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See more FAQ's for these CRYSTALYX® Products:
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Q. |
Do CRYSTALYX® Brand Supplements contain mammalian
protein products? |
| A: |
No. Most CRYSTALYX® Brand Supplements are formulated with plant
protein products. Several CRYSTALYX® Brand Supplements use hydrolyzed
feather meal in their formulation.
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| Q. |
Why is hydrolyzed feather meal used in some CRYSTALYX ® Brand Supplements? |
| A. |
Several CRYSTALYX ® products utilize hydrolyzed feather meal in their formulation. This is done with careful consideration of the total nutrient profile for each specific product and its intended application. Hydrolyzed feather meal is a highly concentrated form of protein that allows the formulation of higher protein CRYSTALYX ® products. The "hydrolyzing" of feather meal ensures that many of the bonds between the proteins have been broken down to facilitate increased utilization. For more information, research, and a listing of CRYSTALYX® products containing hydrolyzed feather meal, click here. |
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| Q. |
What results can I expect from feeding CRYSTALYX®
Brand Supplements? |
| A: |
Research and observations by producers cite heavier weight at weaning, improved body condition
and faster breed-backs. Healthier cattle appearance and better utilization
of pastures and forages are also reported by producers who feed CRYSTALYX®
Supplements. Extensive research has shown that CRYSTALYX® barrels
are an effective pasture management tool that will attract and hold
cattle on under-utilized pasture areas. A patent was issued June 13,
2001 on a method of expanding grazing range from the results of this
research.
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| Q. |
How does CRYSTALYX® offer more value for
my feed dollar? |
| A: |
CRYSTALYX® offers more value in several ways:
- CRYSTALYX® complements homegrown feedstuffs that are often
nutrient deficient for improved feed utilization. CRYSTALYX®
is an excellent way to make limited supplies of hay and forages
go further.
- Cattle throughout the herd will consistently visit the barrel and consume protein, energy, minerals, vitamins and trace minerals.
- CRYSTALYX® is an excellent source of additional crude protein
to ensure that moderate to low quality forages are more thoroughly
digested for increased utilization.
- On a cost per-head, per-day basis, CRYSTALYX® is a very
competitive option when compared to other supplements such as
liquid feeds, range cubes, pressed blocks or poured blocks.
- There is considerable savings in time and labor by feeding CRYSTALYX®. Simply place the barrels and let
cattle lick away!
- Controlled, limited intake is assured when CRYSTALYX®
is offered free-choice.
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| Q: |
What level of intake can be expected with CRYSTALYX®
Brand Supplements? |
| A: |
Intake will vary depending on many factors. Generally, animals
consume less supplement when forage quality is moderate than when
it is low. To obtain the proper level of intake and a consistent intake,
be sure to provide an adequate number of barrels and animals have
frequent access to them. The size of the animal will also impact supplement
intake.
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| Q: |
Can forage quality be so excessively low that
CRYSTALYX® Brand Supplements are unable to provide
adequate supplemental nutrients? |
| A: |
Yes, most CRYSTALYX® Brand Supplements are designed to be fed
at .75 to 1.5 pounds of intake, depending on the product. In extreme
cases, forage quality can be so low that extra nutrients are required,
especially protein and energy. In this case, a fiber-based energy
source is recommended.
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| Q: |
Should I feed a free-choice mineral with CRYSTALYX® Brand
Supplements? |
| A: |
Depending on forage quality and animal requirements, a balanced
free-choice, phosphorus containing mineral may be fed that "bridges
the gap" between minerals provided in the forage and the protein
supplement, and animal's mineral requirement when forage quality
is low. MINERAL-LYX® and Crystal-Phos® or a conventional
dry mineral, may be fed with a CRYSTALYX® protein block as a
source of additional phosphorus.
MINERAL-LYX® and Crystal-Phos® are complete mineral formulations
and under most conditions, may be fed as the sole source of supplemental
mineral.
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| Q: |
As a dealer, is it necessary to stock all CRYSTALYX®
Brand Supplements? |
| A: |
No, a dealer should make an effort to stock those supplements that
best fit the needs and expectations of the producers in their area.
