Fresh Cow Manual

Nutrition solutions and requirements for

Fresh Cows

Nutrition management that helps optimize cow health and performance through transition.

Table of

contents

Page 2……………………………………………Table of Contents Page 3……………………………………… Timed Event Nutrition Page 4…………………………………………………Introduction Page 5……………………………Key Fresh Cow Challenge Phases Pages 6………………………………… Phase 1: Pre-Freshening Pages 7-10…………………………………… Phase 2: Freshening Pages 11-13……………………………… Phase 3: Post-Freshening Pages 14…………… Fresh Cow Challenge Summary & Economics Pages 15………………………………………… Product Protocol Pages 16-17……………………………………… Fresh Cow YMCP Pages 18-19………………………… How Fresh Cow YMCP Works Pages 20-21………………… Fresh Cow YMCP Research and Data Pages 22……………………………………… Rumen Yeast Caps Page 23………………………………………… Bovine BlueLite Back Cover……… Fresh Cow YMCP Economic Benefits Calculator

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The right nutrition at the right time.

Since 1983, TechMix has been innovating, manufacturing and marketing, nutrition products designed to help improve animal health, performance and maximize profits around the world.

Our portfolio of more than 70 all-natural products is specifically engineered to address the time-sensitive nutritional needs of animals when they undergo periods of stress due to life cycle, diet changes or other stressful events. Each product is validated through research to provide the right nutrition at the right time and it’s a concept we call our Timed Event Nutrition (T.E.N.) program. T.E.N. makes recovery easier and quicker by supplying critical nutrients during these times. Timed Event Nutrition is the combination of nutritional knowledge and products to aid in the health and growth of animals during periods of stress.

Some of these stress periods include: • Temperature extremes • Birthing • Transport

• Illness • Weaning • Diet changes

In our T.E.N. program, emphasis is put on when to initiate and, just as importantly, when to terminate product use. No matter how you look at it, our Timed Event Nutrition (T.E.N.) program helps make recovery easier and quicker by supplying critical nutrients during these times.

3

A quick recovery for every

fresh cow

For the fresh cow, the entire transition period is really a series of one stress event followed by another. From decreased dry matter intake close up, to challenges with rehydration and re-establishment of feed intake post-freshening, the dairyman needs solutions that encourage a healthy recovery and optimal lactation performance. Many fresh cow challenges can be mitigated with proper nutrition delivered at just the right time.

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This Manual outlines the most common freshening challenges and introduces timely nutritional solutions proven to help the post-fresh cow recover quickly while demonstrating solid economic benefits to the dairy producer. Our goal is to supply quality nutrition supplements that help support and encourage a quick recovery for every fresh cow.

Key fresh cow challenges by phase

Phase 1: Pre-freshening

Phase 2: Freshening

Phase 3:

Post-freshening

Reduced DMI Dehydration Metabolic Challenges 5

Phase 1 challenges:

Pre-freshening DMI

Low close up compromises production throughout lactation

Lower dry matter intake

When cows freshen, their feed intake drops up to 25% in the first 24-48 hours after calving. However, research shows that feed intake actually drops significantly in close up cows (Fig. 1). Combined, this reduction in feed intake puts the cow at a significant post-freshening nutritional disadvantage heading into lactation where her nutritional demands are great.

Low dry matter intake can negatively affect gut microbiota and spark a cascade of negative health and performance challenges well into lactation. In fact, dairy scientists estimate that at the peak of lactation, any incident that decreases milk production by 1 pound at the peak of lactation will decrease milk production by 500-1000 pounds throughout lactation. Any incident that decreases milk production by 2-5 pounds at the peak of lactation will have a proportional greater decrease in milk production throughout lactation. Regardless of the incident, a depressed appetite leads to lower production, increased weight loss and poor reproduction. Therefore, recognizing and mitigating challenges throughout all freshening stages can help improve health and performance outcomes.

