Cows start better with the Topro Dry bolus

For a growing farm, it is important that the basis is right. That basis starts before the calf is even born, with the feeding of the dry cows. The dry cows on the Flapper farm get silage reserved specifically for this group. ‘Lean, but with protein,’ says Folkert. ‘This year that is mainly the later bales of autumn grass, because they contain protein.’

‘The cows stay more vital when we give them extra minerals’

Because of the farm’s growth, the system has slipped a bit this year, but the plan is to keep the dry cows in two groups again. Six to seven weeks before calving the cows are dried off and go into the first group. Three weeks before calving they move to the close-up group and, besides the special silage, they also get a transition concentrate.
For a good mineral supply, the cows are given a Topro Dry bolus at the start of the dry period. This is a mineral dietetic feed in the form of a bolus, specially designed for the dry period. The bolus supplies the animal with iodine, cobalt, copper, manganese, zinc, selenium and vitamins A, D3 and E for 60 days. According to the package leaflet, this supports optimal preparation for calving, the start of lactation and optimal fertility.

Besides supplying minerals, the bolus according to Flapper also makes the cows eat more, both before and after calving. ‘It’s important that the dry cows keep eating so they keep enough rumen fill. The cows are also more vital, after calving too. We have little trouble with milk fever,’ says Folkert. ‘And the calves are more vital as well,’ his father adds. ‘We have hardly any calf losses. Of course something goes wrong now and then, but that’s not down to the vitality of the calves.’

Read the full article at: Melk van het Noorden