Beef Brief
Bovine BlueLite® helps maintain performance during heat stress We like to call heat stress days Bovine BlueLite® days. During BlueLite days, livestock lose water and nutrients required for optimal body function and performance. At the same time the combination of heat and humidity can compromise the body’s ability to dissipate excess body heat. Bovine BlueLite Pellets’ unique combination of proprietary ingredients, essential nutrients, Bovine BlueLite electrolytes and energy metabolites encourages water consumption and helps maintain feed intake while keeping a healthy rumen environment. Bovine BlueLite Pellets are a highly palatable all-natural product, qualified for “natural beef”.
Maintaining intakes
Research shows the negative effects of heat stress on intestinal health. As duration of stress continues, sloughing and breaking down of the intestinal lining increases, resulting in reduced ability for nutrient digestion and absorption. Lambert et al., 2002, Journal of Applied Physiology
Heat Stress affects health and performance • Decreases water intake, increasing dehydration • Decreases dry matter intake • Negatively impacts feed efficiency • Reduces animal’s ability to absorb essential nutrients • Reduces profit potential • Increases body temperature (can damage sensitive proteins) • Increases risk of acidosis due to fluctuating rumen pH • Increases risk of dark cutting beef • Increases health and longevity issues
Temperature Thermoneutral zone
BBLP started
Days on feed
During periods of heat stress (BlueLite days), administer a few days before temperatures rise and continue to use during the heat stress period.
Decades of field trials have shown that Bovine BlueLite is an effective way to help:
• Encourage water intake • Improve dry matter intake • Replenish electrolyte balance • Re-establish positive energy balance • Improve carcass qualitya • Reduce shrink lossb • Preserve performancea • Support rumen function
151
141
131
121
111
91
101
81
71
61
51
41
31
21
As-Fed
1
100 95 90 85 80 75 70 65 60 55 50 45 40 35 30 25 20
11
Intake/Temperature
Bovine BlueLite Pellets Maintains Intakesc
Bovine BlueLite can help improve performance
BBLP ended
Commercial feedyard data, 2007 TechMix, Unpublished, 1998 c Commercial heifer data, 2010 a
b
TechMix, LLC • 740 Bowman St • PO Box 221 • Stewart, MN 55385 • 877.466.6455 • TechMixGlobal.com
Beef Brief
Bovine BlueLite® helps maintain performance during heat stress Hydration and gut integrity are the key components for health and profitability. For more than twenty years, Bovine BlueLite has been the first choice for cattle, to provide specific electrolytes, multiple energy sources, and essential vitamins and nutrients to provide a stable environment during periods of heat stress.
Rehydrate. Recover. Perform.
Cattle Behavior During Stress
• Body alignment with solar radiation • Shade seeking • Increased time spent standing • Reduced DMI • Crowding over water trough • Body splashing • Agitation and restlessness • Reduced or stopped rumination • Bunching to seek shade from other cattle • Open mouth and labored breathing • Excess salivation
Bovine BlueLite Pellets Heat Stress Protocol Bovine BlueLite Pellets should be fed prior to, during and after heat stress events to lessen the impact of heat stress. Remember, Bovine BlueLite Pellets aren’t a substitution for good management, but should be part of a whole-yard approach to heat stress management. FOR CATTLE BEFORE, DURING, OR AFTER A HEAT EVENT: Utilize Bovine BlueLite Pellets at a rate of 0.25 to 0.5 lbs per head, per day depending on the severity of the weather. Bovine BlueLite Pellets research (Kern et al., 2011) has shown the potential to reduce the risk of incidence of dark cutting beef. Performance data has shown Bovine BlueLite Pellets can maintain rumen function and reduce the negative effects of heat stress on feedlot cattle.
*Certain feeding and heat stress scenarios may warrant longer feeding periods in addition to varying feeding levels of Bovine BlueLite Pellets. Contact your TechMix representative to determine the best option for your operation.
QUESTIONS? We’re always available to answer any questions you may have. Email info@techmixglobal.com or call (877) 466-6455.
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TechMix, LLC • 740 Bowman St • PO Box 221 • Stewart, MN 55385 • 877.466.6455 • TechMixGlobal.com