Be-Long Corporation’s Blog

An acid is any chemical compound that, when dissolved in water, gives a solution with a pH less than 7.0. Acid is any compound that donates H+ ions to another compound (called a base). Acid isn’t living so its not vegan. It doesn’t grown on a tree, come from ground or come from animal. It can be made through chemical reactions.

Calcium dihydrogen phosphate (monocalcium phosphate) is acidic and is used to balance the other common leavening agent Baking soda (Sodium Bicarbonate) that is alkalic.

Monocalcium phosphate is a fod additive, which is classified as GRAS
(Generally Recognized As Safe). This means that based on its histroy of use
no food safety problems have been shown to occur with this chemical at the
levels commonly used in foods. It is used in bread, rolls, and buns,
artifically sweetened fruit jelly, canned potatoes, canned sweet peppers,
canned tomatoes and as a jelling agent. In the canned products it provides
calcium which has been shown to maintain the firmness of friuts and
vegetables during the canning process.It also provides a source of calcium
which aids in the jelling of artifically sweetened friut jellies. It acts
as a dough conditioner in bakery products. If you have access to the Food
and Drug Administration website, they have a list of all of the approved
food additives along with their functions in various food products.

Heavy pest infestation makes maize plants more susceptible to fungal infections. As a result, food and animal feed is more severely contaminated with fungal toxins. Effective measures to combat pests therefore often have a positive side-effect in that they also reduce mycotoxin levels. This applies to Bt maize as well. The finding from a trial series in Germany is confirmed by an international metastudy.

Cultivation trials: Bt maize has lowest mycotoxin levels

Prof. Andreas Schier of Nürtingen-Geislingen University has been conducting systematic cultivation trials with genetically modified maize for years. Among other things, these involved measuring mycotoxin levels.

Summary evaluation of international studies

The results published by Andreas Schier in the latest issue of MAIS are also confirmed by international studies. Felicia Wu of Pittsburgh University (USA) evaluated a large number of studies from various countries that had investigated the relationship between Bt plants and mycotoxin levels in harvest produce.

     * In the case of aflatoxins, a particularly toxic group of mycotoxins, the lessening effect of Bt maize is
         not as pronounced, and was found in only three out of seven studies. Aflatoxins are produced by
         various types of Aspergillus, which enter the plants primarily through the stigma. In North America,
         Aspergillus fungi are mainly transferred from pests that are not controlled by Bt maize.

As we studied how finisher pigs perform in large groups we have also studied their eating behaviour. Our reasons for this extend beyond our interest in feed intake, to questions we have on how pigs perceive their environment and the impact that could have on our management. For example, when we first started working with larger groups, in this case 80 pigs in a pen, two theories existed for how pigs interacted with this large space. One theory was that to avoid unfamiliar pigs and aggression, the animals would restrict their movement to a limited area of the pen. We would call this a territory. We used 8 feeders in the pen of 80 pigs, and spaced these evenly along one of the long walls of the rectangular pen. Of 60 pigs that we observed, 80% visited all 8 of the feeders during a 24-hr period. All of the pigs ate from at least 6 of the feeders. This eating behaviour demonstrated that the pigs were not territorial, but used the entire pen. The implication was that resources, such as feed and water, did not have to be located throughout the pen, but could be concentrated, perhaps in a food-court.

Our studies on eating behaviour of pigs in large groups have demonstrated that pigs make use of the entire pen, visiting most if not all feeders regularly. The inquisitiveness leading to this extensive use of the pen is evident in a large number of feeder visits during the first week, and may contribute to poor initial growth in the system. When feeders are concentrated in one area of the pen, making it more difficult to get to a feeder, pigs in large groups reduce their number of meals, but compensate by having longer meals. The adaptability of pigs in large groups allows us to broaden the scope of our management options to include not only large groups, but also concentrated feeding areas within the pen.

The hot days in May are a reminder the heat of summer is coming. As we move into June, July, August and even September the hot days of summer will challenge our dairy cows. It is not too early to begin making changes in your diets to help cows manage the stresses of heat and humidity.

