Lloyds offers Yorkshire and Cumbrian farmers a healthy challenge

Lloyds have launched a range of dairy feeds which contain their unique Health Pack which incorporates Alltechs revolutionary Sel-Plex selenium and Bioplex organic minerals.

Farmers will be given the chance to measure the selenium status of the herd via their bulk milk tank before and after the inclusion of the Health Pack. The correct levels of selenium can have multiple benefits for both cows and humans. This added value could prove to be a unique and positive selling point for some farmers.

Simon Meynell, Ruminant Sales Manager at Lloyds Animal Feeds, comments: Lloyds have always striven to place as much emphasis on the health of the herd as we do on output. We have never taken short cuts in the quality of our feed, and our raw materials used are as nutritious as they can be.

We have formed a partnership with Alltech based on the consistent support that they have shown both Lloyds and the farmers involved.

Selenium is probably the most important antioxidant in the body, and is an essential nutrient for both animals and people. It plays a critical role in metabolism, normal growth, reproductive health and immunity.

It is shown to have many health benefits explained by its antioxidant effect. It may delay or prevent the onset of cancer and is also an important mineral needed for proper thyroid function. It is also currently being used in research in the fight against Alzheimers disease, of which many believe it could play a significant role. It also naturally supports immune function and has an anti-aging effect. Its deficiency is linked to several animal and human diseases.

Selenium is also considered to be vital to maintaining good health within dairy cows. Research going back as far as 50 years continues to back this up. It is shown to reduce prevalence and severity of clinical mastitis, reduce somatic cell counts and increase antibody production of dairy cows, as well as reducing calf mortality. Selenium deficiency has also been identified as a cause of white muscle disease in calves.

Sel-Plex is a source of selenium supplementation that goes beyond addressing deficiencies. It is a product of years of scientific dedication and proactive exploration. Researchers at Alltechs Bioscience Centers have demonstrated how Sel-Plex reduces environmental impact and improves animal health.

Interestingly Sel-Plex is also the first European Union approved form of organic selenium. The European Feed Standards Agency has just given its authorisation to health claims from drinking the milk of cows fed high levels of Sel-Plex.  This offers hard-pressed dairy farmers a new and unique way to add value to their product.

Alltech is one of the leading animal health companies in the world. They are committed to providing natural solutions to meet the needs of the animal production industry worldwide and also to ensuring that they adhere to the pioneering ACE Principle deliver performance for the Animal, beneficial for the Consumer and natural and safe for the Environment.