Due to the large amount of physical and nutritional stress put on the fresh cow, there are many physical and metabolic challenges that can be triggered. The most common challenges may include the following: hypocalcemia, dehydration, ketosis, retained placentas, milk fever and displaced abomasums.

Fig. 1

significantly in close up cows.

DMI, %BW

Feed intake drops

2 1.8 1.6 1.4

Heifer (gestation = 1) Cow (gestation 2)

1.2 1 -25

-20

-15

-10

-5

0

Day Relative to Freshening Ric R. Grummer and Armagan Hayirli

6

Phase 2 challenges:

During freshening

Physical and metabolic challenges triggered during the calving event: • Hypocalcemia • Key nutrient deficiencies • Low feed intake • DA’s and other metabolic disorders • Dehydration

Hypocalcemia (low blood calcium)

Every new lactation tests the cow’s ability to maintain adequate blood calcium levels. Healthy cows have 10-12 grams calcium in their blood but producing milk requires significant amounts of calcium which the cow needs to accommodate. Colostrum production alone demands 20-30 grams of calcium in the first day. It’s clear that the physical demands for supplemental calcium are quite obvious.

Blood calcium is required for normal muscle and nerve function - especially as it relates to strength and gastrointestinal motility.

Cows that do not have adequate amounts of calcium can readily be challenged with hypocalcemia. According to research 10-20% of multiparous cows are clinically hypocalcemic at freshening; another 50% can be considered subclinical* and do not necessarily have to be lying down to show this. The chart below shows a cascade of negative events as an outcome of hypocalcemia.

Points to consider regarding hypocalcemia: •C ows in second-lactation and greater, exhibit transient Hypocalcemia • Subclinical Hypocalcemia has been determined to have greater associated costs to the dairy than does clinical milk fever •H erds utilizing anionic salts programs successfully can benefit from oral calcium supplements •O ral supplementation is the preferred approach for supporting cows showing signs of milk fever (still standing)

7

Subclinical Hyp Phase 2 challenges: Freshening cont.

The physiology of hypocalcemia

The beginning of lactation challenges the calcium balance in the cow. Because colostrum and milk are very high in calcium the cow’s body pulls calcium from bones to compensate. This results in a negative calcium balance that continues for roughly the first 90 days of lactation.

Subclinical hypocalcemia (defined as <8.6 mg/dL total calcium) is more prevalent than previously believed. In fact, more than 50% of cows in their second lactation, and more, are affected even when anionic salts are provided. Feeding a low DCAD diet prefreshening has been shown to improve intake post-freshening and lead to increased milk yields for the entire lactation.

Hypocalcemia

(Clinical or Subclinical)

Skeletal muscle function

Injury

Smooth muscle function

Rumen motility

Dry matter intake

Abomasal motility

Displaced abomasum

Ketosis

Milk yield Garrett Oetzel, DVM, MS and Brian Miller, DVM. Progressive Dairyman Oct. 7, 2011

Risk factors:

• Age • High producers • Prior history

Prevention:

• Feed and environmental management • Oral calcium supplementation 8

pocalcemia

has greater treatment and production costs than clinical cases of milk fever!

Magnesium deficiency

Magnesium is critical in the cow’s ability to metabolize calcium and therefore, critical to helping prevent Hypocalcemia. Since the cow’s magnesium level is dependent on diet alone, a deficiency can easily occur when there is a natural drop in dry matter intake such as when a cow is close up or immediately post-fresh.

Additionally, a magnesium deficiency can occur when rumen pH rises - placing continued emphasis on improving dry matter intake.

Post-fresh cows require a lot of nutrient support. Most all these nutrients work synergistically to aid in recovery. However, effective delivery and levels of each nutrient needs to be considered. Magnesium needs to be fed at levels up to 4 times higher than normal blood magnesium levels to ensure efficacy in absorption. Inadequate calcium to phosphorus ratio or an inadequate balance of dietary cations to anions contribute to hypomagnesemia.

