Enhancing calf immunity with MULTIMIN ®
The pioneer multiple trace element injection in New Zealand, MULTIMIN is a unique concept of supplementation for cattle, used by farmers throughout the country.
Contains copper, selenium, zinc and manganese for immune support.
Chelated formulation that is safe and tissue friendly.
Absorbed into blood within 8 hours and transferred to the liver within 24 hours.
Scientifically proven in New Zealand conditions to improve calf health and survival.
Get them off to a great start
It’s well known that a new-born calf is the most susceptible animal to disease on the farm, and that trace elements are essential for cattle production and immunity. So it makes sense to ensure that every calf has enough trace elements to give it the best chance of fighting off the challenges they’ll face in their first weeks of life.
Should new-born calves be supplemented with trace elements?
Most farmers do their best to make sure the herd has been supplemented before calving and assume this will pass on to the calf. However, the cow’s own high requirements and variable intake of colostrum can mean calves enter the calf shed with less trace elements than expected, at exactly the time they need them most for growth and immunity. A severe deficiency will reduce weight gains, but even a minor shortfall will result in reduced immunity.
Supported by science
A New Zealand trial1 has shown the benefit of treating calves in the first 24 hours of life, despite their dams being fully supplemented prior to calving. In MULTIMIN treated calves, sickness and death rates due to scours, navel infections or other diseases were halved. A 5% reduction would have paid for the cost of injection.
Why an injection?
The majority of death and disease occurs in the first few weeks of life, so supplementation to prevent this needs to be rapidly absorbed and given as early as possible. This is best achieved through an injection, as oral supplementation is generally slower and complicated by poor absorption and interference between elements in the gut.
When and how to use MULTIMIN
MULTIMIN should be administered to calves (up to 12 months) at birth and at weaning.
In the trial, farmers injected calves on the first day they arrived in the shed, which easily fitted into their daily routine. MULTIMIN is administered as a subcutaneous injection at 1 ml/50 kg in calves. MULTIMIN has nil meat and milk withholding periods.
To learn more, including the benefits of using MULTIMIN in cows, beef cattle, and deer, visit performanceready.co.nz and ask your vet.