29/08/2024
Wow; what a tragic way to learn that the pellets you were feeding your cattle in good faith, could have such dire consequences!
Our hearts go out to you Onward Murray Greys!
It was one of those gut wrenching days back in mid May. One dead heifer and 2 heifers with sudden blindness from a mob of 8.
When multiple cases of unexplained death and illness occur within a mob, you need answers. And quickly.
The original post which explains the circumstances at the time I will add in the comments.
I promised you the results.
Cause of death and blindness. Polioencephalomalacia (PEM).
In short, a sudden disease of the brain caused by an excess of sulphur in the diet leading to a defiency of thiamine and consequent brain swelling resulting in possible fitting (and death) and optical nerve swelling leading to blindness.
With no cases of PEM ever having been recorded on the farm, no high sulphur content species in the pasture, no mineral block supplements provided, the only obvious cause of excessive dietary sulphur was the DDG (Dried Distillers Grain) pellets that were being fed as a supplement in preparation for the sale of the heifers as future stud breeders.
The DDG was tested and indeed, sulphur content came back at 0.55%. The maximum recommended safe level is 0.4% DM (dry matter) of the diet.........
Unfortunately, I will not comment further on the cause of the heifers' demise, due to David and Goliath parallels, but you draw your own conclusions.
I would like to know though, why is there not a warning provided to producers on the feeding of DDG and what can happen?
How can grain purchased from a reputable manufacturer be in excess of recommended levels of ANY ingredient, without a warning supplied?
Why do I have to take such a kick in the guts with no recompense? Oh wait, the feed manufacturer did offer a "gesture of good will" in providing a credit to the value of the bulka bag of grain (around $780). That actually felt like salt in a wound to be honest.
It was a financial burden to this business of around $9000, given vet costs, lab testing and loss of saleable heifers.
These things happen to every producer. Unexpected losses, new deadly scenarios, disease outbreak, the list goes on.
The trick is to learn to roll with the punches- even the gut punches that knock you to the floor.
From my point of view, it helps to know they happen to everyone. I just wish everyone would speak out so we don't feel so damn responsible, alone and at fault when we do get such a knock down.
This cattle breeding lark? It most certainly is not, all rainbows and lollipops.
