Animal Health
PIONEERING ON-FARM PROGRAM RETURNS POSITIVE RESULTS FOR LIVESTOCK HEALTH AND FERTILIT Y RATES ACROSS THE COUNTRY Virbac’s Multimin Performance Ready Challenge, is focused on the effective use of trace mineral injections for cattle and sheep. The Challenge has been underway throughout 2020 and is currently in the final round with producers competing for their chance to win a share of prizes valued at over $19,000. Dr. Jerry Liu, Multimin Marketing Manager, said: “The Challengers have been selected from an overwhelming number of applications, all of them top-quality beef, sheep and dairy producers.” The previous rounds have seen some excellent results achieved by the challengers across key areas of health and fertility. Challengers will be using Multimin to test the effects on animal fertility, health, and, ultimately, their financial bottom-line throughout each of their 3-month rounds. Dr. Liu says that he is expecting round four Challengers to continue this positive trend, as they are guided through the Challenge with expert support from veterinarians and livestock nutrition experts, while also working closely with their local Virbac representative. Some highlights from the Challenge so far include: James Burge (“Windella”, NSW) spoke about his observation from using Multimin, and the fewer dry sheep, fewer singles, more twins, and more foetuses scanned overall. When asked his thoughts on the results, he said: “The results are favourable given the marginal season through joining. Overall, the results are really positive for us.” > Jodie Solomons (“Donovans Dairy”, SA) reported improved weaning weights from improved stress and disease management: “I did find that the ones that did not get Multimin seemed to be a lot worse off with the scours, whereas the ones with Multimin recovered quicker. I’m happy with the result and will continue to use Multimin.” > Tim Reid (“Melon Pastoral”, NSW) explained how Multimin fits in with his repro program, “We have been using Multimin for the last 3 years in our embryo transfer program and have seen a big difference in the conception rates. Out of 143 cows on a 4-week joining, we had a 10% higher pregnancy rate in cattle that were injected with Multimin” Tim said. “It shows that using Multimin is paying off for us”.
Round 4 is underway with an amazing variety of beef, dairy and sheep producers from VIC, SA, NSW, QLD and the NT: Christopher Thomson, Strathbogie VIC, Renée Drysdale Ruffy VIC, Angie Decker Glen Creek VIC, Sam Bell Millicent SA, Narlisa Cooper Marulan NSW, Mumblebone Merino Stud Wellington NSW, Dianna Stewart Bathurst NSW, Cynthia Stark Gayndah QLD, Brad Inglis Sturt Plains Station NT, Bec McKeering Augathella QLD, Brenda King Glenfern QLD, Steven Maher Warwick QLD. Round 4 of the Challenge promises to be exciting, as for the first time, the Challengers will now have access to the recently launched, Multimin Evolution Injection for Cattle. Multimin Evolution is the latest innovation for cutting-edge performance, delivering 29% more trace minerals compared to Multimin Cattle, the current market leader. You can follow the Challengers’ journeys and read more about their operations and results via the dedicated Multimin Performance Ready Facebook group: facebook.com/groups/multimin
Top Image - James Burge appreciates the value delivered by Multimin, as part of his comprehensive animal health program. Bottom Image - Jodie Solomons (left) uses a two-dose program, one at birth and one at weaning to help improve the health of the calves at Donovans Dairy, SA. 39
