Zactran antimicrobial

Merial introduces Zactran® (gamithromycin), a new rapid-response antimicrobial for the treatment and control of bovine respiratory disease (BRD). Designed for use in high-risk cattle or as a first-pull treatment, Zactran is a prescription, ready-to-use solution for treatment of BRD associated with Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida and Histophilus somni in beef and non-lactating dairy cattle, as well as the control of respiratory disease in beef and non-lactating dairy cattle at high risk of developing BRD associated with M.haemolytica and P. multocida.

Zactran is administered subcutaneously at a dose of 2 ml/110 lbs., and is available in three, ready-to-use sizes. The 100-, 250- and 500-ml bottles contain sufficient solution to treat 10, 25 and 50 head of 550-lb. cattle, respectively. Every 250- and 500-ml bottle includes a bottle protector to reduce risk of breakage during shipping and everyday use. The bottom of the bottle protector also includes a convenient chute-side hanger.

Bruce Nosky, DVM, manager of Merial’s large-animal veterinary services, says BRD costs $800 million to $900 million annually in economic losses from death, reduced feed efficiency and treatment costs. “In field studies, cattle treated with Zactran showed a rapid improvement in BRD clinical signs. More than three-quarters of the cattle with a fever had a significant decrease in temperature within 24 hours. And the majority of those cattle treated with Zactran remained healthy throughout the 10-day study,” he says.

Nosky adds that in additional field trials for BRD control, the majority of lightweight, long-haul and high-risk cattle that received Zactran on arrival showed significantly less disease during the 10-day study compared to non-treated calves.

For more information, contact your veterinarian or visit www. merial.com.

Fence charger covers 2,400 acres

The newest electric fence charger from Power Wizard has the technology to contain cows, horses and other livestock through the toughest conditions. The 24-joule PW2400 energizer features ultra low-impedance technology which allows it to contain livestock in pastures of up to 2,400 acres, regardless of the vegetative growth along the fence line. Also, its color-coded, fence voltage indicator lets the rancher immediately determine the fence voltage.

For more information, visit www.powerwizardinc.com or call 800-866-2161.

Grizzly USA assembly

Yamaha’s Grizzly 700 FI 4x4 and Grizzly 550 FI 4x4 all-terrain-vehicles are now being assembled for worldwide distribution out of Yamaha’s Newnan, GA, factory.

Among the design and performance upgrades for 2012, the Grizzly 700 and 550 receive new textured plastic body panels to increase durability and decrease wear and new Maxxis tires with a tough, aggressive tread pattern add performance in extreme terrain. Meanwhile, an updated suspension includes gas-charged rear shocks with a high-quality damping feel and improved bump absorption performance, while the front suspension has also been updated and optimized to match the rear.

Both Grizzlies are offered with Electric Power Steering (EPS) for a more comfortable ride and reduced fatigue, while the Ultramatic™ automatic transmission system makes full use of the powerband under a variety of riding situations. And, the automatic centrifugal clutch maintains constant belt tension for reduced belt wear and all-wheel engine braking.

In addition, Yamaha’s three-way On-Command® system, featuring push-button 2WD, 4WD and 4WD with differential lock, provides all-four-wheel-drive. The push-button system is easy to engage giving the rider control and confidence over the machine’s power delivery.

The 2012 models are available in Hunter Green, Steel Blue and Realtree™ AP Camouflage. In addition, the 2012 Grizzly 700 FI with EPS is available as a Special Edition in Metallic Sandstone with cast aluminum wheels, painted body panels and special graphics.

For more information, visit www.yamaha-motor.com.

Improved feed analysis

FOSS’s new NIRS™ DS2500 feed analyzer allows users to utilize high-performance near infrared (NIR) analysis, while still being fully compatible to existing FOSS calibration data. Its high performance across a broad wavelength range of 400-2500 nm gives accurate analysis results for a range of parameters such as protein, moisture, fat, ash, amino acids, fiber and starch; all in under a minute. Additionally, it was designed to work in the hardest production environments, and is IP65-certified to withstand humidity, vibration and temperature fluctuations. With its optical performance, durable build and compatibility, the NIRS DS2500 helps ensure final product quality, improve production and boost handling intake.

For more information, visit www.foss.us.

Maximize feed efficiency

Recent field trials for Agri-King’s Maximiser® suggest the enzyme-based feed additive can improve feed efficiency and nutrient digestibility in feedlot cattle, thereby improving profitability. The field studies, conducted in western Iowa and central Washington on colored fed steers and Holstein steers, respectively, demonstrated increased feed conversions, which decreased feed costs and time on feed. The Iowa trial with colored steers also showed increased dry matter, protein, starch and NDF digestibility.

For more information, visit www.agriking.com or call 800-435-9560.

Replacement track options

Bobcat Company introduces new replacement rubber track patterns for their compact track loaders, compact excavators and mini track loaders. EarthForce rubber tracks are available for compact track loaders and compact excavators and feature a patented continuous belting technology, forged and heat-treated steel links and proprietary rubber compounds for dynamic tract functions and reliable performance. Bobcat’s multi-application, multi-season lug rubber track is also now available as a replacement track for the Bobcat mini track loaders.

For more information, visit your local dealership or www.bobcat.com/rubbertracks.