Month: February 2025

How to Prepare for Calving Season 

Calving time is perhaps the most anticipated season on the farm or ranch.  Producers now realize the breeding decisions they made months ago as the new calves hit the ground. Yet, researching and planning breeding decisions is only half the battle. When the calving season comes, it is time to plan all the important details that help deliver your calf crop and ensure they thrive from day one. Regardless of when you calve, fall or spring, we offer four tips to ensure you are prepared for the approaching calving season. 

We realize that not every dealer has a cow-calf operation. However, we almost bet that most of you have customers who raise cattle. At BioZyme®, makers of VitaFerm®, we hope this resource will help you help your customers for one of the best times of the year. 

Many of our own BioZyme family raise cattle. We wanted to share some of our suggestions on how to prepare for calving season. 

Planning for Calving Season 

Prepare Your Calving Kit 

There is nothing like the first calf’s arrival. Most cows calve unassisted, however, a small percentage of cows and first-calf heifers require help, usually due to a breach delivery. Be sure you have a calving supply kit ready for new calves and the new mama before your first calf is due.  

VitaFerm has prepared a calving supply and equipment list of items. Producers will find these items useful for assisting with deliveries, getting the calf up and going and properly treating calves. We’ve even included information about where to purchase these items.  

Protect Cows & Calves from the Elements 

Producers experience a variety of weather extremes across the country. Be prepared for all situations and understand the circumstances that apply to your herd. 

First, consider if you are calving out primarily cows or first-calf heifers. First-timers aren’t always the best about finding the most ideal spot to calve in. With that in mind, evaluate your facilities and decide if you need to lock first-time calvers in or create new calving pens or corrals. If you do not have the facilities or equipment to do so, be sure to have a calving check schedule so that you can keep an eye on the herd frequently. 

Next, consider the exact weather circumstances you may be up against. Create adequate winter cattle shelter for your expectant mama cows. If you encounter snow and cold winds, create sheltered areas where cows can bed down. Large windbreaks also provide strong wind and snow drift protection.  

Take an inventory of available bedding options such as straw, stalks and shavings. Ensuring that you have plenty of dry areas in your pens with wind protection can make a difference in calf survival, especially when wind chills dip.  

In contrast, if you calve in a warmer climate or later in the spring, provide shade or covered areas for the cows and calves to get out of the heat. If your mamas are in a pasture with a pond or flowing body of water, consider locking them up away from the pond to avoid calving situations near standing water. 

Get That Calf Up & Going 

Once the calf is on the ground, ensure it has the best start to life possible. You should always consult with your veterinarian about health protocols and your nutritionist about a feeding program. To reduce stress, look for ways to accomplish many processing tasks at once, such as tagging, vaccinations and navel care. 

Ensure your calf gets the proper start by keeping fast-acting calf supplements available. It is also wise to always have a supply of colostrum in case of emergencies. We just launched VitaFerm® Sure Start Gel, a gel specifically formulated for calves to support immune function and overall health during the critical post-birth period. 

You should administer this single-dose tube (30 mL) after colostrum. Now available to order, it: 

  • Contains AO-Biotics® Amaferm®, a prebiotic research-proven to support digestibility by stimulating beneficial microbes. 
  • Delivers IgY antibodies derived from Salmonella, E. coli, bovine rotavirus, bovine coronavirus, crypto and Clostridium and MOS for broad support of the immune system. 
  • Provides nutritional support to maximize calf vigor.  For example, Vitamin B-12 stimulates appetite and calf energy metabolism, Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant and organic zinc supports immune function in undeveloped calves. 

“VitaFerm Sure Start Gel is research-proven to enhance the efficacy of the antibodies the cow naturally passes to her calf. This gives your calves every chance to develop their immune system and capitalize on healthy, efficient performance,” said Chris Cassady, Ph.D., BioZyme Director of Beef Technical Sales.     

If you need more information about Sure Start Gel, use the sell sheet available in the SAMM Center. A training module is also available in the Online Training Center. 

Help Cows Recover with Nutrition 

Calving is stressful on the cow. Yes, calving season can be exciting for producers, but it puts a lot of stress on your females. They require additional nutrients to stay in good body condition score. Cattle raising a calf especially need extra protein since lactation is when their nutritional needs are at their highest.  

You might not realize it, but cattle producers rely on their feed and supplement dealer as an educational resource. In addition to their veterinarian and county extension educator, you are likely the person they discuss their cow-calf operation with the most.  

Nutritional Considerations for Calving 

Here are a few nutritional considerations to keep top of mind: 

  • Feed higher quality hay (with more energy) and expect cows to increase intake during cold stress. Help your customers with a forage analysis since not knowing their hay’s nutrient content can lead to undernourishment. BioZyme® offers complimentary hay testing and nutrition analysis to its customers and potential customers. If you are not sure how to collect a hay sample, contact your ASM. 
  • Suggest one of the VitaFerm supplements that contains BioZyme’s prebiotic Amaferm® to improve digestibility of feed and help ensure that they are extracting all of the energy possible. Research shows that feeding a supplement that contains Amaferm has similar benefits to feeding at least 1lb. of grain. 
  • Consider moving cows to locations with protection from the wind and wet weather. The energy requirement of beef cattle increases about 3% for each degree that the wind chill is below 59 degrees F.  
  • Match animal nutrition requirements to the quality of your forage. Heifers and thin cows require a more energy-dense diet, compared to older or fleshy cows. Sorting animals into groups based on body condition allows you to feed the available forage more effectively. Start by targeting your higher quality, more immature forages toward heifers and thin cows. These earlier harvested forages will be the most energy-dense as energy declines considerably with maturity. The older and higher body condition cows can then be fed slightly more mature forage. This allows you to maximize the use of your forage supply while better targeting the nutritional needs of your entire herd. 
  • A good guideline during an extended cold or wet winter period is to feed 3-6 lbs. of energy supplements like soyhulls, corn gluten feed or corn to avoid weight loss during these stressful periods. 

