CoMax™ for Beef Cattle
CoMax™ is a proprietary highly soluble, organic form of cobalt to be fed to ruminants for improved rumen fermentation and increased efficiency of Vitamin B12 production.
Photo: Illustration of solubility of equal levels of cobalt in the forms of cobalt carbonate (left) and CoMax™ (right).
The Requirement for Cobalt
A unique nutritional situation exists in ruminant animals with regard to cobalt nutrition. The rumen microorganisms actually have the requirement for cobalt and through their symbiotic relationship with the host produce the vitamin to supply the animal’s requirements.
Rumen bacteria have a very strong affinity for cobalt. When a dissociable cobalt source is introduced into the rumen, the uptake by bacteria is rapid – 80-85% within 30-40 minutes. So matching the form provided in the supplement to the metabolic demands by the rumen microorganisms and the animal’s physiological needs is key to maximizing animal performance. The advantages of CoMax™ are its rapid rumen solubility and level relative to the requirement of the rumen bacteria.
CoMax™ Improves Fiber Digestibility
Research trials conducted at West Virginia University demonstrated that addition of CoMax™ to high roughage diets consistently improved fiber (NDF) digestibility.
Digestibility of NDF in corn silage based diets.| Trial Number | Control | CoMax™ |
| 1 | 51.7% | 63.2% |
| 2 | 50.0% | 56.4% |
CoMax™ Impacts VFA Production
Research trials with CoMax supplementation of both stocker and feedlot rations resulted in increased production of propionic acid and a change in the acetate:propionate ratio.
CoMax Impact on VFA Production.| Trial Number | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Ration Type | Roughage | Backgrounding | Backgrounding | Finishing |
| Propionate of Control | 13 | 33 | 39 | 122 |
| Propionate of CoMax™ | 18 | 37 | 45 | 129 |
| Acetate:Propionate of Control | 2.41 | 3.22 | 2.81 | 0.91 |
| Acetate:Propionate of CoMax™ | 1.68 | 2.91 | 2.32 | 0.96 |
Benefits Reported with CoMax™ Supplementation
- Improved appetites and feed utilization.
- Increased fiber digestibility.
- Heavier weaning weights.
- Improved weight gains
CoMax™ is available in both dry and liquid forms.
CoMax™ 100
Guaranteed Analysis:
Cobalt, minimum = 5,000 ppm
Ingredients:
Diatomaceous Earth, Alpha-Hydroxy Propionic Acid, Cobalt Propionate.
Instructions for Use:
Mix with supplement, grain and forage in a complete ration via a micro-ingredient machine; or add as a micro-ingredient in the manufacture of premixes, supplements (dry and liquid), blocks and tubs.
CoMax™ 100 feeding rates for various beef programs:
Weaning and Receiving: 3 grams per head/day
Growing, Stockers and Cow/Calf: 3 grams per head/day
Finishing: 2 grams per head/day
CoMax™ 5X Liquid
Guaranteed Analysis:
Cobalt, minimum = 25,000 ppm
Ingredients:
Alpha-Hydroxy Propionic Acid, Water, Cobalt Propionate, Fenugreek, Xanthum Gum, Natural and artificial flavors added.
Instructions for Use:
Mix with supplement, grain and forage in a complete ration via a micro-ingredient machine; or add as a micro-ingredient in the manufacture of premixes, supplements (dry and liquid), blocks and tubs.
CoMax™ 5X Liquid feeding rates for beef programs:
Weaning and Receiving: 600 mg per head/day
Growing, Stockers and Cow/Calf: 600 mg per head/day
Finishing: 400 mg per head per day