FEEDING FACTS
Ionophores Rumen ionophores are a great way to add efficiency and prevent several problems within your cow herd. Typically, when feed prices and other inputs are low, we tend to overlook some of the little things that add to the bottom line and as input costs go up, we as producers will pay more attention to the small things that minimize problems and add value through production efficiency and increased profit. Rumen ionophores are one of the easy ways to add to the bottom line. We have two common ionophores for use in beef cattle. They are lasalocid, trade named Bovatec, and monensin sodium, sold as Rumenisin. They are a bit different in many ways but tend to do similar things. Both will help control coccidia in calves and both will
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Cooperative Farming News
make cattle more energy-efficient. They both change the microbial population in the rumen in a way that helps the animal get more nutrition from every bite of feed or forage they take in. Many research trials have shown that both products will increase average daily gain in calves and decrease mortality in situations where coccidia is a problem. Adding a rumen ionophore makes sense and adds value in many ways. This has been a very common thing among cattle producers for a long time and is an easy way to have heavier, healthier calves when market time comes around. Unless you are chasing premiums in the “all natural” cattle marketing channels, the use of one of the rumen ionophores is a proven way to add to profit.