VitaFerm Provides Protein for Cattle 

VitaFerm recognizes the importance of incorporating added protein into your vitamin and mineral supplements during calving. Additionally, our team knows that added protein for cattle is crucial at times like late gestation and lactation.  

We have developed several protein supplements for the herd that combine essential nutrients, protein and our research-proven prebiotic AO-Biotics® Amaferm®.  Here is a guide to those products that contain protein for cattle: 

Four Sixes™ x VitaFerm® Legendary Nutrition Protein Tub 

Four Sixes x VitaFerm Legendary Nutrition Protein Tub is our newest protein option that comes in a convenient tub. This research-proven, ranch-tested 20% all-natural protein tub with vitamins and minerals is designed to support beef cattle health and productivity when grazing moderate to low-quality forage. 

  • Carefully crafted specifically for the legendary Four Sixes Ranch, now available for operations of all sizes. 
  • Provides quality nutrition and industry-leading organic copper and zinc proven to deliver real-world results on the ranch. 

VitaFerm® Concept•Aid® Protein Tub 

The VitaFerm Concept•Aid Protein Tub is a premium protein tub with vitamins and minerals for beef cattle on grass pasture designed to support reproductive success on low-protein forage. 

  • Includes 20% natural protein along with organic copper, iodine and zinc for maximum bioavailability, innate immunity and hoof health. 
  • High levels of Vitamin E support reproductive tract repair and milk quality. 

VitaFerm Conserve® 30-13% Protein Tub 

The VitaFerm Conserve 30-13% Protein Tub is a protein tub for beef cattle with urea and natural protein designed to support herd health and performance while conserving cost. 

  • Includes 30% urea protein with no more than 13% equivalent crude protein from non-protein nitrogen. 
  • Features a complete, but economical vitamin and mineral package. 

VitaFerm Conserve® Protein Tub 

The VitaFerm Conserve Protein Tub is a natural protein tub for beef cattle designed to support herd health and performance while conserving cost. 

  • Includes 20% natural protein. 
  • Features a complete, but economical vitamin and mineral package. 

Protein tubs are one way that allows cows to get their minerals and protein in one convenient option. However, VitaFerm also makes two protein meals that can also be fed free-choice or added to your mixed ration. 

VitaFerm® Concept•Aid® Protein Meal 

VitaFerm Concept•Aid Protein Meal is a premium free-choice 2% phosphorus vitamin and mineral supplement with protein for cattle on grass pasture designed to support reproductive success on low-protein forage. 

  • Includes 20% natural protein along with organic copper, iodine and zinc for maximum bioavailability, innate immunity and hoof health. 
  • High levels of Vitamin E support reproductive tract repair and milk quality. 

VitaFerm Conserve® Protein Meal 

The VitaFerm Conserve Protein Meal is a free-choice vitamin and mineral supplement with protein for beef cattle designed to support herd health and performance while conserving cost. 

  • Includes 20% natural protein. 
  • Features a complete, but economical vitamin and mineral package. 

VitaFerm, Protein & Amaferm: The Trifecta 

The VitaFerm line offers a protein supplement ideal for feeding cattle during calving. Amaferm is the key additive in all VitaFerm products. It has more than 150 published and/or presented research studies proving its increase in digestibility and, ultimately, its impact on the animal. Not only will you be supplementing your cows’ vitamin and mineral needs, but you will be providing them with Amaferm.  

The key point of Amaferm is using it as a tool to get more energy metabolized by the cow. More forage digestibility leads to less physical fill, so she can eat more. More VFA production provides the extra energy needed for thermoregulation, which will also help keep her warm in the cold winter months.   

“Amaferm can help unlock the nutritional value of all types of forages. Amaferm goes beyond stimulating the growth of beneficial rumen bacteria and can also promote rumen fungal growth and enzymatic activity. This increases fiber digestibility and volatile fatty acid (VFA) production by 17% and 16%, respectively. As such, more energy becomes available to your cows, leading to more performance,” Cassady said. 

Amaferm also helps your feedstuffs and forages go further, helping decrease the overall cost.   

The Science Behind Our Products 

“Research proves that cattle fed Amaferm synthesize 143 more grams of microbial protein each day. That’s enough protein equivalent to a pound of supplemented soybean meal available for the cow or heifer,” Cassady said.  “Additional protein from Amaferm in a year-round supplemental program helps producers reduce the need for additional protein up to 40% annually, a huge continuous savings on feed costs.”   

At BioZyme, we give you and your customers options within the VitaFerm brand. Not sure what to feed cows when it comes to VitaFerm? Check out our  Concept•Aid Product Navigator.    