Points to consider regarding magnesium: • Cows with Hypomagnesemia can often exhibit nervousness, stiff gait, staggering, or convulsions in severe cases • Helps prevent tetany by increasing dietary magnesium and insuring that it is in an available form

Potassium deficiency Cows do not have the endocrine mechanism to manage potassium levels in their blood stream and therefore rely on diet input, along with urine and fecal output, to regulate. Once cows freshen, the demands of recovery from calving and lactation quickly exhaust their supplies of potassium which can lead to metabolic disorders like ketosis.

Nearly all post-freshening cows are deficient in potassium due to the common practice of feeding anionic salts or low potassium dry cow diets pre-freshening.

Potassium is the primary electrolyte responsible for intracellular energy mobilization and utilization. Responsible for proper fluid balance within cells, potassium is a requirement for proper body function.

In fact, the absence of adequate amounts of potassium affects smooth muscle contraction which can lead to issues related to retained placentas. The combination of low feed intake and dehydration post-freshening, leave the cow deficient and therefore supplementation is required to ensure recovery and sufficient support for cell activity.

• Deficiency results in poor muscle contraction

Points to consider regarding potassium: • S upplementing potassium immediately post-freshening helps re-establish normal electrolyte balance • S upplementation raises and buffers blood pH, resulting in a cow that feels better and therefore, eats more • E ssential for energy metabolism • Helps establish smooth muscle tone

9

Phase 2 challenges: Freshening cont.

75% of veterinary

costs occur within 1-3 weeks post-freshening

Anchor the rumen in

place by encouraging immediate water intake

$494 is the average

treatment cost of a DA

Displaced abomasum (DA)

Of the many factors that contribute to a DA, one of the leading contributors is the suppressed appetite and resulting imbalance of nutrients. When intake is low, such as when appetite is suppressed post-freshening, a cow may try to provide energy through fat mobilization. However, if too much fat is mobilized it can be deposited in the liver and lead to fatty livers and impaired function. At this point the appetite becomes even more suppressed - further compounding the issue and elevating the risk of metabolic issues, which in turn can also be contributing factors in DAs. Generally, displaced abomasums occur within about 2 weeks post-freshening. Post-freshening, there is more room for the abomasum to “move around” due to the available space without the calf. This “extra space” is another significant contributor to DAs. Encouraging immediate water intake helps to “anchor” the rumen in place and reduces this chance of displacement.

DAs can have a relationship to factors affecting smooth muscle tone with anything that can cause the animal to have hypocalcemia. This would be too much potassium and an incorrect calcium balance. In this condition muscles don’t contract properly and the rumen loses motility - allowing the abomasum to displace.

Reduce the likelihood of getting a displaced abomasum Encouraging feed intake with good quality forages during this transition from the typical high fiber dry cow diet to a higher energy lactation diet is the best means of preventing DAs. Nutritional factors relating to DAs are very intertwined so proper balance is crucial. Adequate calcium and magnesium are critical for abomasum motility thus further reducing or preventing the chance of displacement.

Points to consider regarding DAs: •W atch for depressed appetite and encourage normal feed intakes as much as possible pre-freshening •M anage the amount of concentrates in a pre-freshening diet •M ake proper nutrients available immediately post-freshening and encourage water and feed intake to help occupy space 10

Phase 3 challenges:

Postfreshening

Fig. 2 50 40 30

NE1 intake NE1 requirement NE1 balance

20 10

Negative energy balance

When energy intake is less than energy used for milk production and typical cow maintenance, a cow can fall into a negative energy state. Hormonal changes surrounding freshening, the demands of a growing fetus, and low dry matter intake are all contributing factors. Body fat is mobilized in an effort to balance energy levels but in excess this can lead to fatty liver syndrome, body condition loss, ketosis and other metabolic problems along with a lowered immune function.

