ANIMAL health company Elanco has launched a new injectable five-way mineral and vitamin product called MultiBoost with B12.

The formulation contains four essential trace minerals and Vitamin B12 in a convenient, low-volume injection.

It represents Elanco’s first move into broad spectrum trace mineral injectables, having previously concentrated on more specific products designed to correct local mineral deficiencies like copper or selenium.

Elanco’s cattle brand manager Kim Krilich said MultiBoost with B12 helped to optimise the health, fertility and performance of beef cattle by addressing potential sub-clinical mineral deficiencies.

“The intensification of modern livestock production systems means cattle sometimes can’t meet their metabolic requirements from the level or quality of feed available,” she said.

“Sub-clinical mineral deficiencies can occur during periods of high energy demand, such as in young, growing cattle or during mating, calving and lactation. The availability of trace minerals can also decline at certain times of the year, such as when cattle are grazing lush, rapidly-growing pastures,” Ms Krilich said.

Sub-clinical mineral deficiencies can also occur during prolonged wet conditions or stressful periods, such as weaning, when feed intake can be reduced.

MultiBoost with B12 had been developed specifically to address this need by ‘topping up’ levels of copper, manganese, selenium, zinc and Vitamin B12 during periods of high energy demand or stress, she said.

Copper has a role in iron metabolism, bone development, maintenance of elastic connective tissue, blood formation, disease resistance, reproduction/fertility and placental retention.

Manganese has a role in protein metabolism, disease resistance, bone and cartilage and connective tissue development, reproduction/fertility, ovulation, spermatogenesis and embryo survival.

Selenium has a role in preventing cellular oxidation, disease resistance, muscle function, reproduction/fertility, spermatogenesis, embryo survival and placental retention.

Zinc has a role in cell division, maintaining the integrity of skin and mucous membranes, hair and hooves and in wound healing, lung function, bone and cartilage development, disease resistance, reproduction/fertility, spermatogenesis, placental retention and udder function.

Vitamin B12 has a role in energy metabolism, DNA synthesis, red blood cell production, nervous system function and reproduction/fertility.

Vitamin B12 supplementation was highly beneficial for young, rapidly-growing cattle to support high growth rates and immune function, Ms Krilich said.

Young cattle had lower reserves of Vitamin B12 in their liver, making them more susceptible to deficiency, while breeding cows can benefit from Vitamin B12 supplementation to support health and production during high energy demand periods.

MultiBoost with B12 is administered as a low-volume, subcutaneous injection before critical periods of the production cycle.

The dose rate is 1 mL/50 kg in young cattle (up to 12 months of age); 1 mL/75 kg in yearlings 1–2 years and 1 mL/100 kg in adult cattle.

Individual treatment with a registered therapy such as MultiBoost with B12, was preferable to a ‘whole herd’ approach using feed or water additives to address potential sub-clinical mineral deficiencies, Ms Krilich said.

“Individual treatment helps to ensure each animal receives the correct dose according to bodyweight and eliminates the risk of oral antagonism that can interfere with the absorption or utilisation of trace minerals.”

“MultiBoost with B12 provides beef producers with a convenient way to boost essential trace minerals and Vitamin B12 in cattle to support health, fertility and performance.”

MultiBoost with B12 compliments Elanco’s existing range of mineral and vitamin deficiency treatments, including Cobalife VB12, Cobalife VB12 Plus Selenium, Selovin LA and Copperplan 20 Capsules.

Producers should consult with their vet or animal health advisor for supplementation advice specific to each situation.

Source: Elanco