Download Effects of supplementing intensively grazed

Effects of supplementing intensively grazed New Zealand dairy cows with
chromium methionine.
Master of Veterinary Studies in Epidemiology
2004
Mark Bryan
Abstract
There are over 5 million adult dairy cows in New Zealand (Anon, 2004e), and the
New Zealand dairy industry contributes around 4.5% (or over $5billion) of New
Zealand’s GDP annually (Anon 2004f). New Zealand’s dairy industry is traditionally
extensive and pastoral based, with low production but a low cost structure. Its
strength lies in this low cost, but intensification and global competition are forcing the
industry to examine every aspect of its competitiveness.
Harvesting and converting pasture to product as efficiently as possible will continue
to provide New Zealand’s dairy farmers with that competitive edge. Furthermore, the
Kyoto protocol has significantly increased pressure on global agriculture to maximize
efficiency of feed conversion with minimal negative impact.
Research has a significant role to play in identifying tools and processes that may help
the New Zealand dairy industry maintain its position in the world market.
Improvements may come from unlikely beginnings, and in this regard the potential
benefits of the trace element Chromium to maximise efficiency and improve either
production or reproduction, or both, warrants investigation.
However, research need not be performed only by government institutes and
universities. Private veterinary clinical practice has a significant resource in a number
of animals and/or farms that may be recruited to a study, and the positive relationships
with farmers that facilitate research partnerships. This study was the result of a
collaboration between a private clinical veterinary practice, an animal health
company, and a dairy farm owner.
The challenges faced by private veterinary practice to set up, perform, fund and
publish research are not inconsiderable. Any researcher will be aware that the time
involved in any project tends to increase beyond all best estimates. Within the
structure of a private veterinary practice, this can place strain on what is regarded as
‘core’ work. Nevertheless, this study not only investigates the results of Chromium
supplementation under an intensive New Zealand pastoral regime, but also
demonstrates that there is a role to play for veterinary practice in bringing the findings
of scientific researchers to the front line, and in doing so transferring the knowledge
gleaned from small, carefully controlled studies into larger scale field trials.