The most severe levels of negative energy happen during the first and second week post-freshening. Fig. 2 below, shows the drop in energy balance when energy intake does not meet requirements. Research has shown, however, that a return to positive energy balance can happen relatively quickly for most cows when nutrient demands are sufficiently met.

Points to consider regarding negative energy balance:

0 -10 -20 -56 -51 -46 -41 -36 -31 -26 -21 -16 -11 -6 -1 6 11 16 21

Day Relative to Freshening Energy intake, requirements, and balance of cows fed a far-off low-energy diet (1.50 Mcal NEI/kg) for the first four weeks of the dry period, a moderate-energy transition diet (1.69 Mcal/kg DM) for the final four weeks prior to freshening and a high-energy lactation diet post-freshening (1.75 Mcal/kg DM).

Ric R. Grummer presented at World Buiatrics Congress 2006

â&#x20AC;˘R ecovery with proper nutrition can happen quickly however recovery can be detrimental to the life of the cow without proper nutrient support â&#x20AC;˘ E ncouraging feed intake immediately post-freshening is essential

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Identifying levels of dehydration Phase 3 challenges:

Postfreshening

Dehydration

Challenges related to reduced feed intake pre- and postfreshening are well documented. What many producers tend to overlook is the fresh cow’s water intake and the negative effect dehydration has on post-fresh cows.

Research shows that water intake helps improve feed intake.

However prior to freshening, feed and water intake are both shown to decline leaving the cow somewhat dehydrated even before she freshens. In this condition extracellular fluids are lost as well… up to 14 gallons according to studies. Add to this the fact that fluid and tissue loss during freshening can equal the weight of the calf and she now has an immediate demand to produce milk. Fig. 3, shows the variation in milk yield when the cow is dehydrated vs. rehydrated.

Water content is about 65% of the dairy cow’s body weight.

Of this total body fluid, 66% is contained within cells and the remaining third is found in the soft tissue compartments, digestive and vascular systems. Combined, these body systems and cells carry and distribute nutrients, along with disease fighting cells and compounds, to maintain balance, and provide fluid for the fetus.

Fig. 3

Milk Yield (kg/day)

14 13

Effect of Dehydration on Milk Yield 25% restriction 50% restriction

12 11 10 0

Baseline Water restriction Rehydration 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Time (d) Source: Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 280:R418-R427, 2001.

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Severely challenged cattle can dehydrate in excess of 10 percent of their body weight. This degree of dehydration is potentially life-threatening and clinical signs include the following: • Eyes sunken into orbits • Skin remains tented indefinitely • Mucus membranes are dry • Depressed attitude is evident Cattle with dehydration of 5 - 10 percent of their body weight will exhibit • Partial sunken eyes into the orbit • Skin tenting that is 4 to 8 seconds in duration • Tacky mucus membranes • Reduced dry matter intake • Decreased productivity

The rumen serves as a reservoir that releases consumed water to the body fluid compartments via osmotic pressure. As cells require fluid for metabolism, electrolytes and other nutrients exert osmotic pressure in order to continuously supply the cells with fluid for normal functions. If the body does not have enough fluids then the amount of nutrients transferred to the cells (for metabolism etc.) is greatly reduced. Therefore, managing the water content in the rumen is important for maintaining both normal rumen fluid volume as well as other body fluid reserves.

Beware that not all situations of dehydration in cattle are easy to recognize. The rumen acts as a fluid holding compartment by which body fluid balance can be maintained for a short period

Dehydration greatly affects milk production

It should be noted that university studies indicate cattle with 7 - 8 percent dehydration levels show impaired immune response.

Cattle with 2 to 4 percent dehydration or less will have minimal observable clinical signs but physiological and performance efficiency can be reduced. Water loss during heat stress can be quite evident by observing the cows body condition.

