The effect of Fourplex® on gain and health of newly arrived calves

Date

2010-09-15T16:34:42Z

Authors

Brazle, F.K.
Stokka, Gerald L.

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

Abstract

Two trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of Fourplex®, a trace mineral supplement, on long-hauled stocker calves. In each trial, Fourplex was added to the ration of lightweight, long-hauled calves in four pens, while calves in another four pens served as controls. Additionally, every other calf that became sick, regardless of feed treatment, was drenched with a solution of Fourplex in Trial I and a Cu, Zn, Mn+Co solution in Trial II. Fourplex in the feed did not improve ADG, reduce morbidity, or reduce the number o f treatments required per sick animal. In Trial II , Fourplex-fed calves that became sick required more treatments (P<.12) during the first 2 weeks; however, during the third and fourth weeks, they required fewer treatments (P <.03). In Trial I, sick calves drenched with Fourplex required more treatments. In Trial II, drenching with a Cu, Zn, Mn+Co solution resulted in an increase in treatments per sick calf during the fourth week. In these trials, Fourplex did not significantly increase performance or reduce sickness.

Description

Keywords

Beef, Fourplex®, Copper, Zinc, Trace minerals

Citation