DAIRY FARM SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS DEFICIENCY IN ANTIOXIDANTS


LINKED TO FERTILITY Dry and early lactation cows fed maize and wholecrop-based diets could benefit from greater supplementation with the antioxidants vitamin E and beta carotene, according to new UK farm survey results, which identified widespread deficiency. The survey involved 10 farms in the


South West of England and was undertaken by Molecare Farm Vets, in partnership with DSM. The results showed that: • 90% of fresh cows were deficient in vitamin E and 75% deficient in beta carotene. • Half of dry cows were deficient in both antioxidants. • 30% of cows were still deficient in both antioxidants, three weeks after calving, The data is in-line with existing research


findings which highlights an increased risk of vitamin E and beta carotene deficiency in house systems feeding ‘yellow’ diets made up of more than 50% maize, straw and wholecrop. Compared to ‘green,’ grass- based diets, these forages tend to be low in key antioxidants. This was underlined by the fact the only farm feeding a ‘green,’ grass silage based ration, was not deficient in beta carotene at any point. The fact all of the farms feeding ‘yellow’


diets were already supplementing with vitamin E, suggests inclusion rates need to be raised on these feeding systems. Although beta carotene is not typically supplemented in the UK, the data also suggests it could be worth providing cows with this antioxidant when grass inclusion rates are reduced. Vet Andy Adler of Molecare Farm


Vets, says the correct supply of vitamin E and beta carotene is vital considering the role they play in fertility. “Antioxidants are involved in protecting the body’s cells from detrimental chemicals that are produced in response to normal insult and trauma seen around calving,” he explains. “If these chemicals aren’t removed, they can have a negative impact on bodily tissues, and particularly those involved in fertility, such as the growing oocyte (egg).” Providing cows with antioxidants helps


counteract these detrimental chemicals and protects the growing oocyte. With the oocyte starting to develop 100 days before a cow comes into heat, making sure she has sufficient levels during the dry and transition period is essential. Jamie Gibbons, Mineral Supplements


Technical Manager for Mole Valley Farmers, says this is underlined by the fact a high proportion of freshly calved cows were found to be deficient. “This shows it’s worth increasing supplementation around calving to raise blood levels and help prepare the cow for increased demand when she calves,” he says. “Supplementation with key antioxidants - including vitamin E & Beta


carotene - during the dry period and up until cows are served will give the best protection for the developing oocyte so it is ready for fertilisation.” Current guidelines suggest feeding up


to 1,000mg per cow per day of beta carotene pre-calving through early lactation and up to 4,000 IU per cow per day of vitamin E for close-up dry cows.* Jamie adds: “The National Research


Council (NRC) is currently reviewing recommendations for antioxidants and is likely to increase recommended levels in dairy diets. Our survey suggests this is the right move. Fertility is multi-factorial, but optimal antioxidant status is one thing that contributes to better conception rates and more cows in-calf.” In response to the survey findings,


Mole Valley Farmers has launched two fertility mineral packs that include the right level of antioxidants. The “Green” Fertility Pack is ideally suited to systems that feed a predominately grass silage-based diet, whilst the “Yellow” Fertility Pack has increased levels of these key antioxidants to reflect the lower natural levels in maize and wholecrop-based diets. This will form part of a “Fertility Link 365” programme from Mole Valley Farmers, aimed at providing farmers with support to improve fertility performance on farm.


WYNNSTAY GROUP PLC END OF


YEAR FINANCIAL RESULTS The Group recorded resilient results in an unprecedented year of challenges. Revenue, affected by commodity deflation and reduced volumes in certain traded commodities, notably, grain, had fallen from £490.60m to £431.40m. However, pre-tax profit was up 4 per cent from a year earlier to £8.37m, previously £8.01m in 2019. Net cash at year end had increased to £8.42m and net assets had grown to £98.18m. The agricultural division produced


revenues of £302.58m with profits of £2.88m. Feed activity performed well with and improved gross margin from a year previous. Manufactured volumes were in line with 2019. 2020 saw the Group continuing to focus


on strengthening specialist advisory teams across all sectors and a reorganisation of management structure in H2 to support growth plans. A significant investment programme has begun in FY2021 to increase the Group’s feed manufacturing capacity and to improve productivity. Farmer confidence has been


significantly improved with the EU trade deal and improved farmgate prices. The UK Agriculture Bill creates significant opportunities as focus on efficiency and environmental initiatives are incentivised for farmers. Trading in the new financial year has been in line with management expectations.


Commenting on the results Gareth


Davies, Chief Executive of Wynnstay, said:


“Wynnstay’s strengths have been


clearly demonstrated in what was an exceptionally difficult year for both the agricultural sector and wider society. Our resilient results reflect well on our balanced business model, strong financial management and recent growth initiatives. “The new financial year has started


well, and Wynnstay’s performance is in line with management expectations. We remain focused on developing our channels to market, investing to build capacity and capability, particularly advisory, and implementing efficiencies. “Stronger farmgate prices, the EU


settlement and UK Agricultural Bill continue to buoy sentiment across the farming sector. We believe that Wynnstay is in an excellent position to help farmers adapt to new priorities set by the Agricultural Bill, and look to the future with confidence”.


FORFARMERS CLOSES ACQUISITION OF DE HOOP


MENGVOEDERS ForFarmers has closed the acquisition of De Hoop Mengvoeders (De Hoop), which had already been announced on 19 October last year. The required permits have been granted by the Dutch and German competition authorities and other conditions have also been met. The combination of ForFarmers and De Hoop creates a poultry feed organisation with a leading position on the broiler market in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. ForFarmers acquires the shares in


De Hoop’s compound feed business and its related transport activities as well as the mill with adjacent real estate. The acquisition price comprises a fixed amount of €23 million and a conditional payment of at maximum €17 million, subject to the realisation of agreed targets for the combined new organisation. The fixed amount is currently being paid in cash at closing, whilst the conditional payment will potentially take place in 2023. The maximum takeover price takes into


account the existing market circumstances and has been based on a multiple of EBITDA that matches the historical range that ForFarmers has paid for acquisitions. The new combination shall be managed


by Michiel Schreurs, Director Poultry ForFarmers Netherlands, together with the previous owner of De Hoop Mengvoeders, Gert-Jan Buunk, who will be responsible for the broiler sector.


FEED COMPOUNDER MARCH/APRIL 2021 PAGE 51


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