But even in periods when heat stress is not a factor maintaining proper hydration is important as cows continually lose water via:

• Milk production (25-35% of total water intake) • Freshening (fluid loss equal in weight to the calf • Fecal (30-35% of total water intake) • Urine (15-21% of total water intake) • Vapor loss from the lungs • Digestion • Disease, diarrhea, malabsorption

of time. “Shrink” of the animal’s normal body weight occurs when this volume is not maintained and will lead into clinical dehydration as identified in the side bar.

Rehydration is key to reestablishing health Rehydration and hydration maintenance for dairy cattle can be accomplished in three ways:

1. Intravenous or subcutaneous administration

2. Oral rumen drenching/pumping with large volumes

3. Combination of subcutaneous and oral volume of fluid or supplementation of electrolytes.

Electrolytes can be added to the ration on an as-needed basis to improve fluid efficiency due to their role in helping promote nutrient flow and balance. When calculating replacement fluids it’s important to consider maintenance requirements, production needs, and fluid losses due to freshening, heat stress, sweat, sickness or other challenges.

To maintain normal cellular functions, a 1,000 pound cow requires 12 gallons (96 pounds) of water on a daily basis. Some of this water comes from their feed ration (10-30%) and the balance from daily water volume intake (usually 8 to 9 percent of their total body weight). For a lactating cow, each 10 pounds of milk produced requires an additional gallon of water over maintenance requirements.

Rehydration is a key requirement to returning the post-fresh cow back to health and setting her up for optimal lactation.

Points to consider regarding dehydration: • L ower feed intake coincides with dehydration • I ntracellular activity is reduced • Milk yield is reduced • Body condition suffers • Recovery from freshening is impaired

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Key fresh cow challenges - summary

Post-freshening

Freshening

Pre-freshening

Challenges of the fresh cow

Negative Results

• Low dry matter intake - Feed intake drops close up - Water intake drops close up

• Slower recovery with chance of metabolic issues • Lower production • Weight loss • Poor reproduction • Dehydration • Greater risk of displaced abomasum (DA) • Hypokalemia - low potassium level

• Hypocalcemia - Inadequate calcium levels

• Calcium levels don’t meet demands of milk production • Impairs smooth muscle and nerve function • Risk for ketosis • Drop in milk production

• Hypomagnesmia - Inadequate magnesium levels

• Required for metabolizing calcium • Results in impaired muscle contraction

• Hypokalemia - Inadequate potassium levels

• Improper cell function and electrolyte balance • Negative energy balance • Risk of retained placenta

• Negative energy balance - Low energy intake - Inadequate supply of electrolytes

• Lethargy contributes to low feed intake • Potential for fatty liver syndrome, ketosis, or other metabolic issues

• Dehydration - Low fluid/water intake

• Shrink and decline in body condition • Impaired circulatory function • Loss of milk production

Economic impact The transition period should be the pinnacle of a dairyman’s focus, because any miscalculation here can cost thousands in either health related issues or long-term production losses. In fact, 70-80% of veterinary costs are incurred 1-3 weeks post-freshening. With proper understanding of the relationship between fresh cow physiology and proper nutrition, a dairyman can save big on treatment interventions, culling or lost production. The table here, highlights some of the key post-freshening challenges and associated

treatment costs. If a dairyman could prevent even a couple cows from the treatments, it would be easy to project how the savings add up. A convenient calculator can be found at techmixglobal.com/freshcow.

Metabolic Disease

Cost ($)

Die (%)

Culled (%)

Lost Milk (lbs)

Extra Days Open

Milk Fever

275

4

5

286

13

Retained Placenta

315

1.5

6

550

15

Ketosis

232

0.5

5

506

10

Displaced Abomasum

494

2

8

840

12

Clinical Mastitis

224

1.1

7

125

3

*Chuck Guard DVM, PhD Cornell University Veterinary School

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Our Fresh Cow Protocol Our fresh cow protocol provides the nutrients required for post-freshening recovery into lactation.

