed into their diets, farmers can optimize productivity levels and maintain a sustainable and profitable cattle industry.

Cows are known for providing humans with a large variety of dairy products, such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and butter. These products have been a staple in our diets for centuries, providing essential nutrients and contributing to our overall health and well-being. But have you ever wondered about the nutrition behind cow’s dairy?
When it comes to dairy nutrition, cow’s milk is considered one of the most nutrient-rich fluids available. It provides a good balance of macronutrients – carbohydrates, proteins, and fats – as well as an array of vitamins and minerals that are essential for human growth and development.

One of the key components of cow’s milk is protein. It is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids that our bodies cannot produce on their own. This makes milk an excellent source of protein for vegetarians and vegans who do not consume animal meat. Protein is vital for building and repairing tissues, supporting the immune system, and providing energy.

Cow’s milk is also a rich source of calcium, a mineral critical for the development and maintenance of strong and healthy bones and teeth. Calcium is especially important for children and adolescents, as they are in their peak bone development stage. Adequate calcium intake during these periods lays the foundation for skeletal health in later life, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

Additionally, cow’s milk contains several other essential minerals like phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium. These minerals play a significant role in maintaining proper cell function, nerve signaling, and muscle contractions. They also contribute to maintaining a healthy blood pressure level and fluid balance within the body.

Moreover, cow’s milk is an excellent source of vitamins, particularly vitamin D and B vitamins. Vitamin D works in conjunction with calcium to promote proper bone health by enhancing calcium absorption. It also plays a crucial role in supporting the immune system and maintaining overall cardiovascular health. B vitamins found in dairy, such as riboflavin, vitamin B12, and pantothenic acid, are necessary for energy production, nervous system function, and cell metabolism.

However, it’s essential to note that while cow’s milk offers numerous benefits, it may not be suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance or milk allergies. Lactose intolerance occurs when the body lacks the enzyme lactase, necessary for breaking down lactose (milk sugar). In such cases, lactose-free dairy products or non-dairy alternatives like soy milk or almond milk can be consumed to fulfill the nutritional needs.

In conclusion, cows’ dairy is a valuable source of nutrition for humans, providing a good balance of macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals. It is particularly renowned for its high protein content, calcium, and vitamin D, which contribute to bone development and overall health. However, it is important to consider individual dietary needs and any potential lactose intolerance or allergies when incorporating cow’s dairy into one’s diet.

Introducing Crecora Mills Dairy Feed – The Ultimate Nutrition Solution for Your Cows!
Are you a dairy farmer looking to maximize milk production and improve the overall health and well-being of your cattle? Look no further than Crecora Mills Dairy Feed – the trusted feed choice for dairy farmers across the nation.

Why choose Crecora Mills?

Superior Nutrition: At Crecora Mills, we understand that nutrition plays a vital role in your cows’ performance. Our dairy feed is formulated using only the finest quality ingredients, carefully selected to meet the specific dietary needs of lactating cows. Packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and enzymes, our feed supports optimal rumen health, digestion, and milk production.
Tailored Solutions: We understand that every dairy farm is unique, and so are your cows. That’s why we offer a range of specialized dairy feeds to suit different stages of lactation, feed systems, and milk yield requirements. Whether you’re feeding high-yielding cows or young heifers, we have the perfect feed formula to meet their specific nutritional needs.
Complete Feed Solutions: With Crecora Mills Dairy Feed, you can simplify your feeding process. Our feed formulations are designed to be complete, meaning they provide your cows with all the essential nutrients they require, minimizing the need for additional supplements. This not only saves time but also ensures your cows receive a balanced diet for optimal health and productivity.
Proven Results: Dairy farmers nationwide have experienced remarkable results with Crecora Mills Dairy Feed. Our feed has been proven to increase milk production, enhance feed efficiency, improve fertility rates, and promote overall herd health. Join the countless satisfied farmers who have witnessed firsthand the positive impact of our dairy feed on their bottom line.
Trusted Expertise: With over 50 years of experience in the dairy industry, Crecora Mills has built a reputation for excellence. We have a team of dedicated nutritionists who work closely with our customers to understand their farm’s specific needs and challenges. Count on us to provide you with personalized advice and support throughout your journey to success.
Make the right choice for your dairy farm – choose Crecora Mills Dairy Feed! Experience the difference that superior nutrition can make in your cows’ performance, milk quality, and overall profitability.