DEALER SPOTLIGHT: CENTRAL VALLEY AG

Central Valley Ag Encompasses Care that Comes Full Circle

When it comes to helping its customers, Central Valley Ag takes care that comes full circle to heart. With multiple locations across Nebraska, Iowa and Kansas, this farmer-owned coop goes to great lengths to ensure its customers have the BioZyme® product knowledge they need to succeed.

Marketing initiatives include a website, social media platforms, podcasts and annual producer meetings. Central Valley Ag works tirelessly to market VitaFerm®, Vitalize®, Sure Champ® and DuraFerm® products to its customers. However, it is also a big believer—and user—of AO-Biotics® Amaferm®. You can find Amaferm in Central Valley Ag’s own products.

Merlin Schlote, Central Valley Ag Feed Sales Manager, sees a definite advantage in incorporating Amaferm into their Power Line feeds. Future plans include adding AO Biotics® EQE into their Power Flock layer feed, too. Schlote said their CVA Power feeds are made at their plants in Ainsworth and Duncan, Nebraska.

“The primary advantage of incorporating Amaferm into our product lines is the 17% improvement in feed efficiency that our customers see when penciling out the cost per ton of cake,” Schlote said. “Amaferm is a tool that differentiates itself, which really helps us, as one of the only cake manufacturers who adds it to their cow cake.”

As calving season approaches, Schlote adds that most producers are using up their lower quality hay this time of year and saving their higherquality hay for calving and lactation – when the cows’ nutritional needs are greater.

“The Amaferm breaking down the fiber in the roughage is a big advantage for our customers. We’re glad we offer it to our producers to help them get the most from their forage,” Schlote said.

In addition to offering Amaferm in various forms, Central Valley Ag works with their ASM, Kevin Glaubius, to conduct an annual producer meeting. They take action through the Dealer Center and the BioZyme Dealer Facebook group.

Thank you, Central Valley Ag, for believing in our products, sharing their value with your customers and providing care that comes full circle!

SALES STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS

Building upon our best sellers from 2025, we have a number of up-and-coming products in our diversification brands. Our sales and marketing teams are equipped to help you position these products to customers with literature, product knowledge and sales strategies. Let’s explore some of these up-and-coming products and some sales strategies to help boost their sales.

Sales Strategy for Success:

Door Opener / Seasonal Promotion

DuraFerm® ONE Sheep

DuraFerm ONE Sheep is a free-choice vitamin and mineral supplement that promotes performance year-round. The product was introduced in the spring of 2024. It meets or exceeds nutrient requirements throughout the production cycle and is formulated with research-proven organic zinc for enhanced bioavailability. DuraFerm ONE Sheep is an excellent option for commercial sheep producers or show sheep breeders leveraging more advanced reproductive technologies during periods of reduced nutritional requirements, when they are not breeding or lambing.

Sales Strategy for Success:

Cross-Sell / Bundle with Other Vitalize Products

Vitalize® Horse Treats

Vitalize Horse Treats are a low-sugar, prebiotic treat for horses. This two-pound bag that is simple to take with you on the road is an easy, healthy snack for equine enthusiasts. Carrot and beetroot make for a tasty treat without artificial flavors. The resealable bag keeps treats fresh, while the unique compressed shape won’t crumble in pockets. Watch for updates to our Vitalize Horse Treats in 2025! This makes a great add-on product while cross-selling or bundling with other Vitalize products.

Sales Strategy for Success:

Cross-Sell / Bundle with Other Sure Champ Products

Sure Champ® Cattle Drench

Sure Champ Cattle Drench supports digestive health before, during and after challenges. This green liquid, formerly known as Vita Charge Cattle Drench, was rebranded early in 2024. It includes Amaferm, MOS and enzymes to generate a rapid digestive response. Once show cattle exhibitors see the impacts of Cattle Drench on appetite and hydration, they will be repeat customers. This is a great product to cross-sell with Sure Champ Cattle or Extreme with ClariFly®. Or, you can bundle it with the trio of Sure Champ gels for a quick response show package.

Sales Strategy for Success:

Cross-Sell / Bundle with Backyard Boost Defense

Backyard Boost® Daily Essentials

Backyard Boost Daily Essentials is a pelleted protein supplement for poultry designed to maximize digestibility and egg production. The 2.5 lb. bag is a great way to introduce backyard chicken enthusiasts to the product, which includes both AOBiotics Amaferm and EQE, giving birds both digestive health and enhanced egg quality. The smaller-sized bag is ideal to bundle or cross-sell with Backyard Boost Defense.

GET SOCIAL: YOUR NEW DEALER CENTER SOCIAL MEDIA TOOLBOX

Social media marketing plays a huge role in a business’s digital marketing efforts. Promoting products, key benefits, value-added testimonials and other related content can help a business or organization increase awareness, foot traffic and ultimately sales.

Along with several other updates and changes with the new year, BioZyme® has developed the new BioZyme Social Media Toolbox platform. Our team is excited to launch this new resource in Dealer Center.

We noticed Promoboxx wasn’t serving all our dealers the way we wanted it to. That’s why we decided to, when our subscription expired, not renew and instead focus our efforts on providing a seamless service that better met your needs while still providing the valuable, branded marketing and social media content you’ve come to count on.