Total feed intake has a big impact on the amount of heat produced by the cow during the digestion of feedstuffs. During hot weather, high feed intakes contribute greatly to the heat stress of cows and therefore, the natural reaction of the cow is to decrease feed intake. Diet changes to higher fermentable carbohydrates and decreased fiber during summer months has been one approach to keep both feed and energy intakes up. However, this approach can result in acidosis as cows will ruminate less reducing the amount of saliva produced to buffer the rumen. In addition, the buffering capacity of the saliva is lowered during heat stress as cows lose bicarbonate, the buffering component in saliva, thorough urination and increased panting. Therefore, any potential benefit to maintaining feed and energy intakes by increasing fermentable carbohydrates in diets could be negated by acidosis.

Fats are high in energy and digestibility which results in less heat produced during digestion than with other feeds. The addition of 2 to 3% fat to diets, particularly rumen inert fats and whole cottonseed, can help maintain energy intake as feed intakes decrease.

Cows lose potassium and sodium in response to heat stress. Potassium is lost through sweat while sodium is excreted via urine to balance the loss of potassium. Increasing potassium to 1.5% or greater and sodium to 0.5% of the diet dry matter (DM) is recommended during heat stress periods. Sodium levels can be achieved by feeding 4 ounces of salt plus 8 ounces or more of sodium bicarbonate. Balancing for dietary cation anion differences (DCAD) is another way of accounting for these two elements. A DCAD for lactating cows above +30 milliequivalents (mEq) per 100 grams of DM should be the target during summer months. Magnesium should be 0.35% of the diet DM or greater as high dietary potassium levels inhibit magnesium absorption from the rumen.

The best time to feed cows is evening. The effect of body heat produced during feed digestion during the evening and nighttime will have the lowest additive effect on environmental induced heat stress. Also, feeds will remain fresher in the bunk longer during nighttimes than during the day.

Protein and particularly rumen degradable protein should not be overfed during summer months. Feeding protein above requirements increases the workload of the liver and kidney to excrete the extra nitrogen increasing energy requirements and body heat production. Keeping total crude protein in the diet to around 17% with about 60% of the protein being rumen degradable and evaluating amino acid balance is a good heat stress protein feeding strategy.

Other additives.Rumen stabilizing and digestion aids like yeast cultures, fungal products and buffers have been shown to be beneficial during heat stress periods. And don’t forget about hoof health. Recent research from Wisconsin indicates cows will be on their feet up to 16 hours a day under heat stress conditions. The foot environment also will be wetter from more urination and possibly sprinklers. Consider feed additives such as zinc methionine and biotin along with regular foot bath usage to help maintain good hoof health.

Water is the most important nutrient of all to minimize heat stress. Cows need access to plenty of clean fresh water. Water intake can increase 50% above normal levels during heat stress. Drinking water helps cool off cows as it is a heat sink drawing body heat into the water to warm it after ingestion giving a cooling feeling to cows. Cows prefer to drink water that has a temperature of about 70 degrees.

The world’s biggest ruminant nutrition specialist Provimi is to visit Winslow to see the success of a calf feed innovation.

Mid Canterbury agribusiness company Winslow has developed a way that farmers can use the whole milk on hand to feed calves but still get the nutritional benefits that are in the powdered milk supplements.

The innovation, called NuStart Milk Additive, is the first of its type in the country and, according to Provimi which was a partner in development, the first in the world.

Winslow nutritionist Dr Rob Derrick was part of the team that developed NuStart Milk Additive. He says milk alone will not bring a calf to optimum condition in its first three months.

“Unsupplemented milk is not enough because calves are not getting the many small milk feeds per day they would get from mum, and they are kept in large groups with increased risk of disease. You only have to look at the anaemic, lethargic calves produced under milk-only veal systems to appreciate that.

“Research has shown the first 12 weeks is key to a calf´s lifelong potential as a dairy cow. It is a critical period for rumen development and calves are most at risk of immune-related problems and disease. It is also the most efficient period for daily live weight gain.”

But with feed costs rising by the week, many dairy farmers will want to make best use of milk they have available while still wanting their calves to reach target growth rates and do well post weaning.

 Developed by Provimi - one of the World´s largest premix manufacturers - NuStart provides calves with the benefits of an effective prebiotic, etheric oils (from herbs and spices) and functional fibre that helps optimum rumen development, sets them up to go onto grass earlier and put on maximum weight.

