Trace elements source of inspiration for discussion

The grass season to date has been dry on average; periodically even hot and stuffy. There is again talk of feeding rumen buffers for the cows, extra salt (Na) because of the higher need due to sweating, minimal MgO doses to support the rumen pH and so on. Trace elements are also a source of inspiration for discussion.   

Trace elements are certainly a good subject from a commercial point of view. Problem: you don't see them. In addition, shortages and excesses in most of the elements are not immediately visible. There are also major differences of opinion between individuals about the preferred method of provision. Is fertilizing the land (ie food for the plant) the best or is a mineral mixture (ie feed for the cow) better? The fact is that the needs of plants are considerably lower than the needs of productive livestock (milk and growth). However, what is the best method of provision? 

Differences
The naturally fertile clay soils (usually) contain many more trace elements and you do not have to worry about the provision for livestock and/or crops. The other extreme, the dry light sandy soils, naturally contain almost nothing. Corrections must be made on these grounds.

Getting trace elements into the cow via roughage is in principle the easiest and healthiest method; the elements are therefore easily absorbable. The big question is how great the efficiency is from manure to plant. Here the results are usually very disappointing and the costs are high. The first cut after fertilization often shows (slightly) higher contents, but the effect has already disappeared with the next cut. The recording also depends on the weather conditions. Spring 2020 is a good example of bad recording. However, you have had the costs! 

Research
If you opt for fertilization with trace elements, you should also make the choice to examine the pits for this. With due observance of margins of error, a mineral mixture of trace elements must still be added. Good silage research and a good ration calculation make it easy to manage the needs of the livestock at economically justifiable costs.

Source: PPP-Agro