Advanced mineral solution for optimal dairy nutrition and rumen health

In the field of animal nutrition, the balance of essential minerals is critical for maintaining health and optimizing productivity. Among these minerals, calcium and magnesium are particularly important due to their significant impact on various physiological functions. 

OmyaFeed C MgO, developed by Omya, offers an advanced solution to address mineral nutrition and manage ruminal acidosis in dairy cows and other ruminants. Extensive research has demonstrated its effectiveness in enhancing animal health and productivity.

Omya is globally recognized for its expertise in producing high-quality calcium carbonate and its extensive experience in calcium nutrition for both crops and animal species. With 160 plants worldwide, Omya leverages a diverse range of raw materials available in Europe, ideal for creating efficient calcium carbonate products for animal feed. This extensive network ensures consistent delivery of high-quality products, tailored to meet the nutritional needs of livestock.

OmyaFeed C MgO – combining mineral nutrition and buffering rumen pH

In the novel advanced formulation feed supplement, OmyaFeed C MgO, Omya combines highly reactive calcium carbonate and magnesium oxide to supply animals with essential calcium and magnesium nutrition while also providing an effective rumen buffer. Rigorous testing of various mineral raw materials has been performed to select the most suitable sources with high-purity and optimal reactivity. In OmyaFeed C MgO these raw materials are finely micronized, creating a large surface area that improves solubility and enables rapid absorption of calcium and magnesium for intensively farmed dairy cows and other ruminants. Additionally, the formulation offers farmers an effective preventative or curative solution for Sub-acute Ruminal Acidosis (SARA). 

Calcium carbonate is the primary source of calcium, a vital mineral for the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth in dairy cows. Adequate calcium levels are crucial for various physiological functions, including muscle contraction, blood clotting, and nerve transmission. In lactating cows, calcium is particularly important as it is a major component of milk. A balanced and sufficient supply of calcium is essential, especially during the transition phase from the dry period to the start of milk production. This goes beyond covering merely the basic nutritional requirements. To prevent so-called parturient paresis or hypocalcaemia, high-quality calcium sources with a high availability are necessary instead of  increased calcium doses to counteract the disturbed calcium regulation. Particularly in the dry period, an appropriate foundation can be laid for a smooth transition to milk production. OmyaFeed C MgO can ease the transition in this critical phase thanks to its balance of high-quality calcium and magnesium sources.

Magnesium oxide is a rich source of magnesium, an essential mineral involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions within the cow. Magnesium is critical for energy metabolism, protein synthesis, and the proper functioning of the nervous system. It helps prevent grass tetany, a potentially fatal condition caused by low magnesium levels in the blood. In dairy cows, magnesium oxide and other buffering substances such as sodium bicarbonate play a key role in stabilizing rumen pH and enhancing fibre digestion, which is vital for efficient nutrient absorption and overall digestive health. This is particularly important in preventing SARA, a common digestive disorder characterized by prolonged periods of low ruminal pH, typically below 5.6. SARA is commonly found in high-producing dairy herds, with studies indicating a prevalence rate between 11% and 28% in early- and mid-lactation cows. The economic impact of SARA is significant, as it was found to reduce milk yield by 2.7 kg/day, milk fat production by 0.3 percentage points, and milk protein production by 0.12 percentage points. This reduction in productivity can lead to financial losses of up to 365 EUR per cow per lactation. Addressing SARA through proper dietary management and supplementation is thus crucial for maintaining herd health and optimizing milk production.

The positive trial results of OmyaFeed C MgO highlight its effectiveness in maintaining optimal rumen pH which is not only crucial for animal health but also has environmental benefits. Correct rumen pH helps reduce methane emissions, a significant contributor to greenhouse gases. By improving rumen health and digestion efficiency sustainable livestock farming practices are supported. 

Maintaining rumen pH and adequate mineral nutrition is crucial, especially under heat stress conditions, which are increasingly becoming an issue beyond Southern Europe. High-yielding cows with correspondingly high metabolic performance are particularly affected. Due to limited thermoregulation, it becomes difficult for them to release excess metabolic heat. This is accompanied by reduced feed intake and milk yield. In addition, the intake of structural and concentrated feed is also unevenly distributed which correlates with a reduced mastication frequency and lower saliva formation, leading to a decline in ruminal pH levels and a significantly increased risk of rumen acidification. In field trials in the Cordoba region of Spain with temperatures above 35°C, lasting over 60 days, OmyaFeed C MgO reduced the use of sodium bicarbonate by 50%. Besides reducing the risk of rumen acidification, 22.3g/day/cow could be saved in the ration, with an associated reduction in feed costs per day/cow of EUR 0.25. 

For optimal milk production, prevention of metabolic disorders and overall health it is also necessary to maintain an optimal dietary cation-anion balance (DCAD) of the diet. In dairy cows fed with a combination of high-quality forage and grazing, over-fertilization can negatively affect the ingredients and, among others, increase the potassium content. These ingredients with high DCAC values create an imbalance towards the acidic range. OmyaFeed C MgO can make an important contribution to balance the DCAD value due to its highly available calcium and magnesium content. Using the formula according to Horst and Goff, 1997 the DCAD results in a value of 390.76 mEq/100g DM.

An important feature of the OmyaFeed C MgO formulation is its compacted pellet form. This allows for the homogeneous incorporation of finely micronized calcium carbonate and magnesium oxide into total mixed rations (TMR) without segregation or settling. Additionally, it guarantees good flowability, easy handling, and storage. The compacted formulation also makes the product highly palatable, thereby improving magnesium intake in dairy cows and other ruminants. This ensures that the animals receive the necessary nutrients efficiently, supporting their health and productivity. 

Conclusion

In summary, OmyaFeed C MgO provides an effective solution for enhancing dairy nutrition and maintaining rumen health by combining highly reactive calcium carbonate and magnesium oxide. Extensive trials have shown its efficacy in improving milk yield, quality, and overall animal health while supporting sustainable farming practices by reducing methane emissions and optimizing nutrient absorption. Its compacted pellet form ensures ease of use and consistent nutrient delivery, making it a valuable addition to the diets of high-yielding dairy cows and other ruminants.