In a spectacular display of support for the Australian sheep industry, Virbac Australia has lit up Goulburn’s iconic Big Merino with a massive projection showcasing their newly launched Multimin® Evolution for Sheep range1.
The advanced trace mineral injection is now formulated with 50 per cent more zinc to directly support flock fertility, immunity, and overall productivity.
To mark this milestone and give back to the heart of wool country, Virbac has also donated $2,000 to help refurbish the historic Big Merino museum, ensuring it remains a proud landmark for generations to come.
The striking projection on the side of the Big Merino mirrors the support Virbac, a local manufacturer and Reseach and Development company has for the sheep industry. Virbac manufactures a large range of its products close by in the country town of Crookwell and is proudly the second largest employer in the town.
Shining a light on Merino resilience
The decision to project Multimin Evolution onto Goulburn's famous landmark highlights Virbac's commitment to the sheep sector. By combining this visual celebration with a $2,000 donation toward the refurbishment of the Big Merino museum, Virbac is investing not just in flock health, but in the very symbols that celebrate Australian agricultural history.
With high input costs and an unpredictable climate, every breeding animal must perform at its peak. Optimising conception rates, increasing lambing percentages, and ensuring lamb survival are the cornerstones of profitability in the current environment.
"We know Australian producers are focused on efficiency and maximising the genetic potential of their flock," says Emily Greer, Virbac area sales manager at Virbac Australia.
"We specifically enhanced the zinc concentration in Multimin Evolution for Sheep to target those key drivers of productivity; fertility and immunity.
"Lighting up the Big Merino and supporting its restoration is our way of standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the producers who drive this industry."
Powering flock productivity with 50 per cent more Zinc
The enhanced formulation of Multimin Evolution for Sheep directly addresses modern production challenges. Zinc is the second most abundant trace mineral in the sheep's body and is essential for over 300 metabolic functions, including those critical for reproduction and immune response.
The role of trace minerals in optimising sheep fertility is well-documented. For ewes, the strategic administration of Multimin one month before joining has been shown to improve fertility by improving embryo survival leading to an average increase in conception and marking rates of 9 per cent2,3. The antioxidant enzymes synthesised from zinc are vital for ovulation and the survival of the early embryo.
For rams, the benefits are equally significant. Zinc is a fundamental component of sperm production. Using Multimin Evolution for Sheep three months prior to joining, and again at joining, supports ram libido and improves key sperm parameters, including quality, concentration, motility and morphology. The result is more lambs on the ground and a tighter lambing pattern.
Next time you are passing through Goulburn, make sure to pull over, take a look at the newly refreshed Big Merino museum, and celebrate the incredible resilience of our wool and sheep industry.
References:
- Refer to registered labels APVMA n 94279 and 94271.
- Swaney S. (2014). Increasing conception rates in sheep by using an injectable trace mineral product prior to joining in diverse regions across Australia, Virbac data on file.
- Gonzalez-Rivas P. A., et al., (2023). A trace mineral injection before joining and lambing increases marking percentages and lamb weights on diverse farms in Victoria, Australia. Animals, 13(1), 178.
This article was written by Virbac for Seasons.
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