Tag: VitaFerm

Signs of Heat Stress in Cattle 

Summer brings multiple challenges to cattle producers, including but not limited to insects and heat stress. Cattle are more resilient than we often think. However, the combination of heat and humidity can still wreak havoc on the health of the cow herd. When your customers identify signs of heat stress in cattle early on, they will need a quality supplement from VitaFerm® to help mitigate that stress. 

At BioZyme®, our mission is to create products that provide solutions. We know that heat stress is a challenge that producers face across the country. We want to provide you, our dealers, with the most comprehensive options available to fit your customers’ needs. 

Let’s discuss heat stress, the signs of heat stress in cattle and how our products can work for cattle producers across the U.S. to mitigate heat stress this summer. 

What is Heat Stress?   

Heat stress occurs when the animal’s ability to release heat becomes inhibited due to the overwhelming high temperatures. Typically, heat stress isn’t caused by excessive heat alone; it is also triggered by high humidity and decreased air movement. Livestock, like humans, are most comfortable in their thermoneutral zone.   

The Thermoneutral Zone (TNZ) is the environmental temperature range in which the least effort is required by an animal to regulate body temperature. In the TNZ, an animal is most comfortable, has the fastest growth rate, and achieves the most efficient feed-to-gain ratio. This temperature zone is highly variable and depends on several factors. Those include: species, humidity, time of year, age, acclimation, amount of fat or hair coat insulation, level of production, wind, and other factors.  That’s according to a Washington State University Extension Fact Sheet.    

Heat Stress Cases Vary  

It’s important to point out that cattle response varies by geographical location and breed makeup when discussing heat stress.  

“The unfortunate part is everybody’s situation is different based on regional climate differences,” said Chris Cassady, Ph.D., Director of Beef Technical Sales at BioZyme® Inc.  

“Where a backgrounder in Texas might have to deal with severe heat for seven months, someone in North Dakota might have extreme heat for just two months. However, the commonality is understanding the cascade of events associated with heat stress – symptoms to look for and what to do.”   

Signs of Heat Stress in Cattle 

During the summer, producers should take extra care to look over their livestock regularly to monitor factors that can lead to heat stress. Encourage your customers to watch for behavioral and physical signs that animals are experiencing heat stress so they can effectively mitigate it before it turns fatal.   

Heat stress can have significant implications for cattle health, productivity and well-being, especially during hot and humid weather conditions. Recognizing the signs of heat stress in cattle is essential for implementing timely interventions to prevent heat-related illnesses and losses.   

Increased Respiration Rate  

The first visible sign of heat stress to look for is an increased respiration rate. Excessive or rapid panting, with extended periods of open-mouth breathing, is a sign of heat stress. Cattle that show this increase in respiration rate will have increased air volume intake, which can ultimately lead to other sicknesses. With increased air intake, animals are inhaling more dust, dirt, bacteria and viruses into their bodies, which can quickly lead to bigger problems. Elevated respiratory rates indicate the animal’s effort to cool down and maintain thermal equilibrium.  

Seeking Shade, Shelter & Water  

When battling heat stress, cattle often tell you what they need. The most common sign of heat stress is animals seeking out shade and water during the peak heat of the day. This disrupts the normal feeding pattern of continuously grazing and consuming smaller meals.   

That distraction shifts to night grazing and slug feeding, where they eat more at once due to increased hunger. Slug feeding leads to acidosis and bloat in ruminants, which can lead to more health issues or death. When cows bunch up, they are more likely to be exposed to sickness because of shared germs – compare them to school kids inside all winter with little fresh air.   

Heat-stressed cattle may seek shade, shelter or cool, shaded areas. This is to escape direct sunlight and reduce heat exposure. Providing adequate shade structures and shelter options can help mitigate the effects of heat stress.  

Cattle experiencing heat stress may increase their water consumption to maintain hydration and regulate body temperature. Providing access to clean, fresh water is crucial during periods of heat stress to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.  

Decreased Feed Intake  

Heat-stressed cattle may reduce their feed intake due to decreased appetite and metabolic heat production. Reduced feed consumption can lead to decreased nutrient intake and weight loss, impacting overall productivity and performance.  

