14 May 2012

2 minute read

Europe

The failure to get cows quickly back in to calf, in combination with high replacement rates, can significantly reduce dairy farm profits. This new app, which is downloadable for iPhone, android and iPad, shows dairy farmers the financial benefits of shortening the calving interval and reducing the number of replacement heifers in their herds. The solution to achieving these benefits is through the dietary supplementation of ROVIMIX® ß-Carotene.

The ß-Carotene status of the herd can be assessed with DSM’s unique iCheck® technology. DSM’s iCheck® technology measures the cow’s ß-Carotene status by means of a rapid blood plasma test. Deficient cows can be easily detected, and the amount of ROVIMIX® ß-Carotene supplementation necessary to improve herd fertility can thus be accurately quantified on any farm.

The Fertility Improvement Profit Calculator is easy to use. In the first step, the farmer fills in a simple form describing the current situation in terms of herd size, calving interval, milk yield, cows culled, heifer replacement cost and milk price. In the second step, the farmer uses a slider to visualise the financial impact of shortening the calving interval. Using another slider then gives the potential savings in the cost of raising heifers when the replacement rate is reduced. The extra profit from shortening the calving interval and lowering the replacement rate is presented as an annual cost saving.

Available also at www.rovimixbetacarotene.com, the Fertility Improvement Profit Calculator is available in English, Italian, French, Spanish, German, Korean, Japanese and Chinese. The various language versions are adapted to the relevant market parameters and currencies. A CD with the tool has also been rolled out successfully – in part by means of joint marketing initiatives with customers, who have been quick to realize the potential benefits for their own farmers and feed advisors.

Dr Irmgard Immig, Global Category Manager Ruminants, DSM Nutritional Products comments: “Our Unique Fertility Solution ROVIMIX® ß-Carotene and iCheck® is now complemented by the Fertility Improvement Profit Calculator. Making the calculator also available as a free app is another example of DSM’s Bright Science, Brighter Living. It gives dairy farmers – wherever they may be - access to a tool that allows them to quickly and easily project the extra returns that may come about with improved reproductive performance.”

TheCattleSite News Desk