Rumapro®: A New Generation NPN
Urea is used very inefficiently by the rumen. The transient effect of an intermittent intake of urea (twice or three times per day)
is illustrated by a recovery of microbial crude protein of, at most, only 0.17 of its nitrogen (N). With a continuous intake the
recovery of N was 0.79. In effect this means that the microbial crude protein obtained from most urea supplements is less than
20% of the potential protein.
PerFact
Total Energy, Protein, Digestibility, Minerals and Vitamins are factors which each play a vital role in forage utilization. Consequent reproductive performance, immune-competence, and development of flesh, milk, wool, bones and teeth rely on a balanced diet; which is mainly derived from pasture.
An inadequate intake of nutrients or a diet based on poor pasture quality may result in:
- Lower reproductive efficiency;
- Poor disease immunity;
- Lower daily gains;
- Compromised meat/wool production and/or quality and
- Sub-optimal feed conversion. Sub clinical trace mineral deficiencies occur more frequently than is recognized by most producers. This may be a larger problem than an acute mineral deficiency. With a sub clinical deficiency, the animal grows or reproduces at a reduced rate, uses feed less efficiently and operates with a depressed immune system.
For this reason, Performance Feeds has developed its own comprehensive in-house forage analysis service, PerFact, to ensure producers know the content and relative value of their forages and receive an explanation of the results. This exercise has allowed many producers to better understand their forage and in many cases improve its value through the provision of consistent, targeted supplementation strategies.
Principles of Pasture Assessment
For the ruminant digestive system to remain healthy, the animal should have plant fibre available. Cattle and sheep chew
their cud, which stimulates saliva production. Saliva lubricates and buffers the rumen.
To maintain a healthy animal and ensure adequate production, dietary the fibre must meet nutritional criteria.
Ruminants are strict herbivores. They have developed a digestive system that can cope with the ingestion of large amounts
of fibrous plant material. The keystone to the complex process that converts plant material into energy is a healthy rumen.