Other Signs & Symptoms  

Other typical signs of heat stress in cattle include lethargy, drooling, aimless wandering or staggering and—in severe cases—ultimately death. In addition, increased body temperature and increased heart rate are also symptoms of heat stress. 

Cattle struggle to hide these symptoms, so recognizing these signs early allows producers to implement proactive measures. This can alleviate heat stress and minimize its impact on animal health and performance.  

Implementing management practices to reduce heat load is critical for mitigating the effects of heat stress in cattle.  

Effects of Heat Stress   

It’s worth mentioning that some effects of heat-stressed cattle aren’t immediately obvious. They can be long-lasting and detrimental to the overall health of your herd.  

Heat stress can be detrimental to the herd both from a performance and reproductive standpoint. Animals that are not eating or grazing are not gaining weight. Heat stress can cause shorter gestation lengths, resulting in lighter birth weights and immune-compromised offspring.    

Extreme heat is a major cause of poor reproductive performance. Females can face problems initiating and maintaining pregnancy. The males can become sterile and also experience a lack of libido.   

Hot Cows Make Bad Mamas 

The added heat can be debilitating to animals, especially when combined with humidity. Hot cows make bad mamas for several reasons. Why, you might ask. The reasons are listed in the signs of heat stress in cattle that we listed above, but we’ll describe some specific examples: 

  • First, if a cow tries to cool off in a pond or bunches under shade, their calf isn’t nursing. A calf that isn’t nursing isn’t gaining. Last we checked; the goal was to wean off pounds.  
  • Next, with summer comes breeding season, and we want to help you get them bred and keep them bred. 

Thankfully, BioZyme has HEAT® technology to keep those mamas cool, get them bred and keep them bred. With the realignment of the VitaFerm brands into the good, better, best – VitaFerm® ONE, Concept•Aid® and ReproMaxx™ – we have repositioned HEAT away from its own line. HEAT is now a technology, allowing us to incorporate it into more brands and lines than ever before! This lets you promote and market the HEAT technology to more customers, making a bigger impact. 

What’s in the HEAT Technology? 

HEAT Technology is comprised of: 

  • A proprietary blend of essential oils supports animals when heat is a challenge. 
  • Garlic helps deter insects. 

“The proprietary blend of capsaicin and essential oils in HEAT technology helps improve blood flow to the extremities,” Cassady said. “When the benefit of improved rumen function of Amaferm is tied with the HEAT technology, you can be assured your cows will be grazing even in the most extreme temperatures. They won’t be huddled under the shade trees.” 

More Choices with HEAT Technology 

Now, your customers have more product choices with HEAT technology, including:  

VitaFerm® ONE HEAT® _ A free choice vitamin & mineral supplement for beef cattle that promotes cattle performance when temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit or when cattle are grazing fescue. 

NEW: VitaFerm® ONE HEAT® with ClariFly® _ A free choice vitamin & mineral supplement for beef cattle with ClariFly. It promotes cattle performance when temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit or when cattle are grazing fescue. 

VitaFerm® ONE HEAT® CTC 3G with ClariFly® _ A free choice vitamin & mineral supplement with ClariFly and CTC for beef cattle. It promotes cattle performance when temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit or when cattle are grazing fescue. CTC helps control anaplasmosis. 

NEW: VitaFerm® ONE HEAT® Mineral Tub – A free choice vitamin & mineral supplement for beef cattle in a cooked tub that promotes cattle performance year-round. 

VitaFerm® Concept•Aid® 5/S HEAT® – A premium free choice 5% phosphorus vitamin & mineral supplement for beef cattle. It supports reproductive success when temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit or when cattle are grazing fescue. 

VitaFerm® Concept•Aid® 5/S HEAT® with ClariFly® – A premium free choice 5% phosphorus vitamin & mineral supplement with ClariFly for beef cattle. It supports reproductive success when temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit or when cattle are grazing fescue. 

VitaFerm® Concept-Aid® 5/S HEAT® CTC 3G – A premium free choice 5% phosphorous vitamin & mineral supplement with CTC for beef cattle. It supports reproductive success when temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit or when cattle are grazing fescue. CTC helps control anaplasmosis. 