Winslow group sales and marketing manager Grant Hay said Winslow initially added NuStart to its hard feed in 2004, with good results. In 2006 Winslow had the idea of enabling farmers to add it to whole milk and asked Provimi to help trial it.

Provimi is the largest ruminant feed company in the world and world leader in development of animal nutrition solutions. With over 100 plants in 30 countries, Provimi´s 8000 employees include 600 scientists.

Now after 12 months of NuStart Milk Additive being used by South Island customers, Winslow has had unprecedented feedback from customers, Mr Hay said. Feedback included calves reaching 100kg 10 days earlier than previous seasons despite a poor spring, calves were heavier and required cheaper input costs to achieve target weights.

“Due to the huge amount of positive feedback from the field and the unprecedented demand we are experiencing, Winslow has recently negotiated a distribution deal so NuStart Milk Additive has become available nationwide through CRT and Farmlands.

“There´s real interest out there from distributors and customers because there is nothing else like it on the market. It´s giving calves the start of a lifetime.

“At Winslow we are farmers as well as product developers. We source tools and apply technology to enhance farmers´ productivity, profit and peace of mind. With our new NuStart Milk Additive we have a cost effective whole milk additive that´s making a real difference to the way farmers view rearing calves.”

Detailed trials by Provimi have demonstrated repeatedly that NuStart in milk outperforms a range of alternative additives. NuStart Milk Additive promotes gut development, stimulates digestion, encourages feed intake, reduces incidence of scouring, minimises disease challenge, and increases daily live weight gain. Its ingredients are natural, non-GM and free from antibiotic digestive enhancers.

“It´s not just about getting what you can out of your stock, it´s also about looking out for their health and welfare and ensuring they are in the best condition possible,” Dr Derrick said.

“All that adds up to peace of mind, which farmers certainly need more of these days. It is especially pleasing to hear farmers say that heifers that benefited from NuStart as calves are now entering the herd well grown and capable of holding their own. ”

Provimi´s technical manager Norman Downey will be in New Zealand next week to see the results of NuStart Milk Additive and meet with distributors and customers.

Experience and ResearchThis discussion is in response to the numerous questions from people wanting more information about DCP (Dicalcium phosphate or Dibasic Calcium Phosphate). Our position appears to be contrary to the majority of manufacturers and distributors of nutritional products. our decision is based on research and years of experience watching results of dietary supplement intake on hair mineral analysis reports. The Origin of DCP Mined from deposits within the earth’s crust, calcium phosphate is known by many synonyms such as “lime,” “hardware lime,” “calcium lime” or “dolomite.” Mixed samples of the substance may have a high percentage of impurities imbedded in them which may be harmful. For instance, one of the compounds found in DCP may be lead. Dolomite, in particular, has been singled out as containing a high percentage of lead. While we refer to DCP as Dicalcium phosphate, the term is used broadly to include all forms of calcium phosphate. Some deposits may be slightly higher proportionately as regards to particular ingredients. Whatever the differences, all are considered forms of calcium phosphate and act metabolically in a similar manner.Retrieved from “http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dicalcium_phosphate“ 

This fact sheet has been developed to support the implementation of the Natural Resources Conservation Service Feed Management 592 Practice Standard. The Feed Management 592 Practice Standard was adopted by NRCS in 2003 as another tool to assist with addressing resource concerns on livestock and poultry operations. Feed management can assist with reducing the import of nutrients to the farm and reduce the excretion of nutrients in manure.Phosphorus (P) is one of the essential minerals for all animals. It plays a critical role in cellular metabolism, as a part of the energy currency of the cell, in cellular regulatory mechanisms, and in bone. Bone is the main storage organ for P containing 85% of the body’s total P. Through its involvement in these metabolic and structural processes, P is essential for animals to attain their optimum genetic potential in growth and feed efficiency as well as skeletal development. Because of the key role of P in bone development and mineralization, the requirements of the animal for this mineral are highest during the time the animal is growing.In diets of non-ruminant animals, such as broilers, the challenge in P nutrition is how to best make available to the animal, the P that is present in the diet. Most poultry diets are primarily composed of plantbased ingredients. In plants, P is present in different forms such as attached to organic molecules like phospholipids and proteins but most is present as part of the phytic acid molecule. Phytic acid P is variably available to poultry (0 to 50%), and in order to meet the meet the P needs of the bird, inorganic P must be added to the diet. The enzyme, phytase, can liberate much of this P. (For further information on phytase and other P reduction strategies, please refer to Phytase and Other Phosphorus Reducing Feed Ingredients Factsheet.)

