Frequently Asked Questions

Why do livestock on dry feed benefit from urea?

When livestock only have access to dry feed with low protein, urea is fed to stimulate microbial activity in the rumen, increasing feed intake. The micro flora convert urea to ammonia which can then be used to synthesise protein for use in the body.

What Rumen Modifiers are included in the product?

Lasalocid sodium (Bovatec®), a registered ionophore, is included in NUTRI-Mins General Purpose + Bovatec® as a rumen modifier. It works to shift rumen fermentation patterns to improve feed conversion efficiencies and increase average daily gain. Lasalocid sodium has also been shown to decrease the incidence of coccidiosis.

Why supplement grazing livestock?

Vitamin and mineral supplementation can correct subclinical cases of nutritional deficiency, which can have a greater economic impact than clinical cases of deficiency. Supplementation benefits immune function, reproduction rates, rumen function, feed conversion efficiency, average daily gain and therefore improve production.

What is the best way to safely introduce NUTRI-Mins GP + Urea + Bovatec®?

Livestock should be introduced to NUTRI-Mins General Purpose to stabilise intakes before progressing to the NUTRI-Mins GP + Urea + Bovatec®. Do not feed to livestock prone to engorgement as this product contains urea and may be toxic with excessive intake.

Why use a granular loose lick?

Animals have greater access due to increased surface area with the loose lick ensuring that every animal can easily access the supplement. It is also easier to consume as there is no licking a hard block and animals do not forfeit vital grazing time.

What happens if NUTRI-Mins GP + Urea + Bovatec® gets wet?

All of the products in the NUTRI-Mins range are protected with a weather proofing agent, so water will run off and not dissolve the product, provided the feed points are well drained. As this product contains urea, it is important that these recommendations are adhered to. If this cannot be done, then best practice would be to provide shelter over the feed points or withdraw the product during prolonged wet periods.

What type of feed points should be used?

Dedicated troughs can be used where available, however any well anchored feed points can be used. A practical and low cost option would be to use the top or bottom third of a 205 litre drum.

How many feed points are required?

Allow one feed point per 25 head of cattle and for every 50 head of sheep. Place feed points away from water sources but in positions frequented by the animals.

Can anything else be added?

Sources of organic zinc (Zinmet®) can be included into the products upon request. Custom blending to meet specific vitamin and mineral requirements can be arranged.

Can NUTRI-Mins GP + Urea + Bovatec® be fed to any other animals?

NO, feeding this product to horses, other equines or dogs may be fatal, as it contains urea and lasalocid. This product is purposely designed for feeding to sheep and cattle only.