Summary: Contains yeast, magnesium, calcium, potassium, niacin, betaine and other key nutrients to help cows transition into lactation after freshening.

Fresh Cow YMCP helps increase feed intake, speeds post-freshening recovery, helps to maximize milk production, and is proven to help reduce metabolic problems.

These three products have become the nutrition cornerstone for fresh cow groups around the world. Each is engineered to specifically address nutrition needs at very specific points during transition. This product grouping is considered the fresh cow protocol, and recommended for use on every fresh cow.

Summary: Contains 30 billion colony forming units of live yeast, and the veterinary recommended dose of 6 grams of niacin which helps develop and maintain optimum rumen fermentation in high producing dairy cows. Rumen Yeast Caps helps stimulate appetite and dry matter intake, helps maintain peak production levels and helps to prevent ketosis.

Summary: A highly palatable electrolyte, vitamin and acidified energy product formulated for dehydration. Field tested and time proven for more than 25 years, Bovine BlueLite速 helps guard against dehydration by maintaining body fluids and helps encourage water intake. Use during dehydration events - heat stress, winter dysentery, bacterial diarrhea, and pneumonia. Ideal for show cattle.

15

The

TOTAL

Fresh Cow Product ALL the nutrients your fresh cow needs in one product!

Fresh Cow YMCP is a

complete fresh cow product because

it has the critical nutrients fresh cows need immediately post-freshening.

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Yeast: Live yeast helps balance rumen pH by providing

beneficial bacteria that work to keep lactic acid in check which can lead to improved health and performance. YMCP contains an elevated level of live yeast plus various fermentation extracts to stimulate rumen activity post-freshening.

Magnesium:

Magnesium acts as a buffer in the rumen of the cow as she changes from the dry cow ration to the lactating ration. Magnesium also improves calcium metabolism.

Calcium: Fresh Cow YMCP contains 54 grams of

elemental calcium in each dose and a total of 4 calcium sources including milk calcium. This combination provides quick and long-term absorption. YMCP does not contain calcium chloride so the neutral pH improves palatability and reduces the chance of irritation to the throat and intestinal tract.

Potassium: Nearly all fresh cows are deficient

in potassium because their feed intake drops. Dosing the cow with potassium at freshening will re-establish normal electrolyte balance as well as raise and buffer the blood pH. The result is a cow that feels better and thus eats more. Potassium is essential for energy metabolism and aids in establishing smooth muscle tone.

Vitamin E: A drop in blood vitamin E level is due

to excessive drain from the cow into the colostrum. Vitamin E is essential for good immune function and a single dose of Fresh Cow YMCP contains 500 IU of soluble vitamin E.

Niacin: Negative energy balance can lead to excessive

body condition loss, ketosis and other metabolic problems along with lowered immune function. Niacin helps to stimulate energy release from the liver and each dose of YMCP contains 3 grams of niacin.

Betaine: Dehydration is problematic as fluid loss

associated with freshening can equal the weight of the calf, and most cows do not drink well in the hours pre-freshening. Betaine is an osmolyte, and osmolytes are compounds that affect osmosis and are soluble within a cell or in surrounding fluid. Osmolytes function to help maintain cell volume and fluid balance thereby improving Cellular Energetics (assist transport of electrolytes).

Osmolytes also help cells maintain protein synthesis and cell division and help maintain gut integrity.

17

How Fresh Cow YM CALCIUM SOURCE: Good milk starting without milk fever

ADIPOSE PANCREAS

MUSCLE

ENERGY: Good milk starting without ketosis

ELECTROLYTES & BETAIN: Good milk starting Good fluid balance Better blood transport

MAMMARY

VITAMINS: General metabolism

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MCP aids recovery. ®

LIVER

RUMEN

YEAST: The best ruminal activation / energy / protein / reduced acidosis NIACIN: Liver health ZINC: Epithelium protection BENEFITS: • Encourages feed intake • Reduced metabolic challenges • Helps improve milk production • Increased milk fat and protein • Cows reach peak milk faster 19

Time-tested

proven results

Our Fresh Cow Protocol product line is perhaps the most well researched line of fresh cow products on the market. We partner closely with university research departments, independent researchers, and veterinarians to ensure each product has documentation for efficacy. What follows is data reported from recent trials.

