RUMENSIN APPROVED FOR
LACTATING DAIRY CATTLE
Rumensin was cleared for
lactating dairy cows in early November, 2004. Many questions are
now arising concerning the Rumensin label and its interpretation.
The label states, "Feed continuously to dry and lactating dairy
cows a total mixed ration (complete feed) containing 11 to 22g/ton
of monensin on a 100% dry matter basis.
The responsibility for
interpretation of the label in Wisconsin rests with the Wisconsin
Dept of Ag Trade and Consumer Protection. At this point the
label is being interpreted as written by Elanco.
This interpretation thus means the following as extracted from
correspondence from WDATCP to feed manufactures.
- Level of monensin is 11-22 grams per ton of dry matter.
- Monensin must be mixed into a TMR (complete feed).
- It's not recommended to produce a TMR from a type B feed containing
more than 1440 grams per ton of monensin.
- Dairy producers, using monensin , should have in place a
comprehensive nutrition and herd health program.
- Monensin can not be hand fed or top dressed it must be mixed
into a TMR.
- Feeding undiluted or mixing errors resulting in high concentrations
of monensin have been fatal to cattle.
Regarding the issues
above.
Item 3: A type B feed is
a feed that a mill or feed manufacturer would mix prior to incorporation
into a TMR.
Item 5: This would indicate
that monensin is not labeled in Wisconsin to be utilized by dairy
producers without TMR technologies. Dairy producers without TMR
technology would therefore be at a competitive disadvantage. Likewise
if other states interpret the new Rumensin label differently,
component fed Wisconsin herds would potentially be at a competitive
disadvantage nationally. The Rumensin claim is for small increases
in feed efficiency which mean, less feed intake combined with
a small potential increase in milk yield.
Item 6: Feeding high levels
of monensin can result in death or severe short term illness in
dairy cows so Rumensin needs to be fed at proper levels. Dairy
producers must know the dry matter intake of their cows to properly
feed Rumensin. In general dairy cattle would be fed 200-400mg/day
of Rumensin. When Rumensin has been fed to 600-700lbs steers
health problems started to occur at levels >1000mg/hd/day and
death occurred at 2000 mg/ hd /day. These data simply highlight
the importance of proper mixing procedures and knowing dry matter
intake. Rumensin is extremely toxic at low levels to horses 1g/day.
Dairyman mixing Rumensin into their TMRs are subject to good feed
manufacturing practices as described by the FDA.
Some suggestions regarding
issues of feeding Rumensin to lactating dairy cows.
Dairy producers must have
good records and information on dry matter intake.
Answer questions and issues
as it is stated on the label. Rumensin has many clearances in
many different countries. Internationally Rumensin has label claims
for bloat prevention, as an aid in the control of ketosis etc.
These are not US clearances. The Rumensin label here is for an
improvement in feed efficiency in lactating dairy cows. Rumensin
has been around for a long time. It is not a new product but it
is a drug and needs to be handled and mixed properly.
Lactating cow responses
to Rumensin are small. As described previously a 1 lb/day decrease
in feed intake with a 1lb increase in milk yield. This results
in the feed efficiency claim.
Rumensin is economical
and cost effective to feed unless it is coupled with high cost
non-effective feed ingredients.
For label interpretation
and guidance contact Eric Nelson at the Wisconsin
Dept of Ag and Trade
and Consumer Protection (608) 224-4539.
For product information
including the label, research results and toxicology contact Sam
Fleming at Elanco. (800)
635-2626 voice mailbox 84621075.
Finally, we should fully
expect there to be some controversy to emerge in the Wisconsin
dairy industry based on the issues I have outlined above. Please
make sure you are "up to speed" on current issues and
stay abreast of any possible changes regarding the Rumensin label
and its interpretation.
Patrick Hoffman - Dairy Scientist
(715) 387-2523, ext. 108
pchoffma@wisc.edu
Soil and Forage Analysis Laboratory
2611 East 29th Street
Marshfield, WI 54449
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