Deficiencies caused a 20-year headache

摘要

Rachael Porter has been to see a South-west farmer whose production has suffered for nearly two decades because of a lack of vital trace elements. Trace element deficiency is a problem which many dairy farmers encounter from time to time, but for oneDorset producer it has caused a headache lasting for more than 20 years, It was only when Roger Hole started to apply a trace element supplement to his grassland two years ago that his 90-cow Ashcombe herd was finally free of any symptoms, despite priortreatment with injections and boluses, and adding minerals to the ration. With the help of his wife Angela and son Chris, Roger rims the pedigree black and white herd on his 61 ha unit near Sherborne, currently yielding 5,800kg at 3.23% butterfat and 3.90% protein on a winter ration of 40kg grass silage, 7kg of Tunnelgold and 1kg of straw which provides maintenance plus 7kg. Cows are then fed to yield in the parlour with an protein concentrate.