No one likes change. Change is often hard. Whether it is changes in your business, a new vehicle, new technology, new procedures, etc., in many cases, it takes time to accept them.
Change for the better, however, is easier to adjust to and accept. Within CRYSTALYX®, we have recently made a couple of changes we are excited about, as they are changes for the better.
- Changes to the Balanced line of solutions
CRYSTALYX supplements can be divided into three tiers based on nutrient fortification levels: Economy, Balanced and Blueprint®.
- Economy solutions include the HE family as well as multi-species formulas such as Sweet 14™.
- Balanced is our middle category and includes the BGFs, Mineral-lyx® and NPs, to name just a few.
Earlier this spring, we adjusted our Balanced line of formulas to include a partial replacement of Bioplex . Some of the solutions that fall in this category, including all of the mineral-type formulas (such as Mineral-lyx and Crystal-Phos® 4 and 8) and Brigade®, already included a partial inclusion of organic trace minerals. However, core formulas like BGF-30™ and BGF-20™ did not. The reason why we updated the entire Balanced line to include Bioplex OTM, is due to the research that has been done within this space, unveiling the advantages that OTMs bring to productivity and profitability. What we know about animal nutrition is constantly changing. If we don’t change our technologies for the better based on this new knowledge, we are doing a disservice to our customers.
So, how do you know if the CRYSTALYX solution you carry or feed contains Bioplex organic trace minerals? An easy way to find out is through our CRYSTALYX app. Within the app, if you click on Menu, then Additives, you can select Bioplex. This will automatically sort for you which technologies contain Bioplex. Another way is to look at the list of ingredients on the label. Bioplex includes copper proteinate, zinc proteinate, manganese proteinate and cobalt proteinate. If those are listed in the ingredients, that technology contains Bioplex OTMs.
- Changes to the BioBarrel®
The second change we have coming into play is a new generation of the popular BioBarrel. This biodegradable container is celebrating its 18th birthday but has had a few facelifts along the way.
2006: Generation 1 was the introduction of the one-of-a-kind, single-trip container.
2009: Generation 2 included the addition of wood fibers with the blend of straw, to provide more durability and strength.
2014: Generation 3 followed with WeatherAll protection technology, helping align the BioBarrel degradation rate under wet conditions.
2024: Generation 4 is an add-on of Generation 3. It has double-coated containers to help stand up to weather conditions, yet it’s still biodegradable, with no need to pick up empty containers throughout the pasture.
Trials and testing across the country have demonstrated that the double coating improves durability while keeping the BioBarrel environmentally friendly. We are excited for this change and improvement to the BioBarrel.
Changes for better performance
As the leader in the self-fed supplement business, we use constant research and development to improve the CRYSTALYX brand, to better serve our customers and support the performance they want out of their cattle. As we always say of CRYSTALYX: Performance is Served.
Look for these updated solutions at your local CRYSTALYX dealer.
