Zinc
Zinc strengthens the keratin layer of hoofs (Andrieu,
2008). Also, zinc can repair small hoof injuries. Part
of the zinc inRuprominHoofguard is supplied in
organic formto improve the zinc absorption in the
intestinal tract of the cow. Zinc, in combination
withbiotin, produces strong hoof tissue.
Heat stress
Cowmay suffer heat stress in summer and
problems are compoundedby highhumidity. Cows
may even suffer heat stress in lowtemperatures
if humidity is high. Heat stressmay decrease
forage intakewhile the cow is still consuming
concentrates leading to increased risk of rumen
acidosis. RuprominBalance is an excellent solution
to this problem. To avoid reducedmilk production
andquality, andhoof and fertility disorders, high
amounts of easily fermentable carbohydrates
(concentrates containing a lot of cereal grains)
shouldbe avoided. Feeding rumen resistant fat
sources is a good solution.
Hyprofat
The energy content of the ration canbe improved
by feeding rumen resistant fat likeHyprofat. As it
is not brokendown in the rumen it achieves this
without the risk of rumen acidosis. The high energy
supply (3400VEM/kg) ensures that the decrease in
drymatter intake is counteredwhenHyprofat is
fed at only 300 to 500 gram. Considerably less heat
is producedwith the digestionof this by-pass fat
compared to the fermentationof cell wall material
and starch. Hyprofatmay be fed as a topdressing,
as it iswell-acceptedby the animal. Provimi also
hasHyproPower, which containsHyprofat, andhas
B vitamins to support the livermetabolism. The
performance and immune status of the animals are
maintainedby using these products.
Vitamins andminerals
A shortage or imbalance in the uptake of vitamins
andmineralswill be detrimental tohoof health.
Thiswas recognised in studies onDutch farms,
where the locomotion score improvedwhen
cows received extraminerals (Amory et al., 2006).
Ruprominminerals, like RuprominHoofguard, will
improve hoof health.
Biotin
The effect of biotinon various hoof disorderswas
demonstrated inmany different trials. Biotin is a
B vitamin that is produced in adequate amounts
in the rumenunder normal conditions (NRC, 2001).
If its production is reduced, perhaps by rumen
acidosis, additional biotin is required. Many trials
showthat hoof problems are reducedwhenbiotin
is included in the ration. (Green andMuelling, 2005).
Biotindecreases the occurrence of sole ulcers, white
line infection anddigital dermatitis. This decrease
results fromthe effect that biotinhas on the fatty
acidmetabolism, and on the productionof keratin,
bothneeded for the formationof strong andhard
hoofs.
Daily supplementationof RuprominHoofguard
provides the cowwith suffcient biotin to prevent
hoof problems.
4,0
3,5
3,0
2,5
2,0
1,5
1,0
0,5
0,0
Rupromin Balance Sodium bicarbonate
Figure 1. Acid required for decrease from pH 6 to pH 5
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