ANIMAL health and nutrition company Alltech has increased the production of its controlled released, non-protein nitrogen source Optigen II at its Forbes, NSW, production facility.
Originally developed by Cornell University, Optigen II has been used worldwide for more than 10 years in both the beef and dairy industries to enhance rumen performance.
Optigen II is nitrogen crystals wrapped in a fat matrix. It works by providing a sustained source of nitrogen within the rumen, enabling the rumen’s fibre digesting bacteria to breakdown fibrous material which can be utilised by the animal. Is it considered far more efficient than urea which is effective for only about an hour after consumption.
Alltech Oceania ruminant sales and marketing manager Dr Susanne Roth said a sustained-release of nitrogen was extremely important for Australia and New Zealand systems, where cows face changes in pasture quality as well as long feed-intake gaps,” Dr Roth said.
“Optigen II gives dairy and beef cattle farms, feed mills and consultants more freedom to maintain production over challenging periods and achieve higher profitability.
“Optigen II can be used over the top of existing diets to increase overall protein content, which is particularly relevant if there is a shortage of protein due to poor quality pasture.
“Optigen II can be used to reformulate diets, increasing soluble nitrogen in the diet, which means improved digestibility and more microbial protein, thus improved production of milk or meat.”
Alltech Oceania ruminant team general manager Rob McFarlane said both Australian and New Zealand farmers faced extreme seasons, a unique mixture of management systems and global market milk challenges that made it hard to produce consistent, profitable milk or beef.
“The Alltech On-farm support team provides technical support, working with farmers to identify challenges on farm and improve productivity in cows and beef cattle,” Mr McFarlane said.
“We are proud to expand the existing Lienert facility in Forbes, helping us continue to meet the needs of our customers.”
Alltech is offering free on-farm audits of feeding systems. Contact Toby Doak, 0408 304 914, or Sally Cudmore, 0439 341 156.