October 30, 2020
Blogs & News
October 30, 2020
Efficient. It’s an often-used word in our busy lives. We want to be efficient with our time, our money, and our efforts. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines efficient as “capable of producing desired results with little or no waste (as of time or materials).”
In agriculture, producers are known for utilizing better machinery to complete jobs in less time with less waste and selecting proven genetics to produce livestock and crops with better performance.
But what about feed efficiency? How can cattle producers get freshly weaned calves or stockers to perform more efficiently on the feedstuffs they’re being fed?
The feed additive monensin – available from Huvepharma as Monovet® 90 (Monensin Type A Medicated Article)”– has FDA-approval to do exactly that.
An ionophore, monensin is a compound fed in cattle diets that helps alter rumen fermentation patterns to increase feed efficiency. Specifically, ionophores work by altering the metabolism of bacterial, protozoal and animal cells within the rumen. Monensin helps cattle get more energy from the ration by increasing the proportion of propionic acid and reducing butyric and acetic acid. For cattle on feedlot grain rations, this process can help achieve better feed efficiency. On high roughage rations, such as pasture or silage, monensin’s affect in the rumen helps cattle get more energy from their ration, which in turn, can increase their rate of gain.
How about some numbers to give evidence to these claims? A meta-analysis of the effects of monensin in beef cattle on feed efficiency, body weight gain, and dry matter intake published in the Journal of Animal. Science (Duffield et al., 2012) showed:
So, if you’re ready to include monensin (Monovet® 90) to add efficiency to your cattle feeding efforts, here are a few different feeding scenarios to consider:
Keep in mind, similar to other feed additives, ionophores are fed in small amounts with another feedstuff as the carrier. Monovet® 90 (monensin) can be added as part of a complete feed or mixed with a supplement. Currently, the available feed forms include meal, blocks, pellets, cubes, liquids, protein/energy supplements and vitamin/mineral mixes.
Monovet® 90 (Monensin Type A Medicated Article) Not For Human Use. Consumption by unapproved species may result in toxic reactions and even fatalities. A withdrawal time has not been established for pre-ruminating calves. Do not use in calves to be processed for veal. When mixing and handling use protective clothing, impervious gloves and a dust mask. Operators should wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling. If accidental eye contact occurs, immediately rinse with water. To report adverse effects, access medical information, or obtain additional product information, call 1-877-426-7765.