NEW: VitaFerm® ReproMaxx™ HEAT® – A premium free choice vitamin & mineral supplement for beef cattle. It maximizes reproductive success when temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit or when cattle are grazing fescue. Includes research-proven levels of Zinpro organic trace minerals. 

VitaFerm® HEAT® Tub – A vitamin & mineral tub for beef cattle that supports overall health when temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit or when cattle are grazing fescue. 

VitaFerm® HEAT® Stress Tub – A tub for beef cattle that supports digestive health and intake when temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. (Formerly known as Vita Charge HEAT Stress Tub.) 

Gain Smart® Stocker HEAT® – A free choice vitamin & mineral supplement for stocker cattle that maximizes efficient gain when temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Stock up on HEAT Products Today 

Spring is here, and HEAT season is right around the corner or perhaps already here in some geographic locations. It’s time to start watching for signs of heat stress in cattle and stocking up on products with HEAT technology for your customers. 

Dealer Support Available 

At BioZyme, we want to support our dealers as much as we can. Watch for marketing support materials in the SAMM Center. We’ll have print ads, postcards and invoice stuffers.  

Also, look for social media graphics in our Social Media Toolbox.  

Finally, look for the Heat Stress session in the Master Dealer – ON DEMAND Training Sessions. This brief overview supports everything we’ve covered and more about signs of heat stress in cattle the products you can offer your products. 

Is All Calf Gel Created Equally? 

Cow-calf producers want the best start for their newborn calves. That’s why BioZyme® Inc., recently introduced VitaFerm® Sure Start Gel, specifically formulated for calves to support immune function and overall health during the critical post-birth period. Yes, there are other calf gels on the market. But, as leaders in animal health and nutrition, our goal is to provide animals with an undeniable impact from birth forward. 

As you know, VitaFerm has foundationally produced nutrition for beef cattle that maximizes energy and forage utilization for successful production. However, successful production doesn’t happen if your calf doesn’t get started on the right foot. Yes, we hope that your customers are feeding a VitaFerm mineral to their cows in late gestation and early lactation to give their calves pass-through immunity and nutrients. However, VitaFerm Sure Start Gel is another resource to ensure that calves receive the best nutrients possible, as early as possible. 

“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 newborns a sure start. Like all VitaFerm products, it contains AO-Biotics® Amaferm®, a research-proven prebiotic that supports 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, we recommend giving it within the first 24 hours of birth. Repeat daily as needed. The bright orange color allows for a distinct recognition of administration.  

What Differentiates Sure Start? 

If you are a producer and Google search “calf gel,” endless options present themselves. However, not all calf gel is created the same. Many recommend immediately after the calf is born.  At BioZyme, our scientists know the importance of colostrum. That is why we have suggested using the Sure Start Gel after that calf gets its mother’s first milk.  

Furthermore, all BioZyme products are research-proven, meaning we have trialed them and know they do what we say they do. BioZyme has more than 150 research papers and presentations across all products for all species. We want our dealers and our customers to know that we have all animals’ best interests at heart. That’s why research has been at our company’s foundation for more than 60 years. 

Another way that the VitaFerm Sure Start Gel distinguishes itself from the competition in value. Yes, one tube is one dose, which makes it easy to administer – no guessing if you over- or under-applied. Calves are getting some of the best technology on the market, all for under $13 a dose, at the suggested retail price. Some other calf gels are priced at $18 or more per dose, and they do not contain Amaferm. 

Finally, our team is not just scientists in white lab coats making products for producers and animal lovers. The BioZyme team is comprised of producers – cattle producers – just like your customers. They know the value of calf gel that contains Amaferm and other key antibodies to protect the immune system.  

Stock up on VitaFerm Sure Start Today! 

No, calf gels are not created equally. Yes, some of the ingredients appear the same. The dosing instructions might seem similar. However, there is one brand that your customers can rely on. It’s research-proven and contains Amaferm, IgY antibodies, MOS and broad-shield technology. 

Get your VitaFerm Sure Start Gel today. Do you need sell sheets or other marketing materials? Request those in the SAMM Center, or view the digital file in Dealer Center for the VitaFerm Sure Start Gel. 

Help your customers give their calves the Sure Start they deserve and watch your business grow. 

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.