Limestone’s versatility means it is highly effective in animal feed supplements as a natural source of calcium.
All groups of livestock need calcium for good health. Calcium promotes the formation of strong teeth and bones, as well as the transmission of nerve impulses, muscle excitability, cardiac regulation, blood clotting and activation of enzymes. Quantities required depend on the age of the animals and the environment in which they are growing.
Calcium levels must be maintained because calcium deficiencies can have detrimental effects on livestock. Too little calcium in a cow’s diet, for example, can result in milk fever and more commonly, sub-clinical hypocalcaemia. This can limit both milk production and reproductive performance.
For many years, Graymont has been successfully supplying finely ground limestone to New Zealand farmers to use in stock feed supplements for dairy herds, beef, sheep and pigs, and as grit for poultry. Our animal feed grade lime is manufactured from high quality limestone and tested to industry standards. Related Products are cost effective, gentle on the environment and approved by BioGro, New Zealand’s largest and best-known certifier for organic produce and products.
Read how some customers have tackled calcium deficiency in their dairy herds below under additional resources.
Graymont can supply Calcimate® finely crushed limestone products. Dried limestone chip is also available for Poultry feed applications. If low product moisture is a key requirement then Dried Limestone can be obtained from the North Island and South Island. These products are utilised across many commercial poultry layer and broiler operations across New Zealand.