There exists a great deal of confusion related to the terms used for the different forms of P. Total P (tP) is generally referred to as P and encompasses any and all forms of P. Available P (aP) refers to the P that is absorbed from the diet into the animal (i.e., feed P minus P within the distal ileum). Retained P refers to the P that stays in the body (i.e., feed P minus excreta P).Available P values have to be determined by conducting animal availability trials that are time consuming and costly. Nutrient requirements of poultry are averages and can have large error factors associated with them. These errors are present, in part, because biological availability is not a static number. Biological availability of P can vary depending on dietary factors such as the level of other nutrients (calcium, vitamin D, micro-minerals, etc.) in the diet, the relationship between the level of other nutrients and P in the diet as well as the type and level of P in the diet. Other factors affecting availability are environment, management, and age as well as sex, strain, and health status of the animal. As mentioned earlier, most of the P in seed-based plant ingredients is present in the phytin molecule and is referred to as PP. The P that is not bound to the phytin molecule is referred to as non-phytin P (nPP). This nPP can be chemically determined by subtracting analyzed PP from analyzed tP. Typically, total P is determined via inductively coupled spectroscopy (ICP) or colormetrically. Diet concentration of PP is much more difficult and can determined through different chromatographic methods. Notably, PP can not be analyzed via NIR. A key difference between aP and nPP is that the term aP includes absorbed inorganic as well as organic P (including PP), whereas the nPP excludes any available PP.

Phosphorus Availability for Utilization from Inorganic and organic sources

Inorganic sources. Before going any further, it is important to clarify terms related to P levels and availability in inorganic feed ingredients. Most reports published on the availability of P in inorganic sources use the concept/method of “biological value”. Biological value of inorganic sources refers to the relative P availability, relative to a “standardized” P source (typically monosodium phosphate), which is usually given a 100% relative biological value. Often these trials are conducted utilizing a) slope response or b) in vitro solubility in water, acid, or ammonium citrate. “Biological value”,owever, is often confused with “digestibility” or “availability” of that source. Most of the literature typically utilizes the “biological value” approach for determining the relative “value” of an ingredient, but often does not measure the digestibility of the P source. The few reports that have measured digestibility of P from inorganic sources have noted that they can range from 87% for monocalcium phosphate to 76% for defluorinated phosphate
 Retainable P determined through broken line slope response.
Notably, when most of these studies determined apparent retention of P from each of the inorganic sources noted above, the majority of studies were within the deficiency range. As such, Leske and Coon noted dramatic reductions in retention from monocalcium phosphate as the phosphorus concentration approached the requirement (98% at half of the requirement to 59% retention at requirement). Waldroup (2002) noted that nearly 50% of excreted P, therefore, is likely of inorganic origin.Generally, P must be in the phosphate form to be absorbed by poultry and swine. As phosphates are heated, pyro- and meta- complexes are formed which greatly reduce the availability of inorganic sources. Other factors that substantially affect inorganic P source availability include: hydration of source, particle size (larger size typically increases availability), and contaminants (complexing with elements such as aluminum can reduce availability).Organic Sources. Phytin-P content in grains can be highly variable. Factors influencing this variability are still unknown, but soil and environmental factors may affect this content (Cossa et al., 1997, Raboy and Dickinson, 1993). Raboy and Dickinson (1993) reported that the magnitude of the effect of soil P on soybean seed phytic acid was variety specific. Regardless of variety they found that phytic acid content increased as soil P availability increased. Non-phytic acid P levels in the seed, however, did not change. There is also limited information on potential variability in the availability of PP within an ingredient and on how diet manufacturing process may affect this availability. Variability in PP content in grains and relative bioavailability and digestibility from inorganic P sources has led to substantial safety margins in commercial diet formulation. For all practical purposes, these over-formulations may have the greatest influence on total and soluble P content of in excreta and litter.

