Dairy Frequently Asked Questions

Maximize

Maximize is a high energy, high starch feed, designed to safely increase the energy intake of cows grazing high quality pastures, while maintaining a stable rumen environment. A stable rumen pH encourages high feed conversion efficiency by enabling rumen microflora to maximize the utilisation of dietary energy from high quality pastures and other feed sources.

Maximize has a medium protein content as it has been designed to balance high quality pastures. It contains by-pass protein to allow more efficient use of soluble Nitrogen (N), by the rumen microflora, resulting in reduced N excretion. This reduces the metabolic energy load, resulting in more energy being available for milk production.

Maximize PLUS

Maximize Plus is a high energy, high protein feed, designed to safely increase the energy intake of cows being fed medium quality pasture, hay or silages, while maintaining a stable rumen environment. A stable rumen pH encourages high feed conversion efficiency by enabling rumen microflora to maximize the utilisation of dietary energy from pastures, hay and silages.

Cows should be fed according to production and stage of lactation. Cows in early lactation can be fed up to 11 kgs/day with the objective of achieving a high peak production, without the risk of acidosis or the need to add antibiotics to the ration. The maximum quantity fed will depend on the availability and quality of pastures and forage. Unlike grain, freshly calved cows can be introduced to Maximize and Maximize Plus on day 1, with higher early lactation feeding rates being introduced on day 3-4. Cows reach peak production much sooner than on grain diets.

It is recommended that Maximize be added to a silo while there is still sufficient of the previous feed left, to ensure some blending. Ideally, Maximize should be added to the previous feed in increasing proportions over a 7 day period. Most cows become accustomed to Maximize within 3-4 days.

Maximize and Maximize Plus have been produced with technology which allows energy and starch to be fed to cows in a way that ensures a stable rumen environment. This can be done without having to add the antibiotics and other additives which are often added to grain rations. A stable rumen environment results in the rumen microflora being able to more efficiently utilise the energy from pasture and other feeds. Grain, particularly if fed in larger amounts, can result in acidosis. Rumen modifiers and antibiotics are difficult to mix with grain which may inhibit their performance.

Maximize

Maximize does not contain sufficient protein for young calves so should not be fed. Maximize Plus is ideal for feeding to young dairy calves.

EasyDairy

EasyDairy is a balanced grain and fibre feed that would be suitable for feeding to lactating cows, as part of a total ration. The consistent and known quality of EasyDairy ensures that it can be added to a ration with confidence. The grain component of EasyDairy means that the grain/concentrate amount fed in the dairy can be reduced.

EasyDairy

EasyDairy is a balanced dairy feed that can be fed to dry cows by trail feeding or by placing in self feeders. If you wish to put on weight in a short period of time, then place the cows on self feeders. If a modest gain is required, then feeding 4-5 kgs/day along with pasture or hay will suffice.

EasyDairy will help to maintain a stable rumen pH, allowing the rumen microflora to better utilise dry feeds.

Leadfeed

Leadfeed is a balanced pelleted feed designed to be fed prior to calving to help prevent milk fever and retained placenta. Leadfeed, in association with Maximize or EasyDairy will improve rumen adaptation, ensuring efficient conversion of feed and good milk production soon after calving. Leadfeed with Biochlor® is a nutritionally balanced ration, deisnged to reduce metabolic disease, improve body condition and assist with successful adaption to high grain diets. Leadfeed + Biochlor® is ideal for the farmer aiming for high production during the first few weeks of lactation.

EasyDairy

EasyDairy is a complete grain and roughage based feed that can be fed to heifers, either as a complete diet or supplemented, to ensure growth rate targets are achieved. EasyDairy does not need an introductory period, which means that heifers can be placed straight onto feed without an introductory period. EasyDairy gives you flexibility when feeding heifers. If growth rates are not being achieved, EasyDairy can be fed until such time as the heifers are back on target. It can be removed for a period of time and then reintroduced if required.