Contact us today at 061355186 or visit our website www.crecoramills.ie to learn more about our range of dairy feeds.

Crecora Mills has installed 2 solar projects at both of our manufacturing plants in Crecora and Castlemahon.
In Crecora we have installed a 50Kw roof mounted solar system.
In Castlemahon we have installed a 500Kw ground mounted system.
We hope that in time these systems will help in a small way to minimise our carbon footprint and the huge electricity cost increases that we were subject to in recent years. As always these savings are passed onto our customers by delivering quality feed at a fair price.

Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR)

Cause

Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) is a highly contagious, infectious respiratory disease that is caused by Bovine Herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1). It can affect young and older cattle. In addition to causing respiratory disease, this virus can cause conjunctivitis, abortions, encephalitis, and generalised systemic infections.

IBR is characterised by acute inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. After the first infection, the virus is never fully removed. It stays behind in nerve cells in the brain as a life-long latent (hidden) infection. However, at times of stress the virus can begin to multiply again and may be re-excreted, generally from the nose and the eyes; an animal which has been infected can never be considered safe. Purchase of infected animals is the main source of new infections.

Diseases caused by the virus can be serious; therefore it is a barrier to international trade. Cattle with BoHV-1antibody cannot be exported to BoHV-1-free countries. Neither can they be accepted into an artificial insemination (AI) centre.

Symptoms

• Fever
• Coughing
• Depression
• Loss of appetite
• Hyperaemia of the mucosae Mucosla lesions Nasal discharge Conjunctivitis
• Drop in milk production
• Infertility
• Abortion

Treatment

There is no direct treatment for viral diseases. Infected animals should be isolated from the rest of the herd and treated with anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics for secondary infections if necessary. Carrier cattle should be identified and removed from the herd.

Prevention

Control of the disease is based on the use of vaccines. . Since BHV-1 is a ubiquitous, highly contagious virus, vaccination is recommended as soon as passive immunity in calves has disappeared, usually around four to six months of age. Currently available vaccines for IBR include modified-live-virus (MLV) vaccines and inactivated or killed-virus (KV) vaccines.

The timing of vaccination is at least as important as the choice of vaccine. Since maximum protection does not generally occur until approximately three weeks after vaccination, calves should be vaccinated two to three weeks before weaning at which time they start to be at risk of infection. single vaccination will reduce the severity of disease, but not provide complete protection. The use of marker vaccines is preferred since the antibody they stimulate can be distinguished from the BoHV-1 antibody that follows a natural infection and so secondary vaccination is required. Appropriate biosecurity will also reduce risk on farm.

– See more at: http://www.thecattlesite.com/diseaseinfo/174/infectious-bovine-rhinotracheitis-ibr/#sthash.c6Zj0GN8.dpuf

Coccidiosis is caused by single-celled parasites known as coccidia.

There are several species in cattle, not all of which cause disease. The species that cause disease are primarily found in the large intestine, and the diarrhoea results from damage to the cells lining it. Coccidiosis is particularly common in calves between three weeks and six months of age. Cattle become infected when placed in environments contaminated by older cattle or other infected calves. This can happen either indoors on bedding, or outdoors around drinking or feeding troughs. In order for the coccidial oocysts (the egg stage of the parasite) to become infective they require warmth and moisture.

Poor hygiene, high stocking density, poor health and poor nutrition will all contribute to a calf picking up the parasites and subsequent disease. Symptoms

Symptoms are not always specific to coccidiosis.

• Diarrhoea (often very watery)
• Depression
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss Dysentery (passing blood stained faeces)
• Death is rare.

Infections that fail to produce diarrhoea can, nevertheless, result in reduced growth and weight gain. This sub-clinical infection is very common.