The NRC (1994) nPP recommendations for broilers are based on peer-reviewed research published between 1952 and 1983 . But, the present commercial bird is very different from commercial birds available prior to 1983, due in part to genetic selection as well as management practice changes and feed related changes (Havenstein et al., Numerous studies have recently been conducted to determine P requirement for young broilers up to three-week of age when phytase was added to the diet. Limited research has been done to determine the P requirement in the finisher and withdrawal phases either with or without phytase. The most recent information on the P requirement of broilers is presented in Table 4. 1994; Williams et al., 2000).

CLICK HERE TO ENLARGE THE IMAGEOne of the important factors to be kept in mind while determining requirements for different phases is the carry-over effect of previous nutrition. When the bird is fed a sufficient amount of P and Ca during the starter, grower and finisher phases, the removal of any added nPP and Ca in the withdrawal phase, will not affect the performance of the bird (Skinner et al., 1992a and b; Angel et al., 2000a), but can have effects on bone integrity and well-being of the bird. When the bird is fed sufficient P during earlier phases and less than the P required, in the later phases, then P from bone will be used to meet the other P needs of the body. The degree and length of mineral deficiency is important as both of these determine the structural integrity of bone. The question remains to be answered as to what level of bone integrity is needed such that no changes in processing plant downgrades versus current levels are observed. If bone integrity is compromised by feeding low levels of dietary nPP, then processing losses related to breakage of femurs, broken drumsticks, cartilage separation associated with the rib cage, blood splash of meats and fractures could increase (Moran and Todd, 1994; Chen and Moran, 1995).

Of all the poultry species, the laying hen industry feeds typically much more P relative to the requirement, largely because of concerns of inadequate mineralization of egg shells and skeletal abnormalities resulting in poor egg production, morbidity, and mortality. Due to previous selection of certain laying hens strains for early maturation and increased egg size, hens are, therefore, typically fed 350 to 450 mg of nPP/hen/day what recent research considers to be nearly twice what is required .As mentioned previously, valid industry concerns are variation in diet intake and variation in ingredient P content exist. Assuming the cost of dicalcium phosphate of $370 a ton, producers could save $1489 per year per 100,000 hens on dicalcium phosphate for every 100 mg/hen/day reduction in hen nPP intake.

Turkey Phosphorus Requirements

Despite the NRC (1994) recommendations being based on turkey experiments from 1954 to 1986. They appear to be consistent with the current needs of the turkey (Roberson et al., 2000; Roberson and Fulton, 2000; Thompson et al. 2002). The current NRC (1994) recommendations for turkeys are listed in Table 6. As mentioned with the other specie, valid concerns of the industry for variation in diet intake, intestinal health affecting nutrient digestibility and absorption, and variation in ingredient P content exist. The turkey industry also has long standing problems with skeletal integrity. Currently, this issue is at the forefront as femur breakage is occurring during the latter phases of turkey tom production (15 + weeks of age).

Oxytocin is frequently used to decrease farrowing time and birth interval as an aid to prevent stillbirths, but recent research has shown that oxytocin use can increase the number of pigs stillborn when used too early in the birth process. The research indicated that the reason for increased stillbirths was an increased number of ruptured umbilical cords, leading to compromise of the pigs’ oxygen supply during the birth process. Oxytocin usage should be limited to older-parity sows and the last half of the birth order. IntroductionSwine producers use oxytocin to shorten farrowing time and the interval between each pig born. A 1995 National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) study indicates that 8.2% of swine producers administer oxytocin to all sows farrowed. Oxytocin is a hormone produced in the hypothalamus and excreted by the pituitary gland. It has numerous functions, but the two most known are for the milk letdown reflex and for stimulation of uterine contractions. Oxytocin stimulation of uterine contractions will decrease the interval between piglet births, and is used on many farms as an intervention to reduce stillbirths and aid in the farrowing process. But administering oxytocin before the cervix is fully dilated or the first pig is born can lead to dystocia or difficult birth. Improper oxytocin use can also cause an increased number of stillbirths by causing ruptured umbilical cords that lead to decreased oxygen delivery to the piglet during birth.Discussion

