New cobalt bolus helps sheep
A new bolus, which offers a long-lasting daily release of cobalt to sheep for up to a year, has been launched.
Cobalt deficiency is now occurring in areas that have not suffered from deficiency in the past because of recent prolonged periods of heavy rainfall.
The new bolus, forming part of the ‘Farmers Choice’ range from Cox Agri, is formulated to avoid peaks and troughs in supplementation.
Cobalt deficiency can have a serious effect on sheep, causing loss of appetite, poor growth rates, weight loss, reduced milk production, infertility and perinatal disease.
The clinical signs of Cobalt deficiency are most commonly observed during the late summer and autumn among weaned lambs at pasture. This is often identified from signs of lethargy, reduced appetite, poor wool condition and an open fleece combined with small body size and condition.
To discover whether cobalt deficiency is likely to be a problem, tests can be carried out on sheep, forage and soil. Livestock can be tested by blood tests or liver biopsies through vets, while forage tests and soil sampling can also be conducted. These tests should enable any corrective changes to be made at grass level and farmers should seek expert assistance in rectifying imbalances.
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