Almost all dairy cows experience a negative energy balance during the transition phase and early lactation. Although a slight deficiency can be tolerated and is considered physiologically normal, a substantial deficiency must be avoided. As the greater the energy deficiency, the greater the risk of secondary conditions can be. Such secondary conditions may be responsible for more than 50 per cent of losses. They include infertility, udder disorders, and hoof and limb diseases. As a result, the aim is to reduce energy deficiency by achieving the highest possible dry matter intake during the transition and early lactation stages.
Crystalyx reduces energy deficiency
Different scientific and practice-based trials demonstrate that the use of Crystalyx supplement feed reduces energy deficiency. A Greek study carried out by the University of Thessaloniki re-confirmed the positive effects of the lick supplement feed. The scientists examined the influence of Crystalyx on animal health and yield. The results show that the use of Crystalyx Trockensteher for dry cattle and Crystalyx Vitalyx during the transition phase had positive effects on the following factors:
- Improved fertility by reducing the days open by 35 days
- Improved animal health thanks to fewer reproductive diseases
- Positive effect on energy and liver metabolism
- Improved milk quality by reducing the cell counts
It was possible to inseminate the cattle in the Crystalyx group six days earlier, allowing them to gestate 35 days earlier and meaning that the calving interval was reduced by 35 days. While the cattle in the Crystalyx group were inseminated 1.8 times before pregnancy was successful, the animals in the control group took 2.3 inseminations. Using Crystalyx also had positive effects on animal health, as demonstrated by comparing detected cases of metritis. None of the cattle in the Crystalyx group were diagnosed with metritis. In the control group, the proportion of detected cases of metritis was 15 per cent and was still 10 per cent on the 28th lactation day. The results of the blood tests (metabolic parameters) also confirmed the positive effects of Crystalyx on energy metabolism and liver metabolism.
Clear financial benefit
Based on a financial benefit of 2 euros/day for the 35-day reduction in the calving interval, this benefit amounts to 70 euros per cow in this trial. If you deduct the cost for Crystalyx at the amount of about 19 euros per cow, that leaves a surplus of 51 euros per cow on top of feed costs.