How much VitaMetz should be used and how much does one scoop contain?
Mix 1 tsp (scoop included) per one gallon of drinking water. Each 4 oz pack is enough to treat 20 gallons of drinking water.
How is VitaMetz different from other poultry vitamin packs?
Other poultry packs usually contain only some vitamins plus an electrolyte carrier. VitaMetz contains all vitamins (except choline, see below), trace minerals, and electrolytes plus probiotic bacteria.
What does “especially for waterfowl” mean?
Ducks grow considerably faster than other poultry during the first 6-8 weeks of life. It is common for commercial pekin ducks to reach 7.5-8 pounds in 6 weeks or less. To do this, their vitamin and mineral requirements are naturally higher than chickens.
Can it be used for other poultry?
Yes, used at slightly lower levels VitaMetz works fine for other poultry.
How long does it last? What is the expiration date?
Since storage conditions affect shelf life, this can vary. Under ideal conditions (cool, dry, original unopened pack) VitaMetz can be expected to be good for up to two years. However, some vitamins and probiotic bacteria are more sensitive to heat, moisture and light. So under poor storage conditions, some of the vitamins and bacteria will be lost
Why does VitaMetz need to be mixed fresh daily?
After a time, some vitamins react with the water and each other. Likewise the bacteria, after being hydrated, need to be ingested so they can thrive and reproduce. In addition, the carriers will provide nutrients to mold.
When should VitaMetz be used?
VitaMetz will help fight stress at any time. The most important times would be days 1-5 after hatching to provide the needed vitamins and minerals, plus the bacteria to establish normal gut microflora. And then at any time of stress – like feed changes, new housing, heat or cold stress, etc.
Why does it include all vitamins?
While most vitamin packs supplement only certain vitamins VitaMetz meets the need for all vitamins except Choline (see below). It could even be used as a feed premix if needed.
Why does it include electrolytes?
Like vitamins and trace minerals, electrolytes like salt are necessary nutrients.
Why does it include chelated trace minerals?
Trace minerals like copper, zinc, iron and manganese are necessary nutrients but are not usually added to vitamin packs because they can interact with and destroy vitamins. However, by providing them in a chelated form they are prevented from reacting until they reach the gut.
Why does it include probiotic bacteria?
Probiotic bacteria serve several functions: They establish normal gut microflora which produce enzymes that help digest nutrients and they compete with and exclude potential disease-causing bacteria
What about first aid?
Like all feed or ingredients, protect eyes from dust. Do not expose skin to un-diluted product. If exposed, flush with fresh water for 15 minutes.
How can VitaMetz be used as a premix?
VitaMetz can be used as a feed premix if you’d like to mix your own waterfowl feed. If you are mixing your own feed, add one package of VitaMetz and 1.5 pounds of choline chloride with every 500 pounds of feed.
Why does VitaMetz not include Choline?
The only vitamin missing in VitaMetz is Choline. Choline comes as choline chloride which is very hygroscopic and would cause VitaMetz to clump in the package and slowly dissolve.