580 Cows, 7 Years On:
Lower Animal Health Costs
Higher Pregnancy Rates.
Jackson and Sarah Henshaw run a 580 cow dairy farm at Glenavy in South Canterbury. They have been AgriSea users for more than seven years, starting with their milking herd and now in their third season using it to rear their calves. Here is what they have seen on farm.
Across seven seasons the Henshaws have built AgriSea into both their pasture and their calf rearing programme. On the milking herd, spraying AgriSea Pasture Nutrition over calving and into mating has coincided with improved general cow health, a decrease in animal health costs per cow, and an increase in pregnancy rates, while keeping pasture sugars and carbohydrates steady through weather changes and reducing nitrogen use. The product carries no withholding for meat or milk.
"A significant decrease in animal health costs per cow, and an increase in pregnancy rates over this period of using AgriSea."
On the milking herd
Sprayed over calving, into mating
The Henshaws use AgriSea Pasture Nutrition on their milking herd, spraying the product on the grass over spring during calving for the first and second round, and continuing into mating. They report it boosts plant as well as animal health, along with an improvement in soil biology.
They find AgriSea keeps sugars and carbohydrates from dipping when the weather changes, and they are needing to use less nitrogen. For the herd, two results stand out.
"There have been improvements in general cow health, and two results stand out. Firstly, a significant decrease in animal health costs per cow, and secondly an increase in pregnancy rates over this period of using AgriSea. Another positive is the product has no withholding for meat or milk."
Jackson & Sarah Henshaw
On the calves · 3rd season
From day one through to weaning
This is the Henshaws' third season using AgriSea Animal Nutrition in their calves. They use it from day one and continue daily until weaning. The day the calves arrive in the shed, they are given a 20ml oral dose.
They find this boosts the calves' energy and gives them a head start, which they say is especially beneficial for calves born in rough weather or that have experienced a stressful birth, giving them enough energy to get through to feed time. From there, each calf gets 5ml per day via their milk until weaned. It is added directly to the milk, the calves like the flavour, and it is quick and easy as the product is ready to use with no mixing required.
- Shiny coats, clear eyes and good energy
- No scours reported
- Weaning 3 to 4 weeks earlier than ever before
- Faster weight gains
Why they rate it
Natural, easy to use, real results
For the Henshaws, what makes AgriSea a great product is that it is natural and contains no nasty chemicals. It is easy to use, the stock like it, and the general health of all their stock has improved.
"We believe the extra cost is outweighed by the long-term health benefits you get in return, and the real results you can see."
Jackson & Sarah Henshaw
Products in Their Programme
Pasture Nutrition
Foliar seaweed biostimulant applied to the grass to lift pasture yield and quality with natural nutrients.
Learn More
Animal Nutrition
Seaweed nutrition for calves and cows, supporting energy, coat condition and general health.
Learn MoreTalk to AgriSea about Your Farm
Talk to your AgriSea rep or local Agricultural Field Consultant to discuss how AgriSea could work across your herd, calves and pasture.
Explore Our SolutionsThe results described on this page reflect the Henshaws' own on-farm experience and observations. Individual results will vary between farms, systems and seasons.