RumenX

The next generation in superior rumen development in calves

The next generation of your herd starts with the calves you rear.  To get the best start, and set a platform for future production, RumenX offers advanced rumen development technology along with a customized calf rearing system.  With the added benefits of earlier weaning, less labour and an easy to handle product, RumenX is the easy option in high quality starter rations for your calves this season.
 

The benefits of the RumenX product and system:   

• Earlier weaning and improved feed conversion efficiency means calves consume considerably less milk (84L) to achieve similar growth rates to calves reared on traditional 6 week early weaning systems.
• Reduced labour costs and time, as calves are on once-a-day milk feeding earlier in life (19 days) and are completely weaned from milk at 32 days old (day 28 of the RumenX system).
• The feed requires no mixing, is easy to store and handle and is highly palatable with little wastage, as it is stable and doesn’t need to be replaced daily.
• Calves consume RumenX more rapidly than other dry feeds.
• Extensive research has shown that calves weaned from milk at 32 days of age can still meet growing, mating and calving live weight targets. They also perform exceptionally well during and beyond their first lactation. Ongoing feed conversion benefits and an improved immune system have also been observed. 
• Too much milk in days 14-28 increases rumen movement leading to scours. With the reduction of milk on the RumenX system the incidence of nutritional scours is greatly reduced.

How does it work?

The RumenX product and rearing system work in conjunction to deliver the best benefits to your future herd.

RumenX pellet-like feed is introduced as the first dry feed to calves from 4 to 5 days of age.

Gradually, the RumenX is increased, while the milk intake is reduced.

By 32 days of age the calves will be weaned off milk, and will go onto pasture at 46 days old.

The RumenX product

RumenX is an extruded grain-based, pelletised calf rearing product designed to accelerate and enhance ruminal development of calves during the first 46 days of life.

Extrusion technology takes extremely high quality ingredients and makes the starch and protein components of the feed more digestible than the original ingredients.

Accelerated rumen development

The theory behind this product is based on extensive research into early rumen development which leads to increased dry matter intakes by 46 days old (day 42 of the RumenX system).

It has been shown that fermentation of concentrates will develop rumen papillae quicker than forages. The high levels of propionate act as energy sources for the rumen wall development, and are the result of the extremely high digestibility of the starch in RumenX.

The form, texture and special coating on RumenX, allows the feed to float in the rumen for prolonged periods. The gradual break down of the RumenX ‘feeds’ the rumen with high quality nutrients and reduces the risk of rumen acidosis and its consequences. Standard calf meals disintegrate quickly and sink to the bottom of the rumen.

This preservation of rumen well-being is a key contributor to the improved rate of development by the rumen.

The RumenX system

A specific RumenX program has been developed for the New Zealand environment following extensive evaluation of RumenX here and overseas.

You will receive training and support to ensure that you get the most benefits from the product.

What next?

If you are interested in joining the RumenX programme, please contact us for further information.
 
As a RumenX rearer you will receive committed ongoing technical support from Agri-feeds and the benefit of superior calves for your future herd.

For further information and details on registering for the RumenX system, contact Agri-feeds on 0800 42 47 43.
 

RumenX Ingredients

Maize, Soybean Pellets, Gluten Meal, Rice, Dehydrated Whey and Non-Fat Milk, Egg Yolk, Egg Albumen, DCP, MDCP, Palm Oil, Coconut Oil, Yeast, Salt, Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Monensin (Rumensin), Methionine, Lysine, Threonine Vitamins and Minerals

Specifications

 The starch content is less than 40%.

RumenX contains Sodium Monensin as Rumensin 20% Millmix, registered pursuant to the ACVM Act 1997 No. A9107. z
For registration details see www.nzfsa.govt.nz/acvm.

RumenX Programme 'User Tips'

• Follow rearing guidelines as set out in the rumenX® manual and on pen tags.
• For the programme to succeed, the milk quantities need to be adhered to
  Do not be tempted to use more milk.
• If using colostrum in place of milk then lesser quantities may be needed to get intake of rumenX® (due to extra milksolids in colostrum).
• The quantities of rumenX® on the programme chart are guidelines only (not a set target for intake).
• Keep rumenX® on offer at all times (if they eat it all overnight then they need more offered until 1kg intake per calf is reached).
• The calves will not eat the full amount at the beginning of each week.
• The rumenX® will not go “mushy” and need to be discarded, just top up and mix with a small amount of fresh product each day.
• The first week of the programme starts when the calves are 4 days old.
• During week one the main aim is to introduce the calves to rumenX® and where to find it.
• During week two they should start to eat a significant amount and in week 3 intakes will lift as the milksolids intake has been reduced.
• When introducing meal in week 4, mix with the rumenX® (do not offer separately).
• Weaning off milk at the end of week 4 should only happen if dry matter intakes are sufficient (90% of rumenX® and meal on offer).
• Ensure fresh water is always available (lack of water will limit dry matter intake).
• Meals with Broll content should be avoided.
• Restrict fibre intakes (some calves will “pig out” on this low quality feed).
• Do not hesitate to call Agrifeeds 0800 424 743 or your Agrifeeds area rep with any questions