Best mineral bolus?

[Holsteinfriesian90]

We are thinking we might bolus our in calf heifers this time. What are the best ones to use? Thanks.

 

[Grassman247]

TFF really isn’t the place to ask what bolus to use, you need to take bloods and see if your deficient in iodine and you also need liver samples from empty cows or heifers to tell you what trace elements your cattle are short on, then you can make an informed decision. When it comes to minerals not farm is the same and no year is the same, it needs constant monitoring and re adjustment

 

[Holsteinfriesian90]

We feed minerals to all milking stock just these in calf heifers are on silage and fodder beet so thought it would be best to give them something to cover them.

 

[BDBed]

Is your mineral made up to your spec from silage analysis?

 

[Holsteinfriesian90]

Is your mineral made up to your spec from silage analysis?

Our one for the milkers is yes. These are on bales though.

 

[Grassman247]

We feed minerals to all milking stock just these in calf heifers are on silage and fodder beet so thought it would be best to give them something to cover them.

Again just feeding mineral without knowing what’s missing can have consequences, I’ve been there and it’s not a fun learning curve, taking on a herd that constantly had blouses and mineral containing copper lead to levels that were toxic, I’d speak to your vet and get yourself a good picture of your mineral levels, a silage mineral analysis is also useful to see what they can take from the fodder is useful but it’s really liver samples that tell you the true picture

 

[upnortheast]

Have you a problem. ?
As above get some analysis then you can make an informed decision.
You may even get away with spending no money

 

[ollie989898]

Agree with above, buying something under pressure from salespeople and then feeding it is a recipe for a lot of grief. Seek veterinary advice and ideally feed minerals directly to the animals in a way that ensures all individuals get the required dose.