You can find the new Social Media Toolbox in the Dealer Center, under the Marketing tab across the main header. From there, dealers can select which brand they want to retrieve content from and then choose what specific or general posts they want to post to their social media pages. By simply saving the image and copying the text of the caption, the post is ready to use on any social platform for your dealership.

Wondering if there are still rewards for utilizing social media content? Yes, there are! You will still earn Action Award Points for your engagement!

Look for the Dealer Center On Demand training to learn more about this new tool and how to use it!

Start engaging on social media for your business by using the Social Media Toolbox now.

LETTER FROM LISA

As we enter 2025, we’re thrilled to share a glimpse of what’s ahead. This year promises exciting advancements, innovations and experiences tailored to enhance your journey with us.

Here’s what you can expect:

  1. Expanded Offerings: We’re introducing new products and services to meet your evolving needs and preferences.
  2. Enhanced Technology: With cutting-edge upgrades, we aim to make your interactions and those of your customers smoother, faster and more personalized.
  3. Exclusive Experiences: Look forward to events, special promotions and rewards that celebrate your efforts and loyalty. We couldn’t do what we do without you.
  4. Stronger Connections: We’re committed to improving how we communicate and support you every step of the way.

Stay tuned for updates and announcements—we’re excited to make 2025 a remarkable year together!

Your journey is probably not much different than the one BioZyme® tries to go on. Growth is a huge part of how we travel. Following are some easy steps we should all focus on to take our growth to the next level.

1. Do Your Research: When you’re looking into how to grow your business, you need to do market research. This is true no matter what your goals are. Research not only lets you better understand your existing customers but also your potential customers. It’s important to gain insight into your target market and know its needs. That way, you can see how your business can grow and change to meet those needs.

Don’t forget to research your competitors, too. Knowing what their strengths and weaknesses are can help drive your decisions on how to appropriately scale your operations.

2. Build a Sales Funnel: Your sales funnel can help take business to the next level. Think of a sales funnel as a customer’s journey. When they enter your business or visit your website, they’re at the top of the funnel. When they buy something or sign up for a service, they’ve successfully gone through the funnel. You should try to find ways to move people through the funnel to make a sale. This can include offering a discount, getting their contact information or sending them updates on your business.

3. Increase Customer Retention: It’s not enough to just get new customers for your business. You also need to keep your existing customers coming back. When you increase customer retention, you’re building customer loyalty, which can increase sales.

Considering it costs five times as much to get a new customer than it does to keep a current one, focusing on retaining customers means your business won’t spend money on something that isn’t a guaranteed investment.

You can increase your customer retention by:

• Prioritizing customer service: If you don’t treat your customers right, they won’t want to support your business. Ensuring you address their concerns and give them the best experience possible shows you value them as customers.

• Using a customer relations management (CRM) system: CRM systems help your business manage relationships with existing and potential customers. They help you maintain customer information and identify sales opportunities. One of the biggest benefits is that the data gets stored in one place, so you and other employees who need it can access it.

• Creating a customer loyalty program: These programs reward existing customers for supporting your business. They can also help you attract new customers or get back those who left your business. Nobody wants to miss out on rewards.

• Launching an email campaign: Using an email campaign can help ensure your business stays on top of customers’ minds. It’s also a great way to move existing and potential customers through your sales funnel.

• Engaging with customers on social media: Your customers may reach out to your business on social media with a question or to share feedback, pain points or complaints. You should always try to respond positively, even if you don’t love what they’re saying. Taking the time to respond and engage with them shows you value their thoughts and take their concerns seriously.

4. Diversify Your Product or Service Offerings: It can be hard to change. Harder still to follow through on change once you start. This is especially true in business. You’ve had success selling your main product or service to customers. After all, it’s what gotten you to this point. But no business grows bigger or sells more by only selling the same thing to the same people. One of the easiest ways to grow and grow your customer base is offering new products or services. You can do this by:

• Identifying opportunities for new products or services: Do market research to see if there’s something new you can offer your customers to buy.

• Finding different ways to offer your existing products – this includes subscriptions or bundles.

If you’re looking for practical examples of growth from diversification, look no further than Moment. The company’s initial products included lenses for smartphones to improve photography. Now, the company has expanded its offerings to include apps and accessories to use with its lenses.

5. Measure What Works and Refine as You Go: While there are a variety of strategies you can use to grow a small business, it’s important you measure what’s working. For example, if you create a customer loyalty program and find it’s not improving customer retention, you may need to change your strategy.

Growing a business means you’ll have to take calculated risks. Regularly monitoring your progress and making updates are key to having success.

Thank you for being an essential part of our journey to get there.

How to Help the Stocker Grower Increase Profitability  

The stocker grower and backgrounder are smart but tough. They obviously love the challenge of raising freshly weaned calves to their next and final production stage, yet several significant challenges are associated with the stocker business.  

As with most in the livestock business, the stocker growers look to their peers and other trusted individuals in the industry for advice and counsel. As a BioZyme® dealer, we want to arm you with the information you need to help these producers grow their stocker cattle. 

Strategies to Help Your Stocker Grower Customer 

Every challenge a stocker grower faces is an opportunity for you to help them while growing your own business. Let’s explore some key strategies to overcome the biggest challenges the stocker grower faces in the cattle business 

  1. Managing Market Volatility 

While we are not market advisors, we can suggest that your stocker growers manage their operations wisely. Tools like futures contracts, options or Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) insurance to protect against price drops. Furthermore, your customers might consider running multiple enterprises, such as combining stocker operations with cow-calf or row crops to spread financial risk. 

