mineral bolus

Muckit

Anyone using mineral boluses and do you find them good?

visatorro

I gave to everything in the place this year. I think they look Better because of the bolus. The calves born this autumn are fine healthy calves with cows doin well. There seems to be alot of different types on the market now. I used allsure

mahoney_j

Im using the allsure trace bolus for cows and in calfs and calf bolus for calves.Some shine of them all summer,No brown coats like i had before i started using it which was a lack of copper.Thrive and performance is also ahead

Farrell

Do you give the magnesium bolus going to grass?
Would copper cobalt drench be any benefit?

jomoloney

we have used the allsure on cows for the last few years ... however big problems last spring when the cows went on grass found a number of boluses at the 2 to 3 month stage

we hadn't noticed this previously will be looking at different options next year

we have also gone from using all sure on the sheep cos of the price, and find the same performance from Mayo Health Care at lesser cost

Also find find MHC firm much more approachable and easy to deal with,

Having said that still not decided if we will use thier bolus on the cows

49801

Had a problem with the metal double gun for the Allsure bolus.
The head of it broke off and got swallowed along with the bolus.
So be aware of that fault. Was far from impressed as it was only after dosing 3 animals from new. :mad:

I think the mineral bolus is ideal for hiefers and timid stock that may not get the minerals sprinkled on the silage. Too expensive to use indiscriminately unless you have a proven need.

J DEERE

Use a dose called bovitrace. I get it from the vet, 90 for 2.5 liters. Cows get 50ml at drying off, weanlings get it every second dose and calves get it every 6 weeks. Notice a fair difference in the stock since started using it in 2010

bbam

Definitely plan on using a bolus in the spring at turnout. Powdered mineral on silage indoors.

Bodacious

49801 wrote: »

Had a problem with the metal double gun for the Allsure bolus.
The head of it broke off and got swallowed along with the bolus.
So be aware of that fault. Was far from impressed as it was only after dosing 3 animals from new. :mad:

I think the mineral bolus is ideal for hiefers and timid stock that may not get the minerals sprinkled on the silage. Too expensive to use indiscriminately unless you have a proven need.

I think the best double bolus metal applicator that ive seen is the Osmonds one .. is that the one that broke on you? Tim doing the advert/testimony here for them and you'd think they would give him a double applicator

http://www.osmonds.ie/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=234&Itemid=293

nhg

We gave the allsure to all our store bullocks last year, we were discussing it last night wondering if it's worth the cost to give it to this years batch.... Thoughts welcome

vinne

This year going to give dairy cows the new "all guard bolus" plus a mineral lick block thinking that should cover everything . Last year just used a lick block from a different company they were costly enough and a few of them broke and the cows were standing on them.

RobinBanks

I gave two different types this year. CoseIcure and All-trace. The batch of cattle that received the CoseIcure were in a high molybdenum area and the local vet recommended these to counter it. That was the only reason I got them. Each bolus contains Copper, Cobalt, Iodine and Selenium. They are also the dearest at €12 per cow

In years gone by I always used all-trace and I used it again on the cattle at home because it contains six trace elements (Copper, Cobalt, Selenium, Manganese, Zinc and Iodine) and three vitamins (Vitamin A, Vitamin D3 and Vitamin E)

They both cover the animal for 8 months but I would choose all-trace because it has the extra minerals and vitamins.

Funny how the more expensive bolus has less minerals and vitamins though?

49801

Bodacious wrote: »

I think the best double bolus metal applicator that ive seen is the Osmonds one .. is that the one that broke on you? Tim doing the advert/testimony here for them and you'd think they would give him a double applicator

http://www.osmonds.ie/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=234&Itemid=293

Not sure. Pretty sure it was an all trace branded one.
Had to use an applicator for mag bolus... Disaster of a job then... Bolus kept falling on ground and cracking:mad:

reilig

Using the cleated minerals here in the water. Expensive, but they all the cattle have to drink, so you know that they are taking it in. No worries about a bolus coming up again.

RobinBanks

reilig wrote: »

No worries about a bolus coming up again.

And it does happen. I noticed one when cleaning down cubicles last year. What mineral are you using? any link to product?

awaywithyou

mahoney_j wrote: »

Im using the allsure trace bolus for cows and in calfs and calf bolus for calves.Some shine of them all summer,No brown coats like i had before i started using it which was a lack of copper.Thrive and performance is also ahead

How much are they?? What's the difference between all sure and all trace boils besides the fact made by diff companies....

