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Crystalyx Dry Cow: the production-enhancing molasses lick-block, supports mineral balance in a transitioning New Zealand dairy herd

A summary of work conducted by Dr Mark Oliver, Ngapouri Research Farm Laboratory, Liggins Institute, University of Auckland

Summary

Pre-calving supplementation with Crystalyx Dry Cow was as effective as best-practice traditional magnesium supplementation methods for preventing calving-related disorders in New Zealand dairy cows. The two approaches resulted in similar blood plasma mineral profiles, and overt health outcomes. The incidence of mastitis and retained placenta was lower in stock supplemented with Crystalyx Dry Cow and may be associated with the vitamin D and E content of the molasses block. Although not formally included as part of the study, anecdotal reports from farm workers indicated that stock handling was improved in the Crystalyx herd, and farm management noted other benefits, including ease and safety of use and low wastage under adverse weather conditions.

Aim

The aim of this trial was to evaluate the efficacy of Crystalyx Dry Cow in the prevention of milk fever and other calving-related disorders in New Zealand dairy cows.

Trial methodology

The trial was conducted on a property on the outskirts of Tokoroa, South Waikato. Two neighbouring properties, both part of the same farming enterprise, were used. On the control property, the herd (210 mixed-breed cows) received best-practice traditional mineral supplementation. On the test property, the herd (156 mixed-breed cows) had free access to Crystalyx Dry Cow – they did not receive any other form of mineral supplementation. On both properties supplementation started 8 weeks prior to planned start of calving. Blood samples were taken before supplementation started, and again 5 and 10 weeks later.

Table 1: Mineral levels delivered by the best-practice traditional mineral supplementation (control herd, based on 3 kg silage/cow/day) and Crystalyx Dry Cow (test herd, based on 190 g Crystalyx/cow/day).

Table 2: Additional minerals and vitamins delivered by Crystalyx Dry Cow (test herd, based on 190 g Crystalyx/cow/day).

Trial results

The following results were determined:

• Cows in the test herd were estimated to have consumed 190 g Crystalyx Dry Cow per day (close to the manufacturer’s recommendation of 200 g/day).
• Premature delivery/abortion rates were not significantly different between control (0.5%) and test (1.9%) herds.
• Induction rates were not significantly different between control (3.3%) and test (6.4%) herds.
• Assisted calving rates were not significantly different between control (2.9%) and test (3.2%) herds.
• Retained placenta was less common in test (2.6%) than control (11%) herds.
• Mastitis was less common in test (3.9%) than control (9.0%) cows.
• Treatment for suspected metabolic imbalance was more frequent in test (4.6%) than control (1.4%) cows (however, this difference was not statistically significant).

Figure 1: Effect of Crystalyx Dry Cow on pregnancy-associated health events

Figure 2: Effect of Crystalyx Dry Cow on pre-calving health events

Discussion

This trial aimed to determine the efficacy of using Crystalyx Dry Cow to reduce the incidence of negative health events associated with pregnancy in New Zealand dairy cows. As a control, best-practice traditional magnesium supplementation techniques were used.

Using Crystalyx Dry Cow did not result in an increase in the incidence of pregnancy-associated metabolic conditions such as milk fever. Levels of circulating plasma Ca and Mg were similar in the test and control herds – it is low levels of these two minerals that lead to ill health in recently calved stock. As we used best-practice traditional supplementation practices on the control farm performed well, it was not possible to see an additional benefit from using Crystalyx Dry Cow; however, it is possible that the presence of vitamin D in the Crystalyx molasses block benefitted the test herd by helping to maintain normal blood Ca levels.

Cows given Crystalyx Dry Cow had a reduced incidence of mastitis, and this may be a result of the vitamin E component of the molasses block. This vitamin E may also have aided the effectiveness of Se in preventing retained placenta.

Several non-animal health benefits of using Crystalyx were also noted by the farm management. These include the speed and ease of use compared to the normal feed dusting and dosing methods. There were health and safety benefits too, with reduced dust exposure for staff. Management also noted that there was less wastage, especially during adverse weather conditions.

Although animal behaviour was not included in the study design, farm workers reported that the cows consuming Crystalyx Dry Cow were easier to handle.