Finally, stocker growers sometimes sell cattle at different weights or times of the year to take advantage of favorable market conditions. 

2. Adapting to Weather & Environmental Challenges  

Most stocker growers will use rotational grazing to optimize pasture utilization and maintain forage availability when they have available resources. Since it seems there is a drought every year in some parts of the country, it is key to have a backup plan. Stockpile forage, use cover crops or source alternative feedstuffs. 

Finally, be sure your customers provide windbreaks, shade and adequate water sources to protect cattle from extreme weather. 

3. Improving Health & Nutrition Management 

While we might not be market advisors, we do know a few things about animal health and nutrition. Be sure to recommend to your customers to use the Gain Smart® program featuring Gain Smart and VitaFerm® products.  

Furthermore, stocker growers can purchase preconditioned cattle. Calves vaccinated, weaned and properly managed before arrival are less prone to stress and sickness. Minimize disease introduction by quarantining new arrivals, maintaining clean water sources, and limiting exposure to outside cattle. 

The Gain Smart Difference 

Gain Smart® is a line of free-choice vitamin and mineral supplements for stocker cattle that promotes healthy, economical pounds. With four different formulas based on your management scenarios, this mineral is designed to maximize efficient gain.    

Gain Smart contains AO-Biotics® Amaferm®, organic copper, iodine and zinc for maximum bioavailability and hoof health. It also provides nutritional support for a healthy immune system. It can be fed as a loose mineral or mixed into a ration.    

The stocker grower strives for his or her stocker cattle to achieve moderate weight gain while maintaining lean muscle growth. Average daily gain (ADG) for stocker cattle typically ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 pounds per day, depending on forage quality, nutrition and management practices. Producers aim for an efficient cost-per-pound gain by utilizing high-quality forages and optimizing feeding strategies. 

One advantage of feeding the Gain Smart mineral is that it is research-proven to add at least .25 pound of gain per day to stocker cattle. Not only does Amaferm increase the immune response, but it also increases growth and performance. 

Gain Smart Provides Options  

Currently, Gain Smart is available in 4 formulas for various management scenarios. All of which can help your customers stay profitable, regardless of the cost of cattle. The 4 different free-choice vitamin and mineral supplement formulas for stocker cattle include:     

1. Gain Smart Stocker   

Gain Smart Stocker helps your herd maximize efficient gain.        

It is designed for those feeding a medium to high forage diet and works well for both cool- and warm-season grasses. It is the most versatile and can be fed in multiple places under multiple conditions.    

2. Gain Smart Stocker Wheat   

Gain Smart Stocker Wheat maximizes efficient gain on wheat or small grain pasture.        

This product supports a higher-quality forage diet rich in protein and nitrogen, such as wheat, small grains and legumes.   

3. Gain Smart Stocker HEAT®  

Gain Smart Stocker HEAT maximizes efficient gain when temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It contains HEAT technology, a combination of essential oils and garlic, to support animals when heat and insects are a challenge.        

Gain Smart Stocker HEAT is ideally suited for backgrounding and yearling cattle on grass. It contains plant extracts to help maintain circulation and support animal performance and gain in heat and fescue situations. The plant extracts are research-proven to support animals’ ability to maintain normal body temperature. This mineral is ideal in the hot summer months or any time when grazing fescue. It also includes garlic to deter insects.     

4. Gain Smart Stocker Balancer   

Gain Smart Stocker Balancer RU 1600 maximizes efficient gain and balance high-grain diets when mixing TMR rations. It includes rumensin for improved feed efficiency.        

Gain Smart Balancer RU 1600 is designed for calves being backgrounded or fed in a dry lot situation on a mixed grain ration. It complements the co-products, such as distiller’s grain and cereal byproducts, and works well with fermented feed like silage. It contains no phosphorus but does have rumensin. Gain Smart Balancer can be fed to heavier weights, and it is a good selection when trying to improve feed efficiency.     

Get Gain Smart in your Warehouse Today 

If you know you have stocker cattle operators in your area, make sure they know about Gain Smart mineral. Sometimes, our customers know BioZyme as the VitaFerm® or Sure Champ® brands. However, ensuring that your customers know all brands is vitally important.  

For more information, visit the Gain Smart blog or contact your Area Sales Manager today!  

An Overview of the Stocker Cattle Phase 

The stocker cattle phase is a key segment in the beef production cycle, bridging the gap between the cow-calf operation and the feedlot. This phase is characterized by the growth and development of weaned calves before they enter the feedlot for finishing.  

Stocker cattle programs emphasize forage-based growth, focusing on skeletal and muscle development rather than fat deposition. This period allows producers to add weight to the cattle cost-effectively while optimizing their health and conditioning before the final finishing stage. 

Some might consider stocker cattle the “middle child” of beef production. Stocker cattle don’t offer the glam and glitz of cow-calf production. Furthermore, they don’t hold the title of “feeding the world,” either. Stocker cattle are typically a higher-stressed group of calves. They have been weaned from their mamas, transported many miles and if not managed proactively, require more treatments than most cattle. 

