By law the user must take due care, obtaining expert advice when necessary, to avoid unnecessary pain and distress when using the product other than as directed on the label.
The product is presented in moulded polystyrene trays containing the 132 g zinc boluses, conveniently packed in pairs taped together by a paper wrapper. After administration the paper wrapper dissolves in the rumen, allowing the two boluses to separate.
Using the applicator administer boluses at the beginning of the facial eczema risk period, when spore counts begin to rise, (mid-January and February in most areas). This dose will provide up to 6 weeks’ protection.
- 251-330 kg bwt= 3 x 132 g boluses
- 331-440 kg bwt= 4 x 132 g boluses
- 441-550 kg bwt= 5 x 132 g boluses
- 551-660 kg bwt= 6 x 132 g boluses
Where there is a prolonged risk of facial eczema, a top up dose can be given after 6 weeks to provide at least 4 weeks’ additional protection.
A top-up dose is 2 x 132 g boluses for all cattle between 251 kg and 440 kg, or 3 x 132 g boluses for all cattle between 441 kg and 660 kg.
Thereafter, further treatment intervals should be based on faecal zinc concentrations, the level of the facial eczema risk, and veterinary advice.
| Full Dose (lasts 6 weeks) | Top-Up Dose (lasts a further 4 weeks) |
251 – 330 kg | 3 boluses | 2 boluses |
331 – 440 kg | 4 boluses | 2 boluses |
441 – 550 kg | 5 boluses | 3 boluses |
551 – 660 kg | 6 boluses | 3 boluses |
The boluses held within the applicator should then be gently introduced into the side of the mouth and over the tongue. When positioned correctly, advance the applicator plunger with steady gentle pressure once the animal begins to swallow. Only continue administering the boluses while the animal is swallowing. If the head and neck are at the wrong angle the animal will stop swallowing and administration must cease. Administration must only recommence when the head and neck have been repositioned correctly.
Regurgitation of the bolus can occur following administration, but experience has shown that the incidence is usually of a low order. Unless severely damaged (ie. broken into two or more pieces or within significant amount of bolus missing), regurgitated boluses can be re-administered. Watch the animal for a few moments following removal of the applicator.
General Dosing Instructions
To ensure the safe administration of the boluses follow the steps listed:
The animal should ideally be restrained in a cattle crush. Avoid severe restraint, such as gripping the tongue, raising the nose too high or the use of bulldog nose clamps, as this interferes with swallowing.
Correct positioning of the Head and Neck
Administer the boluses slowly and with care, making sure the animal’s head and neck are extended and straightened so the applicator in the mouth lines up with the opening in the throat.
Administering the boluses
Place the boluses in the special applicator provided with the rounded ends facing outwards. 2, 3, or 4 boluses can be administered in a single application. Where 5 or 6 boluses are to be given, these should be administered in two applications, one involving the dosing of 3 (for a total dose of 5) or 4 boluses (for a total dose of 6) and the other involving the dosing of the remaining 2 boluses.
The boluses held within the applicator should then be gently introduced into the side of the mouth and over the tongue. When positioned correctly, advance the applicator plunger with steady gentle pressure once the animal begins to swallow. Only continue administering the boluses while the animal is swallowing. If the head and neck are at the wrong angle the animal will stop swallowing and administration must cease. Administration must only recommence when the head and neck have been repositioned correctly.
Regurgitation of the bolus can occur following administration, but experience has shown that the incidence is usually of a low order. Unless severely damaged (ie. broken into two or more pieces or within significant amount of bolus missing), regurgitated boluses can be re-administered. Watch the animal for a few moments following removal of the applicator.
