Influence of Crystalyx on paunch activity (in-vitro)

Aim: Influence of Crystalyx on the microbe population and fermentation activity in the paunch

Location of study: Kansas State University, USA, Prof. Jim Drouillard

Method:
Four cattle with fistulised paunches were accustomed to a ration consisting of hay and salt over four weeks. After this period, two animals received free access to Crystalyx for three weeks. The rations were then replaced and the procedure repeated. The contents of the paunch were then removed from each animal and studied under the microscope. Cellulose probes were then introduced into the paunches of all the cattle for 14 and 24 hours and digestibility was subsequently identified.

Results:

• Increase in protozoans per g rumen fluid by around 50 percent
• Increase in feed intake by 2.4 kg
• Increase in cellulose digestion from 0.4 to 3 percent after 14 hours
• Increase in cellulose digestion from 3.1 to 10.8 percent after 24 hours

Influence of Crystalyx on fermentation of different grass types (in-vitro)

Aim: Influence of Crystalyx on fermentation of different grass types throughout the grazing season under simulated paunch conditions.

Location of study: University of Newcastle, England (2002)

Method:
Fresh grass samples were taken from different grazing lands (grass/clover, rye grass and permanent pasture). The grass samples were taken in spring and autumn to take into account the change in grass quality during the growing season.

Crystalyx was dosed in such a way that it corresponded to the daily intake of 150 g Crystalyx for a 250 kg cattle. Rumen fluid freshly extracted from two cattle was used for incubations. Three samples were used and surveyed for up to 96 hours.

Results:

• Crystalyx has a simulating effect on fermentation performance in the rumen
• Crystalyx increased both the speed and extent of forage ingestion
• Crystalyx even managed to increase digestibility for highly digestible spring grass

Increase in the fermentation rate with Crystalyx
Calculated forage degradability (%) (speed/fermentation rate)

Increase in the dry matter reduction – D value (%)

Practical use of Crystalyx during dairy cow dry and transition periods

Aim: Influence of Crystalyx Pre calver and Crystalyx Vitalyx during dry and transition periods under typical Italian environmental conditions

Location of study: University of Parma, Italy (2011)

Method:

22 Italian Holstein cows were divided into two groups. The study began at the start of the dry period (-60 days a.p.) The cows were on grazing land up to ten days before calving. They were then taken to calving pens and changed over to the high-lactating group after 20 lactation days.

Ration: During the grazing period, the cows received pasture grass and mixed hay ad libitum and 5 kg of the TMR for high-lactating cows. Between Day -10 and Day 20 of lactation, the cows received 15 kg of the TMR for highly-lactating cows and mixed hay ad libitum. The test group received the same ration plus Crystalyx Pre calver during the dry period and Vitalyx during the transition period.

Results:

• Increase in the forage intake during the dry period and transition stage thanks to the use of Crystalyx
• The average milk yield was increased by 14% in the test group for the first 100 lactation days
• Low incidence of diseases in the first 60 lactation days
• The cows in the test group exhibited a positive energy balance far earlier
• There was a positive effect on the body condition in the test group

Influence of Crystalyx on methane emission and daily gain on grazing land

Aim: Influence of Crystalyx Cattle Booster on methane emission and daily gain for breeding heifers on grazing land

Location of study: University of Aberystwyth, Wales, 2013

Method:

20 Holstein Frisian heifers with an average live weight of 240 kg and an average age of 10 months were selected for the test. The heifers were grouped according to weight and age and were assigned to one of two groups at random: control (CON), without supplementary feed, or with supplementary feed of Crystalyx (LYX). The trial started in September 2013. The cattle grazed on portioned pastures for nine weeks. The cattle were weighed and changed tract of land on a weekly basis. Due to the poor quality and low amount of autumn growth, the cattle in both groups received 1.5 kg of beet pulp per animal per day. Two methane measurements were taken in Week 6 and Week 8.

Results:

• The test group with Crystalyx exhibited a higher daily growth of 148 grams
• The use of Crystalyx had no influence on the daily methane production
• The heifers which were fed Crystalyx exhibited 23.8% percent less methane emissions in relation to daily weight gain.

Cattle Booster's influence on yield and methane emission

Practical use of Crystalyx during dairy cow dry and transition periods

Aim: Influence of Crystalyx Pre calver and Crystalyx Vitalyx during dry and transition periods under typical Greek environmental conditions.

Location of study: Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece (2016)

Method:
40 Italian Holstein cows were divided into two groups. The study began at the start of the dry period (-60 days a.p.) After calving, the cows were kept on straw until their 28th lactation day and then changed over to the high-lactating group.

Ration: During the dry period, the cows received a total mix ration consisting of whole-plant silage, maize silage, straw, rapeseed meal and minerals. After calving, the ration consisted of maize silage, alfalfa hay, beet pulp, molasses, rapeseed meal and minerals. The test group received the same ration plus Crystalyx Pre calver during the dry period and Crystalyx Vitalyx during the transition stage until the 28th lactation day.

Results:

• Crystalyx had a positive effect on fertility
  • Days open reduced by 35 days.
  • Fewer inseminations per pregnancy
• The use of Crystalyx had other positive effects on
  • Fewer cases of metritis and fewer cysts
  • Liver function
  • Energy metabolism
  • Calcium and phosphorus status on 3rd day after calving
  • Reduction in somatic cell counts in the milk

Practical use of Crystalyx in milk sheep on Sardinia

Aim: Influence of Crystalyx Extra Energy on milk yield, milk quality and metabolism parameters in milk sheep under typical environmental conditions on Sardinia.

Location of study: Animal Science Department, Bonassai, Sardinia (2013)

Method:

30 Sarda ewes were divided into two groups and observed from 60 days before lambing to 60 days after lambing. Both the control and test groups were then divided again into three sub-groups/repeats. Ewe body weight, body condition and metabolism parameters in the ewes' blood were studied. The lambs were weighed at birth and every week until weaning. After weaning, milk yield was recorded every fourteen days.

Ration: In the period 60 days before lambing and 10 days after lambing, the ewes received hay and concentrated feed in the stall twice daily with the study group having access to Crystalyx Extra Energy. After weaning, the sheep were put out to graze six hours a day.

Results:

• Single lambs from ewes which received Crystalyx Extra Energy grew 5% faster than the control lambs.
• Twin lambs from ewes which received Crystalyx Extra Energy grew 21% faster than the control lambs.
• The rumination time increased by 50% in ewes in the Crystalyx group.
• The body condition in the Crystalyx group tended to improve.
• 8% higher milk production on ewes which received Crystalyx.
• Crystalyx Extra Energy led to higher milk fat levels (6.14 % vs. 5.95 %).
• Increase in the overall dry mass yield in milk in the Crystalyx group
• Improved liver function around lambing time for ewes fed Crystalyx