Perhaps this phase can benefit from the BioZyme family of brands more so than other groups of animals. We know that 70% immune response for cattle starts in gut. As BioZyme dealers, if you reach out to your stocker cattle operators, with products that feature AO-Biotics® Amaferm®, those calves are more likely to stay healthy and grow faster. That seems like a win-win! But first, let’s explore more about the stocker cattle phase. 
  

Stocker Cattle Selection 

Selecting the right stocker cattle involves evaluating various factors, including breed, weight, frame size, health and genetic potential for growth. Generally, cattle with medium to large frames that exhibit good growth potential and skeletal development are preferred. 

According to John Jeffrey, BioZyme Director of National Sales, knowing the information on the calves you are about to buy is one of the most important management tools you can employ. Discovering their breed and genetic make-up and what kind of management they have had in the past will give you a better sense of how to care for them. Other history you might want to find out includes any vaccination or health protocol that was used and how long they have been weaned.  

“Knowing if you’re getting in high risk or low risk calves, and the overall history of a source of cattle can help a backgrounder out. This basic information helps you determine how you can best handle the cattle moving forward,” Jeffrey said.  

Stocker cattle are often sourced from cow-calf operations and purchased at livestock auctions or directly from producers. Healthy calves with minimal stress and low instances of disease are ideal for stocker programs. High-risk calves, such as those transported long distances or exposed to multiple stressors, may require additional management and health interventions. 

Nutrition & Grazing Management 

Nutrition plays a vital role in the stocker phase, with most programs relying heavily on pasture and forage-based diets. Common forages used include native grasses, improved pastures, wheat, rye, oats and other small grains. Depending on the geographic location and season, stocker cattle may graze on different types of forage to maximize growth rates. 

Supplemental feeding may be necessary in certain situations, particularly when forage quality is low. Protein and energy supplements, along with mineral and vitamin supplementation, help ensure optimal growth. Water availability and quality are also fundamental, as proper hydration supports digestion and overall health. 

Stocker operations may utilize rotational grazing systems to enhance pasture utilization and maintain forage productivity. Rotational grazing allows pastures to rest and recover, reducing overgrazing and improving long-term sustainability. 

Facilities are Key  

Having a facility that is calf-friendly is vitally important. We often think of stocker cattle out grazing on lush, wide, open pastures. While that is true most of the time, there are still some things to consider when preparing facilities for stockers.  

Stocker operators need to have a receiving pen with a loadout chute, where calves can unload from the semi and load up when it is time to go to the feed yard. The receiving pen should be large enough to hold calves for an adjustment period to get them used to their new environment. It should have a fresh water source and provide a quality vitamin and mineral supplement.  

Additionally, ensure that there is a fresh water source big enough to service the cattle in the pen. Access to clean, fresh water at this stage of their life is vitally important to their overall health and performance.  

Furthermore, the facilities should have a working chute, where you can process cattle upon receiving or if you need to treat a sick one. Jeffrey said one really nice processing perk is having a scale underneath your processing chute, which allows you to more accurately dose your antibiotics and vaccinations to weight.  

“When every penny counts, being able to provide dosage to the animal’s weight, and manage your medicine inventory are ways to provide yourself more income,” he said.  

Finally, make sure the fence line should be secure, and adequate bunk space is available if you are feeding your calves grain.  

Animal Health, Nutrition  

Animal health and nutrition work synergistically. They are a critical component to any producer’s cattle production and management resources. Jeffrey encourages every stocker operator to have animal health and animal nutrition protocols. Those start with building trusted relationships with livestock nutritionists and veterinarians who understand your production goals. Maintain records of every treatment and vaccination you give your animals and find a record-keeping system that works best for you.  

Perhaps the most important way to ensure that your animals stay healthy is to get them started right with the 3-step approach from Gain Smart.  

“If we can get Amaferm into their diet and keep it in their diet early on, it will help those calves maintain a healthy stomach. They will feel better, grow better, have overall better water intake and go to the feedlot growing and gaining more efficiently,” Jeffrey said.  

Promote Gain Smart Program as a Cattle Management Tool   

Step 1: VitaFerm® Cattle Drench    

VitaFerm® Cattle Drench is the first step to successfully receiving calves. This drench for cattle is designed to support digestive health before, during and after challenges. It contains AO-Biotics® Amaferm®, a prebiotic research-proven to enhance digestibility. Cattle Drench also contains MOS (mannan oligosaccharides) to help normalize the gut microflora and supports the immune system and enzymes to generate a more rapid digestive response.    

Using this drench as you process the calves at receiving helps keep their gut healthy and functioning. We know that 70% of the immune response starts within the digestive system, so a healthy gut will lead to a healthy animal.    

Step 2: VitaFerm® Stress Tubs   

VitaFerm Stress Tubs help eliminate stress of being in a new environment when offered to calves the first 14 to 21 days post-receiving. This tub for cattle is designed to support digestive health and intake and contains Vita Charge Technology including Amaferm and MOS. It also contains a probiotic to help restore the gut microbiome. The Stress Tubs are not minerals but can work along with your mineral program.  

The Vita Charge Technology, found in the Cattle Drench and Stress Tubs, is comprised of a unique blend of ingredients. These ingredients help support animal health before, during or after the stress. Every product with Vita Charge Technology contains an exact amount of B vitamins, vitamin E, potassium, zinc, MOS and Amaferm.    