2011 Victory Farms trial

Victory Farms - Protein & Butterfat 6

237 fresh cows – Jersey & Holstein, divided randomly and followed for 1 month Percent

YMCP cows received 1 dose of YMCP immediately post-freshening Total milk production and components were measured

4 3 2 1

Results: • Both groups showed advantage for YMCP with huge peak milk difference in Jersey cows

0

• Butterfat and protein gains for YMCP cows was consistent for Jersey and Holstein breeds

Butterfat

Protein

Protein

Jersey Cows

Holstein Cows

YMCP Group

82 lbs

102 lbs

Control Group

56 lbs

101 lbs

S. Dakota YMCP - Metabolic disorders 20

3600 head dairy farm – 373 fresh cows selected for study

YMCP Group

15 Percent

Trial managed by local vet

Control Group

10 5

Metabolic disorders and total milk production were measured

0

Results: • 25% reduction in retained placentas and 35% fewer culls/deaths • 881 lbs annual gain in milk production in this high performance herd

Retained Placenta

Metritis

Displaced Abomasum

Cull/Died

S. Dakota YMCP - ME 305 Milk production ME 305 - Lbs Milk (x 1,000)

29

YMCP Group

28

Control Group

27 26 25 24 23 22

20

Butterfat

Peak Milk - Participating Cows of 2nd Lactation and Greater

2009 South Dakota trial

YMCP cows received 1 dose of YMCP via water immediately post-freshening

YMCP - Current Lactation

5

Lactation 1

Lactation 2

Lactation 3 +

Average (weighted)

2003 Colorado trial

Colorado YMCP - Milk production 100

80 cows freshening in a two week period

YMCP Group

Every other cow (40 per group) was treated with one dose of YMCP at freshening; control cows received no treatment.

Herd had excellent dry cow nutrition and less than average fresh cow metabolic problems. Herd RHA >2,853 gallons Results: • YMCP Cows reached peak sooner and at higher levels

Average milk - lbs

95

Control Group

90 85 80 75 70 65

• An average 6.4 lbs benefit was realized in this study!

57

63

70

77

84

92

98

2000 Texas trial

Milk production measured by DHIA testing on monthly basis Milk Production: • YMCP cows showed 8 lbs average improvement at peak milk

Average daily milk - lbs

YMCP group received YMCP immediately post-freshening

90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

YMCP cows

Control cows

1

2

3

4*

Month/DHIA test number

1999 Midwest 12 herd summary

Metabolic Disorders: Total of nearly 800 cows observed with significant reduction in all metabolic disorders in YMCP groups

6

4 3 2

0

Consistent & significant response for YMCP cows

40 20

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

Week 5

Retained Placenta

Milk Fever

Ketosis

Displaced Abomasum

Milk Weight Summary - Heifers (11 herd composite) Weighted Average - lbs daily milk

Weighted Average - lbs daily milk

Milk Weight Summary - Cows (12 herd composite)

60

Control - 404 cows

1

Milk Production: Cows (12 herds x 5 weeks) and heifers (11 herds x 4 weeks) measured separately

YMCP - 345 cows Control - 285 cows

YMCP - 386 cows

5 Percent Incidence

One dose of YMCP administered immediately post-freshening

0

*(P<.003)

Metabolic Disease Incidence

Field trial report from composite of 12 Midwest USA Holstein dairy herds. Milk production (first 5 week) & metabolic disorders were measured between control and YMCP groups