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| Q: |
Are protein sources mixed in before or after
molasses products are heated? |
| A: |
To protect proteins and vitamins from heat damage, molasses products
are dehydrated and cooled before mixing with other protein sources.
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| Q: |
Should cows breed back faster if I feed CRYSTALYX®
Brand Supplements? |
| A: |
Producers have stated that when they feed CRYSTALYX®
Brand Supplements, they improve energy status and
can help shorten the time cows need to return to
estrus. If cows are in poor body condition, supplemental
nutrients will increase conception rates. If cows
have reproductive problems or are excessively thin,
the conception rate of the herd will be poor until
these conditions are alleviated.
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| Q: |
Will feeding CRYSTALYX® Brand Supplements
increase calf birth weight? |
| A: |
Calf birth weight will not be significantly influenced
by supplemental nutrients, except in situations
where the cow and the fetus were extremely nutrient
deficient.
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| Q: |
How are CRYSTALYX® Brand Supplements manufactured? |
| A: |
All CRYSTALYX® Brand Supplements are manufactured
by cooking molasses products to remove water. They
contain no chemical hardeners or binders and almost
no water (2 - 5 percent moisture). CRYSTALYX®
Brand Supplements are 100 percent nutrition and
very palatable.
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| Q: |
What products can be safely fed to sheep? |
| A: |
SHEEP-LYX™, Premium Goat and Sheep™, Sweet 14%™
and CSG-20™ have copper levels that are safe for sheep. SHEEP-LYX™
and Premium Goat and Sheep™ are recommended.
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| Q: |
Can I mix differing CRYSTALYX® Brand Supplements
to cattle in the same pasture? |
| A: |
We have conducted research that would support that CRYSTALYX®
mineral products, MINERAL-LYX® and Crystaly-Phos®, can be
provided effectively with other CRYSTALYX® protein block products
to furnish supplemental minerals to your livestock.
We do not recommend that CRYSTALYX® products other than MINERAL-LYX®
or Crystal-Phos®, be fed with a CRYSTALYX® protein block.
It is important to follow label directions on all CRYSTALYX®
products.
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| Q. |
Is .5 to 1.5 pounds of CRYSTALYX® per-day
enough to provide sound supplemental nutrition? |
| A: |
Numerous research trials have proven that low, consistent intakes of CRYSTALYX® across the herd have resulted in improved animal performance when compared to other supplemental alternatives. Using CRYSTALYX® to provide supplemental protein and other nutrients to livestock consuming low-quality forage, improves the use of forage through better intake and digestibility. This “positive associative affect” is the result of CRYSTALYX® maximizing the efficiency of rumen microorganisms to capture more nutrients from forages than when forages are fed alone. It is because of this fundamental principal that low intakes of CRYSTALYX® can provide sound supplemental nutrition, and make good economic sense.
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| Q. |
Why do I need to feed a supplement such as CRYSTALYX®? |
| A: |
Grass in pastures and rangeland, and harvested forages usually do not provide sufficient protein, minerals, vitamins and trace minerals. Nutrient value of pastures and grasses will vary greatly by season, maturity and weather conditions. Additionally, cattle needs vary considerably relative to weather and environmental conditions, as well as performance potential including growth, milk production and reproduction.
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| Q. |
What does it cost to feed CRYSTALYX®? |
| A: |
On a cost per-head per-day basis, CRYSTALYX® compares very favorably to range cubes, liquid supplements, pressed blocks or poured blocks. Typically, you can feed CRYSTAL-PHOS® mineral supplement for 8-10¢ (U.S.) per-day; other formulas will range from 20¢ to slightly more than 28¢ depending on the specific formula being fed. (Costs will vary by location and intake.)
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| Q. |
Is CRYSTALYX® affected by weather? |
| A: |
CRYSTALYX® supplements are windproof and waterproof. Since it cannot be broken or trampled into the ground like other supplements, there’s no waste. The steel half-barrel is returnable and reusable. Even in northern winter climates, animals are able to find the barrels, which appear above the snow. CRYSTALYX® should be fed in wind-protected areas in the winter to encourage adequate consumption. Unlike cubes, pellets and commodities (like grains or meals), CRYSTALYX® barrels cannot be trampled into the ground. |
