Trace elements supply and requirements in Dutch dairy farming

Bijeenkomst: EGF2015
Auteur: De Haas M.J.G., Den Boer D.J., Bussink D.W. and Van der Draai H.
ISBN: 978-9090-289-61-8
Jaar van uitgifte: 2015
Producttype: Paper
Well-supplied trace elements are necessary for production and animal health. The Water Framework Directive requires a reduction of the output of heavy metals. The tool ‘Spoorwijzer’ (Trace element guide) is used to calculate the supply of Zn, Se, Cu and Co of different groups of dairy cattle. Zn and Cu are necessary for animal health. Zn is amply supplied on most conventional Dutch dairy farms. Young stock, dry cows and end-lactation cows receive little or no concentrate feed, causing low supply of Se, Cu or Co. Using tailor-made mineral mixtures on a number of farms did not have a negative effect on production and animal health. The surplus per ha on these farms was decreased by 52% for Zn, 28% for Cu, 22% for Se and 56% for Co. It is concluded that Zn is not necessary in mineral mixtures on Dutch conventional dairy farms. Considerable cost reduction is possible by using tailor-made mineral mixtures. In conclusion, the studies found that using tailor-made mineral mixtures is positive for high-output dairy farming and eco-efficient farming.