Looked at the DVD of farmers talking bout them the other nite... Your neighbour was one of the guys using them...

reilig

RobinBanks wrote: »

And it does happen. I noticed one when cleaning down cubicles last year. What mineral are you using? any link to product?

http://www.mayohealthcare.ie/multi_trace_element_supplement_bolus_alternative_bf.html

bbam

I contacted mayo healthcare a few weeks back about the All Guard bolus.
http://www.mayohealthcare.ie/ALL%20GUARD.pdf

They quoted me €6 a bolus delivered.
We plan to use these next summer and see how it goes.

blue5000

Been using allsure here the past 6/7 years now. Getting pricey at 5.80 a pop, wonder what's the alternative. I wouldn't worry too much if I found one coughed up after about 3 months, I reckon most of the minerals have been adsorbed out of it by then. We usually give them to cows about 6 weeks before calving.

Phil Iam

blue5000 wrote: »

We usually give them to cows about 6 weeks before calving.

Would they do as a pre calver mineral and as the would only have to cover a shorter time span could you get away with giving them only one ?

Bodacious

blue5000 wrote: »

Been using allsure here the past 6/7 years now. Getting pricey at 5.80 a pop, wonder what's the alternative. I wouldn't worry too much if I found one coughed up after about 3 months, I reckon most of the minerals have been adsorbed out of it by then. We usually give them to cows about 6 weeks before calving.

Im trying the all sure bolus this year ... might leave off on the lifeline yellow precalver buckets.


done some today.. has everyone got one nightmare cow to handle like I have.. she is a total B**ch to dose or bolus.. she bit the top of the second bolus with temper before I even got it into her mouth

case 956

I did all the cows on friday last with all trace high iodine bolus, never did it before calving so hoping to see the benefits regards brreding next april,

wonder should I give them another two bolus in april before breeding and when should I give the maiden heifers a bolus(all dairy stock)

blue5000

Phil Iam wrote: »

Would they do as a pre calver mineral and as the would only have to cover a shorter time span could you get away with giving them only one ?

It works for me along with seaweed meal. I can't say whether it will work for you, I don't know what your soils, forage or cows are deficient in.

munkus

blue5000 wrote: »

Been using allsure here the past 6/7 years now. Getting pricey at 5.80 a pop, wonder what's the alternative. I wouldn't worry too much if I found one coughed up after about 3 months, I reckon most of the minerals have been adsorbed out of it by then. We usually give them to cows about 6 weeks before calving.

Blue, do you give 2 per cow?

blue5000

munkus wrote: »

Blue, do you give 2 per cow?

Only 1, but maybe a few late(may/june) calvers would get one before they go on kale, with a calf at foot and then another one after the main bunch of dry cows got theirs.

Bodacious

blue5000 wrote: »

Only 1, but maybe a few late(may/june) calvers would get one before they go on kale, with a calf at foot and then another one after the main bunch of dry cows got theirs.

I only read the box there again, I did the same as you one application (green and black ) costing me E6.20 a cow but it says animals over 550kg should get 2 applications ie 4 boluses, all my cows over 550kg.. am I being tight?

munkus

Bodacious wrote: »

I only read the box there again, I did the same as you one application (green and black ) costing me E6.20 a cow but it says animals over 550kg should get 2 applications ie 4 boluses, all my cows over 550kg.. am I being tight?

That's my point. Who has suckler cows under 550kgs? Over 12 quid a cow is expensive. In saying that, 1 bolus is probably grand.

case 956

cows over 550kg need a certain amount of minerals ach day and that why 2 bolus is needed to fulfil there requirement fo maximum effect over 6 months if not you will have to go in sooner in with other bolus than recommened on box

Seanhorse91

What are people on here doing with regard mineral supplementation for suckler cows? Sorry for pulling up an old thread but I'm unsure what to do.
Currently giving a mineral drench 3 weeks before calving and a few weeks after. Pre calver buckets month or more before calving. No real problems.
Cows look abit light in themselves after the summer. They need a good dose for worms so going with trodax during the week.
Just wondering should I try a bolus in them to help them out or just the mineral drench?

tellmeabit

Just tried Tramazole 10%

On mine here for 1st time. Was using normectin. I'm looking around at what bolus to use. Not.ally give them lick bucket before calving.but silage might not be awesome this year as went for bulk so interested in any recommendations. Calving in march

blue5000

Seanhorse91 wrote: »

What are people on here doing with regard mineral supplementation for suckler cows? Sorry for pulling up an old thread but I'm unsure what to do.
Currently giving a mineral drench 3 weeks before calving and a few weeks after. Pre calver buckets month or more before calving. No real problems.
Cows look abit light in themselves after the summer. They need a good dose for worms so going with trodax during the week.
Just wondering should I try a bolus in them to help them out or just the mineral drench?