In addition, a precisely defined salt-to-sugar ratio was developed and incorporated into the technology to support hydration. This combination provides an undeniable impact to livestock under stress    

Step 3: Gain Smart    

Gain Smart® is a line of free-choice vitamin and mineral supplements for stocker cattle that promotes healthy, economical pounds. With four different formulas based on your management scenarios, this mineral is designed to maximize efficient gain.    

Gain Smart contains Amaferm, organic copper, iodine and zinc for maximum bioavailability and hoof health. It also provides nutritional support for a healthy immune system. It can be fed as a loose mineral or mixed into a ration.    

Growth Performance & Weight Gain 

The stocker operator strives for his or her stocker cattle to achieve moderate weight gain while maintaining lean muscle growth. Average daily gain (ADG) for stocker cattle typically ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 pounds per day, depending on forage quality, nutrition and management practices. Producers aim for an efficient cost-per-pound gain by utilizing high-quality forages and optimizing feeding strategies. 

One advantage of feeding the Gain Smart mineral is that it is research proven to add at least .25 pound of gain per day to stocker cattle. Not only does the Amaferm increase the immune response, but it increase the growth and performance. 

Cowboy Math to Help your Customers 

Here’s something you should walk through with your customers to help them see the value of Amaferm. 

With last fall, 5-weights were selling in the $3s, and even 7- and 8-weights brought in the mid $2 range -not an ideal time to buy stocker cattle. However, it was time to buy, and fall moisture meant pastures were ready. 

“The cost of cattle is always going to fluctuate. However, the price of Amaferm hasn’t changed in the 10 years I have worked for the company,” Jeffrey said. “At just 4 cents per head per day, Amaferm can magnify the value of your forages and feedstuffs. It will help your calves gain faster and more efficiently, adding at least an additional quarter of a pound of gain per day to your calves.”   

Let’s look at one example of cowboy math that Jeffrey likes to explain.   

If your calves gain .25 pounds per day extra, that is an extra 25 pounds after just 100 days. With Amaferm at just 4 cents per head per day, you just spent $4 for additional gain you wouldn’t have had before. That potentially leads to fewer total days on feed, for just $4. You can’t even get a soda and a candy bar for $4. Furthermore, the added pay weight of improved gain further amplifies the profitability  

.25 pounds x 100 days = 25 pounds of gain 

100 days x .04 = $4 for additional gain, saving days on feed/feed 

More Cowboy Math  

A backgrounder runs 2,000 calves in the Southern Plains while feeding a mineral from the local feedstore that costs $20/bag delivered. The average death loss is 2% or 40 calves.    

The local BioZyme dealer – YOU – convinces this backgrounder to feed Gain Smart at an investment of $32*/bag delivered, a difference of $12, with $4 of that the Amaferm advantage. Each bag has 200 servings, and the feeder plans to graze for about 110 days, so he or she will need 1,100 bags. Thus, he or she will spend about $13,200 more on the mineral program this year than in the past.    

Healthy, Efficient Pounds   

But wait. Calves are healthier, and the death loss is cut to 1% or 20 calves feeding Gain Smart mineral. Now, let’s look at where the feeder is financially. (*suggested retail price may vary due to freight)    

Initial investment: 1,100 bags x $12 more than previous mineral = $13,200 

Saved 20 calves due to increased health: $1600 each x 20 head = $32,000 

$32,000 – $13,200 = $18,800 profit in live calves 

Another way to look at it is if you save one live calf at $1600, at $32 per bag, that one calf pays for 50 bags of Gain Smart. With 200 servings per bag, that one more calf paid for 100 calves’ minerals over a 100-day backgrounding period—healthy, efficient pounds.    

Your customer’s initial investment has more than paid for itself, plus the Amaferm advantage helps calves gain potentially fewer days on grass. Calves should stay healthier, meaning fewer dollars spent on treatments. It’s an investment that will continue to offset the cost of gain in challenging times.     

“Gain Smart improves feed efficiency and health, which is more money in your customer’s pocket,” Jeffrey said.   

Gain Smart Provides Options  

Currently, Gain Smart is available in 4 formulas for a variety of management scenarios. All of which can help your customers stay profitable, regardless of the cost of cattle. The 4 different free-choice vitamin and mineral supplement formulas for stocker cattle include:     

1. Gain Smart Stocker   

Gain Smart Stocker helps your herd maximize efficient gain.        

It is designed for those feeding a medium to high forage diet and works well for both cool- and warm-season grasses. It is the most versatile and can be fed in multiple places under multiple conditions.    

2. Gain Smart Stocker Wheat   

Gain Smart Stocker Wheat maximizes efficient gain on wheat or small grain pasture.        

This product is formulated for a higher-quality forage diet rich in protein and nitrogen, such as wheat, small grains and legumes.   

3. Gain Smart Stocker HEAT®  

Gain Smart Stocker HEAT maximizes efficient gain when temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It contains HEAT technology, a combination of essential oils and garlic, to support animals when heat and insects are a challenge.        

Gain Smart Stocker HEAT is ideally suited for backgrounding and yearling cattle on grass. It contains plant extracts to help maintain circulation. That supports animal performance and gain in both heat and fescue situations. The plant extracts are research-proven to support animals’ ability to maintain normal body temperature. This mineral is ideal in the hot summer months or any time fescue is grazed. It also includes garlic to deter insects.     