A stillbirth is defined as a piglet that is normally developed but dies shortly after or during parturition and does not breath. Stillbirth numbers are typically higher in olderparity sows, and generally occur later in the birth order. In one study, for example, 75% of stillbirths were recorded after the 8th pig was born when sows were allowed to farrow without intervention. In contrast, this same study indicated that 88% of stillbirths were recorded before the 5th pig was born when sows were administered a single dose of oxytocin after the first pig was born.An evaluation of the risk factors for stillbirths on two commercial swine farms in Brazil indicated that use of oxytocin increased the risk for stillbirth. A total of 101 litters were evaluated from the first farm, and 373 litters were evaluated on the second farm. The data indicated that the percentage of litters with one or more stillbirths was increased on each of the farms when oxytocin was given to the sow some time during the birth process  
 
Data from a prospective study indicated that stillbirths per litter were significantly increased after the administration of a single dose of oxytocin . The control sows were allowed to farrow without intervention. The oxytocin group is the mean of two different oxytocin sources; the sows were administered a single dose of oxytocin after the first pig had been born. All births were attended, and the pigs were classified as live or stillborn. Presence of meconium staining and umbilical cord hemorrhage also were evaluated. Meconium staining is an indicator of inspiratory effort, either in the uterus or birth canal, when the piglet has low levels of blood oxygen. As expected, the total farrowing time and interval between piglet births was reduced in sows administered oxytocin . But the numbers of intrapartum stillborn deaths and ruptured umbilical cords per litter were significantly greater among the sows treated with oxytocin than among the control sows. Also, severe meconium staining was more prevalent in live-born and stillborn pigs born of treated sows. Meconium staining is a good indicator that the piglets are oxygen deprived. The study suggests that oxytocin administration was causing umbilical cord injury that compromised delivery of oxygen to the piglet during the birth process, which caused stillbirth deaths.Although improper use of oxytocin has potentially negative implications, it also can be beneficial to the farrowing process to stimulate uterine contractions and prevent stillbirths in older sows. The recommended dosage is ?cc (10 IU) to stimulate uterine contraction. Larger doses frequently are used, but larger doses will not improve the efficiency of oxytocin usage. The following are further recommendations for properly using oxytocin:* Administer oxytocin only after the cervix is fully dilated
 * Limit usage in gilt litters
 * For a normally farrowing sow, do not use oxytocin until a minimum of 6 pigs have been born
 *Use oxytocin when a sow has not had a piglet for more than 40 minutes
 *Only use a maximum of two doses per sow

Oxytocin should not be used as a substitute for obstetrical assistance. Indicators of need for obstetrical assistance are bloody discharge from the vulva, no piglets born in at least 40 minutes, obvious pain or straining, or a history of stillbirths.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION:

Appearance:             free flowing grey granular material.Odor:                      odorless.Blend:                     75% monocalcium phosphate and 19% dicalcium phosphate approximately.  GUARANTEED ANALYSIS:

 TYPICAL CHEMICAL ANALYSIS:

 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:

Phosphorus and calcium are essential macro-elements.There is a close functional relationship between calcium, phosphorus and magnesium, which makes them inseparable.It is precisely under the forms Ca⁺⁺ and Mg⁺⁺ (bivalent cations) and PO₄^3-(anion) that this close relationship is established. We always have to keep in mind their interrelations. A transition problem with one of them will influence the balance of the other two.It is one of the constituents of the bone structure.Under the phosphoric acid form, it is part of the structural elements of protoplasm.Under the ATP form, it serves as an accumulator and energy transmitter.Phosphates are essential to the maintenance of the extra cellular liquids acido-basic balance. They act as buffers in the blood, saliva, rumen liquor and other liquids.At the kidney level, phosphates intervene in the excretion of H⁺ or Na⁺ whether it tends to be acid or alkaline.Calcium is one of the fundamental constituents of protoplasm and structures such as bones, tendons and ligaments.It plays an important role in the conditioning of the membrane permeability.It plays an essential role in controlling neuromuscular excitability.In blood, calcium is mainly found in the plasma.Ionised calcium is of great importance in blood coagulation, heart functions, muscles andnerve functions and coagulum formation in the abomasum of the young ruminant.It activates a great number of enzymatic systems. (esterases, dehydrogenases, ATPase, etc…)