Friday, 04 August 2023 07:55

Mineral boosts a smart way to lift lamb production

Written by Staff Reporters

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Every day that lambs are below adequate in their vitamin B12 levels will result in compromised growth rates.

Cobalt (as vitamin B12) and selenium are well recognised as essential trace elements for successful sheep farming in NZ.

However, young growing lambs are most susceptible to deficiency and have the highest B12 requirement of any stock class, at the same time of the year that cobalt levels are lowest in their diet. Every day that lambs are below adequate in their vitamin B12 levels will result in compromised growth rates, meaning reduced profit for a farming operation.

SMARTSHOT has provided New Zealand farmers with a convenient and long-acting vitamin B12 and selenium solution to boost growth rates and support livestock health for approximately 20 years. Developed with world-first research and technology, it is said to be one of the most researched trace element products in New Zealand. Numerous trials support its use across various stock classes - from adult dairy cows, calves and ewes through to lambs.

SMARTSHOT B12 and SMARTSHOT B12 Plus Se are commonly used in lambs at docking/tailing or weaning. These products aim to boost and maintain adequate vitamin B12 and/or selenium levels during the critical period of rapid growth.

The vitamin B12 in SMARTSHOT is encapsulated within different sized microspheres, the smaller of which break down in body fluids faster than the larger, thus giving extended efficacy and flexibility. This means the dose of a single injection can be tailored to last lambs for 3-4 months (if going to slaughter) or 6-8 months (for replacements).

With fewer injections there is less stress on lambs, less labour onfarm and the sustained trace element levels mean consistent and maximised growth rates.

Veterinarian Erin Riley recommends SMARTSHOT to farmers because it’s a long-acting, single injection making it an easy, effective way to help your lambs reach their growth potential.

As recommended by Beef + Lamb NZ, lambs are best treated with B12 at docking/tailing – as they should be treated as early as possible. NZ trials, carried out by AgResearch, demonstrate greater liveweight gains in animals treated at docking/tailing.

With gains as little as 5 grams per day, this can provide a return on investment on SMARTSHOT and means that even flocks with marginal deficiency could benefit.

To learn more about SMARTSHOT products, ask your vet or visit www.smartshot.co.nz .

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