Treatment

In most cases calves will recover without treatment. Treatment is better given to in-contact animals that have not yet started showing signs, or to combat secondary infection.

Prevention

To achieve effective control of coccidia, good management and hygiene is vital. Young susceptible animals should be kept as clean and dry as possible. Feeding and watering equipment should be cleaned and protected from fecal contamination. Avoid feeding cattle on the ground, especially calves, so manure does not contaminate the feed. Excessive moisture in pens should be drained, and dry bedding should be provided. Use pastures that are well drained, and avoid forcing animals to graze down to the roots of the plants so they do not eat large numbers of parasites. Try to keep grazing to a minimum in areas where cattle congregate (e.g. by water). Whenever possible, infected animals should be isolated as soon as possible to avoid exposure of infected manure to other cattle. In some places, medication can be placed in the water or feed to prevent infection.

– See more at: http://www.thecattlesite.com/diseaseinfo/206/coccidiosis/#sthash.o2HT3ynK.dpuf

Rumen Acidosis Rumen acidosis is a metabolic disease of cattle. Like most metabolic diseases it is important to remember that for every cow that shows clinical signs, there will be several more which are affected sub-clinically.

Acidosis is said to occur when the pH of the rumen falls to less than 5.5 (normal is 6.5 to 7.0). In many cases the pH can fall even lower. The fall in pH has two effects. Firstly, the rumen stops moving. This depresses appetite and production. Secondly, the change in acidity changes the rumen micro-organisms, with acid-producing bacteria taking over. They produce more acid, making the acidosis worse. The increased acid is then absorbed through the rumen wall, causing metabolic acidosis, which in severe cases can lead to shock and death.

Cause

The primary cause of acidosis is feeding a high level of rapidly digestible carbohydrate, such as fsecond rotation grass, wheat, barley and other cereals.

In dairy cattle, sub-acute acidosis, is seen as a result of feeding large amounts of second rotation lush leafy grass with low fibre and in increased concentrates compared to forage. Wet grazing conditions on lush leafy grass make this situation worse.

Symptoms

• Cattle may become depressed,
• Go off feed,
• Have an elevated heart rate or diarrhea.
• Sub-acute: Reduced feed intake Poor body condition and weight loss
• Unexplained diarrhoea Temperature Pulse rate and respiratory rate may rise
• Lethargy.

Prevention

The key to prevention is reducing the amount of readily fermentable carbohydrate consumed at each meal. This requires both good diet formulation (proper balance of fiber and nonfiber carbohydrates) and excellent feed management. You could have the best feed formulation in the world but if there is excessive competition for feed space cattle will tend to gorge when they get to the feed passage. This is a common problem where herd numbers have gone up but feed space has not been increased to compensate. Also this is very common when grass supply is tight and cows are coming in hungry.

Feeding excessive quantities of concentrate and insufficient forage results in a fibre-deficient ration likely to cause subacute ruminal acidosis. The same situation may be seen during the last few days before parturition if the ration is fed in separate components. Including long-fiber particles in the diet reduces the risk of subacute ruminal acidosis by encouraging saliva production during chewing and by increasing rumination after feeding. However, long-fiber particles should not be easily sorted away from the rest of the diet; this could delay their consumption until later in the day or cause them to be refused completely.

Ruminant diets should also be formulated to provide adequate buffering. This can be accomplished by feedstuff selection and/or by the addition of dietary buffers such as sodium bicarbonate or potassium carbonate. Dietary anion-cation difference is used to quantify the buffering capacity of a diet. Supplementing the diet with direct-fed microbials that enhance lactate utilizers in the rumen may reduce the risk of subacute ruminal acidosis. Yeasts, propionobacteria, lactobacilli, and enterococci have been used for this purpose.

In Summary Rumen Acidosis can have a huge negative impact into dairy and beef animals production capabilities. In Ireland grazing lush leafy highly fermentable grass is a huge challenge to prevent acidosis and indeed it will affect most animals to a greater or lesser extent. The key is understanding what it is and how best to minimise the impact it has on your herd.

Talk to our Sales team on 061 355186 who have been trained in helping advise on coping with acidosis.