First generation sheep farmer, Felix Johnson-Gibbs, has embraced trial and error to accomplish a seamless system. Having tried out a number of different sheep lick buckets to find the best performer, Crystalyx comes out on top as his firm favourite. Felix Johnson-Gibbs started his farming journey aged only thirteen, with only passion and determination to […]
Category Archives: Crystalyx News
Cow nutrition in the run-up to calving is an absolute priority for dairy farmer — Jim Corby. With this in focus, Jim has encountered very low levels of milk fever, retained placentas, and calf mortality. Jim milks 120 pedigree British Friesian cows, along with his wife Elaine, at Ballynagrana in County Tipperary. Fully registered with […]
There was a tremendous turnout of farmers for a recent ‘lambing information’ evening, hosted by Fane Valley at the company’s Ballycastle store in North Co Antrim. Courtesy of his presentation, Crystalyx Ireland’s David Morgan highlighted the role of high quality forages in the diets offered to ewes in late pregnancy prior to lambing. He also […]
Keep sheep in good condition – even in challenging conditions – from just 4 pence per ewe per day! AHDB conducted a study into neonatal survival and confirmed that poor long-term protein status and poor energy balance in late pregnancy (particularly in twins) are linked to elevated lamb losses and poor growth rate. Relying solely […]
Having built up a flock of 2,700 sheep from scratch, farming prolific ewes on a lot of poor pasture doesn’t seem to be a problem for Alan Collett. Feeding ewes pre lambing to maintaining condition has kept any hurdles to growth down. Crystalyx Extra High Energy continues to play a key part throughout winter. Alan […]
Turning stock out to grass in spring comes as a relief to many farmers. However, animal performance and health suffer when livestock do not maintain a nutritionally balanced diet. Fast-growing and lush grass in early season is often low in minerals and lacking magnesium. When cattle are turned out to graze, they risk developing grass […]
As ewes near lambing, glucose demands increase. At the same time, however, appetite decreases. This is a perfect storm for the dreaded twin lamb disease. This is one of the most compelling times of the year to supplement with a mineral lick for sheep. Twin lamb disease not only impacts on ewe health, but also […]
According to AHDB, every case of pneumonia is estimated to cost farmers in the region of £30 to £80. A startling figure that rises to £500 in fatal cases. In total, pneumonia in calves costs the UK cattle industry more than 50 million pounds every year. And the warmer and wet winters we’re now experiencing […]
Regular weather changes have led to severe respiratory challenges for young dairy calves throughout the autumn of 2024. According to David Morgan, this emphasises the necessity of a draught-free environment and dry and comfortable bedding at all times. He added: “These young animals need access to highly digestible feed sources. It’s also a reality that […]
Damian Barson of Tessleymoor Farm has been spinning many plates the last three years in a bid to get himself established in the tricky world of farming. One thing that’s remained consistent from day one, is the use of Crystalyx Extra High Energy feed licks. Damian started farming at the age of 50. But before […]