We'll leave it up, but some old posters are gone.

Are you going in twice with trodax? AFAIK it only kills mature fluke, so you would have cows picking them up again before housing. To do them once with trodax they'd want to be in for 6 weeks approx.

49801

Sprinkle minerals onto silage daily is the cheapest I believe and reliable enough method. A bucket in the precalving area for the ones that dupe you for weeks
Bolus for heifers and shy cows

Grueller

49801 wrote: »

Sprinkle minerals onto silage daily is the cheapest I believe and reliable enough method. A bucket in the precalving area for the ones that dupe you for weeks
Bolus for heifers and shy cows

I go with boluses at housing time. I used to go with minerals on silage but all cows cannot eat at the same time. The cost is almost identical. The results at calving time with calf vigour are markedly better with boluses.

Seanhorse91

I wasn't going to go in twice with trodax just know it's a good dose. Would I be better off giving them a drench before housing? I just know a few have a heavy burden of worms and was looking for an effective kill🤔

croot

Seanhorse91 wrote: »

I wasn't going to go in twice with trodax just know it's a good dose. Would I be better off giving them a drench before housing? I just know a few have a heavy burden of worms and was looking for an effective kill🤔

Is Trodax not just for Fluke?

Seanhorse91

croot wrote: »

Is Trodax not just for Fluke?

Sorry your right! What's a good dose for worms? They need to be fine now and probably a few weeks after housing. Some will be outwintered with access to shed for shelter

croot

Seanhorse91 wrote: »

Sorry your right! What's a good dose for worms? They need to be fine now and probably a few weeks after housing. Some will be outwintered with access to shed for shelter

I've used Endospec 10 or Albex 10 drenches the last few years on cows. Works fine for me.

Seanhorse91

croot wrote: »

I've used Endospec 10 or Albex 10 drenches the last few years on cows. Works fine for me.

What's the main difference between fluke and worms?

farmer2018

Anyone giving the allsure cattle bolus to calves?

Would it be dangerous to give one application to 3 month old calves?

mahoney_j

farmer2018 wrote: »

Anyone giving the allsure cattle bolus to calves?

Would it be dangerous to give one application to 3 month old calves?

I use the mayo healthcare calf bolus for calves at turnout cows and maidens get a cosecure bolus

farmer2018

mahoney_j wrote: »

I use the mayo healthcare calf bolus for calves at turnout cows and maidens get a cosecure bolus

Do you usually give the calves the recommended or more?

Lime Tree Farm

Animax Cattle bolus - PR4099 https://animax-vet.com/products/uk/cattle-products/
Applicator: Cattle Applicator Animax code: PR4163
Trace element content
Copper oxide 30g
Cobalt 500mg
Iodine 3400mg
Selenium 500mg

Animax Calf Bolus code: PR4199 https://animax-vet.com/products/roi/calf-products/
Application guidelines:Calves weighing 75-200kg: 1 application
Applicator: Calf Applicator Animax code: PR4194
Trace element content
Copper oxide 15g
Cobalt 512mg
Iodine 1700mg
Selenium 250mg

Lofty0990

mahoney_j wrote: »

I use the mayo healthcare calf bolus for calves at turnout cows and maidens get a cosecure bolus

Two queries

1 What size is the mayo calf bolus ?

2. Any reason cosecure instead of mayo for older animals?

Thanks

farmer2018

I have used the allsure bolus the last few years and only found them ok. I found Alltrace better which I used previously.
The following are on the market, what do people find the best for suckler cows and calves?

Alltrace
Allsure
Master Vet
Cosecure
Osmonds
Allguard

patsy_mccabe

Lime Tree Farm wrote: »

Animax Cattle bolus - PR4099 https://animax-vet.com/products/uk/cattle-products/
Applicator: Cattle Applicator Animax code: PR4163
Trace element content
Copper oxide 30g
Cobalt 500mg
Iodine 3400mg
Selenium 500mg

Vet recommended the above Allsure Cattle Bolus for my suckler cows as I was having a few repeats and calf health isn't great. A lot of scour and 2 cases of diphtheria.
He said to do them every 6 months as the effect lasts about 5 months. Also to give them 6 weeks before calving.
They are mad dear as you know. €14 total for the 2 applications (total 4 boluses) each time.
I tried a cow this evening as she was in the yard with a sick calf. No way could I hold her head up, like in the old days. Either I'm gone weaker or cows are stronger. Anyway, put rope halter on her and tied head more out straight than up. No bother do her once tied.