4. Gain Smart Stocker Balancer   

Gain Smart Stocker Balancer RU 1600 maximizes efficient gain and balance high-grain diets when mixing TMR rations. It includes rumensin for improved feed efficiency.        

Gain Smart Balancer RU 1600 is designed for calves being backgrounded or fed in a dry lot situation on a mixed grain ration. It complements the co-products, such as distiller’s grain and cereal byproducts, and works well with fermented feed like silage. It contains no phosphorus but does have rumensin. Gain Smart Balancer can be fed to heavier weights, and it is a good selection when trying to improve feed efficiency.     

Get Gain Smart in your Warehouse Today 

If you know you have stocker cattle operators in your area, make sure they know about Gain Smart mineral. Sometimes, our customers know BioZyme as the VitaFerm® or Sure Champ® brands. However, it’s vitally important to ensure that your customers know all brands.  

For more information, visit the Gain Smart blog or contact your Area Sales Manager today!  

BioZyme® Launches VitaFerm® Sure Start Gel

BioZyme’s mission is to provide an undeniable positive impact on the health and wellness of the animals it serves. Therefore, BioZyme and its staff continually research and create products to help animals and maximize efficiencies for producers. With our mission and commitment to care that comes full circle in mind, we are excited to introduce VitaFerm® Sure Start Gel.   

VitaFerm Sure Start Gel is specifically formulated to support newborn calves’ immune function and overall health during the critical post-birth period.  

“Getting calves off to the best start possible is paramount for their long-term health and ultimately your profitability. While a year-round VitaFerm program can improve colostrum quality, Sure Start Gel uses our new Broad-Shield technology to give an additional boost of immunity,” said Chris Cassady, Ph.D., BioZyme Director of Beef Technical Sales.   

Benefits of VitaFerm Sure Start Gel

The new VitaFerm Sure Start Gel offers several benefits to give your newborns a sure start. Like all VitaFerm products contains AO-Biotics® Amaferm®, a research-proven prebiotic to support digestibility by stimulating beneficial microbes. Furthermore, this innovative gel:  

• Delivers IgY antibodies derived from Salmonella, E. coli, bovine rotavirus, bovine coronavirus, and Clostridium and MOS for broad support of the immune system.  

• Provides nutritional support to maximize calf vigor.   

“VitaFerm Sure Start Gel is research-proven to enhance the efficacy of the antibodies the cow naturally passes to her calf, giving your calves every chance to develop their immune system and capitalize on healthy, efficient performance,” Cassady said.   

This single-dose product comes in a 30 mL tube and should be administered after the calf has had colostrum. For best results, it is recommended to be given within the first 24 hours of birth. It can be repeated daily as needed. The bright orange color allows for distinct recognition of administration.  

How to Position Sure Start Gel

At BioZyme, we want you to succeed in your efforts to market and sell new products. We know that producers are in the heart of calving season, and this is a great time to stock up and promote the new VitaFerm Sure Start Gel. 

Remember, we want the calf to get its colostrum first, but this is a great product for the first 24 hours of life. It protects from pathogens entering the system and protects from stressors that partition nutrients that we want the calves to receive. It also promotes successful immune function, calf vigor and the establishment of the microbiome.  

Watch the SAMM Center for a Sell Sheet soon. We’ll also post a training to the Online Training Center about VitaFerm Sure Start. 

Just the Beginning

As part of our care that comes full circle, we want to give every calf a chance for a successful life. A healthy calf pays us back with a long, productive healthy life or a high-performing optimal pay weight. You only get one shot for a good start, make it a Sure Start!  

Get your VitaFerm Sure Start Today

VitaFerm Sure Start Gel is now available for you to order.   

The 30 mL tubes come in a case of 12. See the February price list for more information. 

CHANGES COMING IN FEBRUARY

BIOZYME® LAUNCHES VITAFERM® SURE START GEL

VitaFerm® Sure Start Gel launches this month. This neonatal gel supports calves’ immune function and overall health during the critical post-birth period.

Sure Start Gel contains AO-Biotics® Amaferm®, a prebiotic research proven to support digestibility by stimulating beneficial microbes. It delivers IgY antibodies derived from Salmonella, E. coli, bovine rotavirus, bovine coronavirus, and Clostridium. It also includes MOS for broad support of the immune system.

HYDRABOOST RTU DISCONTINUED

Due to decreased demand, HydraBoost RTU has been discontinued. HydraBoost Concentrate will still be available via special order.

VITALIZE® PELLET & MINERAL FLAVORING ENHANCED

Under our commitment to continuous improvement, we recently implemented flavor enhancements to the Vitalize Equine Protein Pellet, Vitalize Equine High Performance, Vitalize Equine Digest More Plus and Vitalize Equine Vitamin and Mineral Supplement. You may notice an increased flavor profile in these products.

LABEL UPDATES MADE IN VITAFERM® LINE

To comply with all state and federal regulations, all VitaFerm labels that contain CTC or medication have been updated from Feeding Directions to include “Mixing and Feeding Directions.” These new labels will be implemented as soon as new products are produced. We also added a caution statement to the Gain Smart® Balancer RU1600.