80

115

Texas YMCP - Average milk production

38 cows, followed for 4 months to see impact on peak milk production

100

105

Average Days In Milk

80 70

YMCP - 218 heifers

Control - 267 heifers

60 50 40 30 20 10 0

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4 21

Engineered for fresh cows to help:

• Stimulate feed intake restore

• Beneficial bacteria • Improve digestive health

Formulation for Rumen Yeast Caps centers around special yeast strains selected for their ability to boost beneficial rumen bacteria in high-producing dairy cows. Yeast helps promote an anaerobic environment for healthy rumen bacterial populations. This microflora support is critical for the energy-rich post-fresh diet and for helping improve dry matter intake. In fact, Rumen Yeast Caps are an excellent product to keep on hand to use any time a cow’s feed intake drops.

The rigors of lactation demand more nutrients. A healthy rumen environment helps to keep cows on feed and maximize nutrients.

Rumen Yeast Caps also contains 6 grams of niacin which helps develop and maintain optimum rumen fermentation.

• Helps stimulate feed intake • Promotes gut integrity and healthy microflora • Includes niacin - essential for cows suffering from ketosis • Helps improve feed efficiency • Easy-to-administer capsules

22

Engineered for fresh cows to help:

• Improve intake • Hydrate promote

• Quicker recovery

As an easy-to-administer electrolyte, Bovine BlueLite is very palatable, buffered, and provides added energy sources and vitamins necessary to help recover from dehydration. Bovine BlueLite encourages cows to consume fluids and provides the nutrients necessary to help recover from dehydration and help restore cow health for reproduction, milk production and averting many metabolic issues. For instance, Bovine BlueLite contains betaine, an osmolyte that helps to maintain cell volume and fluid balance thereby helping improve protein synthesis, cell division, and helps maintain gut integrity. Finally, Bovine BlueLite® is vitamin fortified with antioxidant vitamins necessary for combatting toxins.

• Available in powder and pelleted forms • Encourages water intake and maintain proper hydration • Replenishes electrolyte balance • Help re-establish positive energy balance • Supports hydration during heat- and cold-stress events • Promotes feed intake during changes in feed • During health challenges or any stressful event

23

Calculate your economic benefit for treating every fresh cow with YMCP

Fresh Cow YMCP has been shown to decrease production costs and increase revenue by helping fresh cows avoid metabolic issues, reduce replacement rates, and increase lactation. The example below illustrates the annual financial impact that Fresh Cow YMCP can have on a 250 head herd.

Calculate the value that fresh Cow YMCP can have when used on 100% of the fresh cows in your herd using this worksheet or our online calculator (techmixglobal.com/freshcow). Realistic numbers will provide the most accurate results. Individual results may vary.

Number of Cows in Herd* _________________ x Cost/Cow (YMCP + Labor)*_________________ = Annual Financial Impact: Total Investment___________________ DECREASED PRODUCTION COSTS METABOLIC ISSUES

No. of Cows

Milk Fever

____________ x $275 = _______________

Retained Placentas

____________ x $315 = _______________

Ketosis

____________ x $232 = _______________

Displaced Abomasums ____________ x $494 = _______________ Clinical Mastitis

____________ x $224 = _______________

REPLACEMENT RATES

Cull Rate

No. of Cows Current Mkt. Value x $1,000

=________________

Mortality Rate_______________ x $1,500

_______________

=________________

INCREASED REVENUE OPPORTUNITIES Current Milk Price (cwt)

____________

Improved Milk Weights (lb/day)____________ x 305d x Cows in Herd Annual Financial Impact: Increased Revenue Subtotal =__________ ANNUAL VALUE OF USING YMCP ON 100% OF FRESH COWS Add all the columns on the right together: = ___________________

TechMix, LLC • 740 Bowman St • PO Box 221 • Stewart, MN 55385 • 877.466.6455 • techmixglobal.com

@techmixglobal 0901602014