Anyway I was wondering how other people got on with them and if once a year, 6 weeks before calving would be enough, giving the cost and hassle of doing.

dohc turbo2

patsy_mccabe wrote: »

Vet recommended the above Allsure Cattle Bolus for my suckler cows as I was having a few repeats and calf health isn't great. A lot of scour and 2 cases of diphtheria.
He said to do them every 6 months as the effect lasts about 5 months. Also to give them 6 weeks before calving.
They are mad dear as you know. €14 total for the 2 applications (total 4 boluses) each time.
I tried a cow this evening as she was in the yard with a sick calf. No way could I hold her head up, like in the old days. Either I'm gone weaker or cows are stronger. Anyway, put rope halter on her and tied head more out straight than up. No bother do her once tied.

Anyway I was wondering how other people got on with them and if once a year, 6 weeks before calving would be enough, giving the cost and hassle of doing.

I’m using the master vet ones last few years , they work out cheaper , it’s only 1 per cow ,

Mooooo

Gave the maidens 2 cosicure boluses today, have used them the last few years. Can get the two boluses down in the one go with the proper gun, fr maidens easier to hold onto than suckler tho. Don't give the cows anything but they'd be on ration anyway.

kollegeknight

patsy_mccabe wrote: »

Vet recommended the above Allsure Cattle Bolus for my suckler cows as I was having a few repeats and calf health isn't great. A lot of scour and 2 cases of diphtheria.
He said to do them every 6 months as the effect lasts about 5 months. Also to give them 6 weeks before calving.
They are mad dear as you know. €14 total for the 2 applications (total 4 boluses) each time.
I tried a cow this evening as she was in the yard with a sick calf. No way could I hold her head up, like in the old days. Either I'm gone weaker or cows are stronger. Anyway, put rope halter on her and tied head more out straight than up. No bother do her once tied.

Anyway I was wondering how other people got on with them and if once a year, 6 weeks before calving would be enough, giving the cost and hassle of doing.

I’ve had luck with them anyway.been using them for about 3 years. I find them a lot cleaner than the growvite mineral dose.

Whatever cows I can handle, I do before calving and once in the summer. Every cow calved a month earlier this year. And in one cows case, she was calved 7 weeks earlier than last year.

I’ve a head scoop ordered off a local hardware store but they are struggling to get it in with lock down.

Lime Tree Farm

patsy_mccabe wrote: »

Vet recommended the above Allsure Cattle Bolus for my suckler cows as I was having a few repeats and calf health isn't great. A lot of scour and 2 cases of diphtheria.
He said to do them every 6 months as the effect lasts about 5 months. Also to give them 6 weeks before calving.
They are mad dear as you know. €14 total for the 2 applications (total 4 boluses) each time.
I tried a cow this evening as she was in the yard with a sick calf. No way could I hold her head up, like in the old days. Either I'm gone weaker or cows are stronger. Anyway, put rope halter on her and tied head more out straight than up. No bother do her once tied.

Anyway I was wondering how other people got on with them and if once a year, 6 weeks before calving would be enough, giving the cost and hassle of doing.

Vet recommended Animax Allsure bolus for here too. Only give the bolus prior to breeding season, otherwsie pre-calver mineral licks at housing.

Head scoop used here for bolus, dip the gun in water, slips down the throat much easier.

charolais0153

patsy_mccabe wrote: »

Vet recommended the above Allsure Cattle Bolus for my suckler cows as I was having a few repeats and calf health isn't great. A lot of scour and 2 cases of diphtheria.
He said to do them every 6 months as the effect lasts about 5 months. Also to give them 6 weeks before calving.
They are mad dear as you know. €14 total for the 2 applications (total 4 boluses) each time.
I tried a cow this evening as she was in the yard with a sick calf. No way could I hold her head up, like in the old days. Either I'm gone weaker or cows are stronger. Anyway, put rope halter on her and tied head more out straight than up. No bother do her once tied.

Anyway I was wondering how other people got on with them and if once a year, 6 weeks before calving would be enough, giving the cost and hassle of doing.

We were using them but switched to drenches, 6 weeks before calving. A lot more trace elements in it, and it is cheaper

Lime Tree Farm

charolais0153 wrote: »

We were using them but switched to drenches, 6 weeks before calving. A lot more trace elements in it, and it is cheaper

Have you the name of the drench.