USA - FDA Expands Feeding Range for Elanco's Rumensin in Dairy Cows

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Elanco's application to expand the allowable range of Rumensin (monensin sodium) in dry feed supplements for dairy cows. These supplements, known as Type B feeds, must be mixed with other ingredients before they are fed. Now Type B dry feeds may include an increased range of 23 g/ton to 80,000 g/ton of Rumensin on a dry matter basis (rather than the previous range of 40 g/ton to 80,000 g/ton). This expanded range adds flexibility as nutritional suppliers formulate premixes for dairy operations, while ensuring that the resulting rations comply with the FDA's regulations. In 2004 Rumensin became the first product to earn FDA approval based on a claim of increasing milk-production efficiency. Trial results showed that Rumensin-fed cows were 2 percent to 4 percent more efficient. When fed throughout lactation and the dry period, Rumensin economically delivers more milk per pound of feed while maintaining the natural wholesomeness of milk. Producers can feed Rumensin in total mixed rations at a rate of 11 grams to 22 grams per ton on a 100 percent dry matter basis. Elanco recommends that producers start feeding Rumensin to lactating and dry cows at the 11 grams per ton rate, and then work with their nutritional advisors to determine the feeding level that's right for their herds. On average, this feeding regimen provides a 5:1 return on investment throughout the entire lactation cycle for just pennies per head per day. Rumensin can be purchased through traditional animal-health and nutrient-supplier companies.