www.guardianonline.co.nz
23
Mineral deficiencies in sheep and cattle Late summer has proven to be a tough time for livestock in the Canterbury region in areas where irrigation has been restricted or shut off. The challenge for sheep farmers is to get ewes up to weight, and have them in the best condition for a successful mating season. It’s a time of year when stress on sheep from tough feed conditions can compromise good scanning rates, and pre-mating preparation can help lift the odds for a good tupping period. Part of that preparation comes in the use of mineral supplements to boost vitamin and iodine deficiencies, and part of the solution lies with Vet LSD. Vet Peter Anderson of The Vet Centre Marlborough has years of experience in dealing with mineral deficiencies in sheep and cattle, particularly around problems with vitamin and iodine deficiencies. So much so he developed Vet LSD over 20 years ago to assist clients having repeated problems with such
Well known Marlborough vet Peter Anderson, creator of Vet LSD.
deficiencies. “The outcomes for poor iodine levels are at worst poor fertility and lamb survival rates, or at best impaired lamb
growth rates, and both will suck profit out of the new farming year quickly,” says Peter. Supplementary feeding of
ewes on crops makes good sense for lifting dry-matter intake over winter. However he also cautions lambs born to ewes on
brassica crops run the risk of iodine deficiency, due to the presence of goitrogens that increase the need for iodine. “Even lambs off ewes fed high quality pasture can suffer from both iodine and vitamin E deficiency.” Farmer experience has proven using Vet LSD can boost lamb survivability through lifting not only iodine levels, but also boosting vitamins A, D, and E. These valuable “anti-stress” vitamins protect ewes in the lead-up to the most stressful period of the year. Reductions of up to 8 per cent in lamb losses between scanning and tailing have been reported by farmers using this treatment. “Ewes remain healthier through pregnancy, lamb survivability and health also improves and ultimately farm profits are boosted through lower losses and heavier weights,” says Peter. For more information visit: www.vetlsd.co.nz Advertising feature
At Lawrence (Mt Hilton, Hawarden) on Vet LSD® • At Lawrence is again turning to Vet LSD® as his trusted drench solution this winter, developed locally for farmers’ ewe health needs. • The numbers behind Vet LSD® convinced At there must be something in its formulation that works. • After nearly 30 years farming At says Vet LSD® is one of only two products that have delivered tangible results in ewe health. • Lambing losses are lowered and lambs born full of vigour.
HIGH on performance, survivability, and profit! Flock A VetLSD® Treated 1000 ewes tailing 120% = 1200 lambs
Vet LSD® contains vitamins A,C,D,E, Selenium, Chromium & Iodine
Vital ingredients for HIGH performance, survivability, and profit!
Flock B 1000 ewes tailing 112% = 1120 lambs Difference Flock A vs. Flock B = 80 lambs The extra 80 lambs Flock A has at a value of $85 per lamb = $6800 Take out the cost of the VetLSD® treatment for the ewes in Flock A: $6800 - $280
= extra $6520 income
For more information or to purchase VETLSD® please contact your local vet clinic or visit us online: www.vetlsd.co.nz