Megalac is a rumen-protected fat, combining natural plant oil (palm fatty acids) with calcium.
Typical Analysis
Calculated ME = 33.25 MJ/kg DM
MEGALAC is a concentrated source of energy that has no inhibiting effects on rumen function. A natural product based on palm oil fatty acids, it is highly digestible and can be fed to adult ruminants, but is especially beneficial in feeds for lactating ewes and for high yielding dairy cows.
The calcium protects the fatty acids, preventing them from breaking down in the rumen and enabling them to pass intact to the acidic (pH 2.5) lower gut for digestion. The combination of rumen protection, high digestibility in the lower gut and high efficiency of energy use explain Megalac’s high Net Energy of Lactation (NEL) value. Rumen protection also allows higher levels of energy to be fed without disrupting the rumen, whilst reducing the risk of acidosis.
Manufactured in the UK, Megalac meets all European feed safety regulations and quality standards.
Production benefits
- Better Ewe Milk Quality
- Improved Lamb Performance From Twins and Triplets
- Better Reproductive Performance
- Reduced Twin Lamb Disease
Why feed Megalac?
Peak energy demands of newly lambed ewes often coincide with a fall off in appetite. Ewes that cannot eat sufficient to maintain milk volume and quality will be unable to sustain healthy lamb growth. Remember - a ewe suckling twin lambs, growing at 300g each a day faces the same kind of nutritional stress as a cow producing 30+ litres of milk per day.
The inclusion of adequate energy in feed for lactating ewes is crucial to getting the yield and milk quality necessary for maximum lamb growth rate. This is especially true in early lambing systems where twins and triplets are being reared and a rapid finish is required. Over reliance on obvious energy sources such as cereals and free fats or oils can adversely effect rumen function. Megalac however is rumen protected and although it contains 84% fat, has no effect on rumen function and provides the ideal way to boost energy content of sheep feeds.
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The Effect of Feeding Megalac on Lamb Survival
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Twin Suckling Ewes
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Triplet Suckling Ewes
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Control
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Megalac
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Control
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Megalac
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Lambs Reared per Group
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38
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39
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25
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30
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% Ewes Rearing ALL Lambs
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90
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95
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60
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100
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Lamb Gain to Weaning (g/day)
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218
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233
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170
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203
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Lamb Gain to Slaughter (g/day)
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329
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338
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300
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306
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Feeding systems and rates
The ideal supplementation of Megalac in either pelleted or loose mixed ewe feeds is 100g per ewe per day. In most cases a 7.5% Megalac inclusion rate in compound feeds will be satisfactory. Most leading compounders produce sheep feeds which contain Megalac.
Availability
Megalac is available in 25kg bags, mini-bulk and in bulk. It can be fed via total mixed rations and home mixes, and is included in many dairy blends and compounds.
Ring free on 0800 919808, or contact your Volac Business Manager (Click here for details) for further information and details of your local stockist.
Megalac is a registered trademark of Volac International Limited