With summer upon us and conditions becoming warmer and more humid, Nutrinza urges farmers to consider adding zinc to their herd’s diet to help prevent facial eczema (FE).
Facial eczema in cows is prevalent in warm, humid regions of New Zealand, especially in areas with higher rainfall and mild temperatures. These conditions promote the growth of the fungus Pithomyces chartarum in pasture, which produces spores containing the toxin sporidesmin.
When ingested by livestock, these spores can cause FE, a serious and potentially fatal disease that damages the liver.
Symptoms can include skin irritation, inflammation, decreased milk production, restlessness, weight loss, and diarrhoea. The cow’s skin can also become sensitive to sunlight, a condition referred to as photosensitisation.
Nutrinza managing director Warren Morritt says having prevention methods in place over the warmer months is crucial to keep the herd healthy and productive.
“For many decades, Zinc supplementation has been shown to be an easy and effective method to protecting dairy cows from FE,” he explains.
"Spore counts can rapidly increase with little warning, and facial eczema can be triggered by just one or two exposures to high levels of sporidesmin.
“Supplementing zinc during periods of elevated spore intake is essential to prevent FE. We advise farmers to begin incorporating zinc into their blends immediately to help reduce the risk of clinical FE in their herds," Morritt adds.
Nutrinza offers a range of options designed to prevent FE in cows. These include Max Mineral Standard with Zinc, Sollus Lactisol Z, and MineralBoost with Zinc.
“Each option has slightly different added benefits, such as the Lactisol containing extra minerals as well as vitamins, and Mineral Boost being a granule offering, ” says Morritt.
“We always advise farmers to consult with their local technical sales representative for guidance on when to start using zinc, dose, and options to improve feed palatability like adding molasses,” he adds.
In addition to zinc products, Nutrinza offers a range of other feed additives and minerals that can be customised to the herd’s specific needs to support overall herd health and performance.
Contact us today to learn more about the full range of products and how they can help you maintain a healthy and productive herd.
