v Spring 2009
NEWSLETTER
NEWSLETTER Spring 2009
you the customer, to succeed together in these demanding times, by securing meaningful cost reduction without compromising the performance of the animals in our care. Throughout our history we have upheld the values we believe are the key to our success - the products and services we provide are of the highest quality available in the industry. More than ever, Connolly’s RED MILLS is committed to researching and developing new technologies and ingredients to provide you our customers with that winning edge. We wish you success in overcoming the issues you encounter during 2009 and look forward to the next 100 years of feeding winners and champions!
Joe and Bill Connolly
Welcome We are now entering into our 101st year of business, facing new challenges along with our customers as the economy endures rapid change. 2008 presented many challenges to us and we can now see that 2009 will present even more. Our feed and grain industry has evolved through necessity to serve and supply customers who have chosen freely to purchase processed, quality assured compound feeds and that necessity is still there. The challenge we face is finding a way for Connolly’s RED MILLS as supplier and
“There will be a recovery – prepare now !” William V. (Liam) Connolly (1919-1998)
Directors
RACER PLUS STAKE... To celebrate the launch of our new formula RACER PLUS greyhound food we were delighted to run the “RED MILLS RACER PLUS A3 525 SERIES” in conjunction with the Irish Greyhound Board (I.G.B.). With a combined prize pool of €26,350 this series added great excitment and competition to the A3 greyhound group.
did you know...
The Series covered all tracks around the country. Connolly’s RED MILLS would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff from all tracks, and the I.G.B, for their help in rolling out the series and making it such a success. Gareth Connolly (Sales Manager) commented, “It was great to be involved in this series and RED MILLS would like to congratulate all the winners and wish all entrants the best of luck in the future.” To see images of the series winners go to: http://www.igb.ie/top/News/Photo-Gallery/ Red-Mills-Racer-A3-Series/
66%
OF THE WINNERS at the Christmas Racing Festival ARE FED ON CONNOLLY’S RED MILLS EQUINE FEEDS
CORK WINNERS; Niamh Rigney, John Geoghegan, Brian Collins, Noel Rigney and Joe Morgan with Knockalyre Jim
What’s inside?
HORSE Feeding the Foal & Weanling | News PET » Tips for you & your puppy GREYHOUND » Winners | New Product Lineup AGRI » Prizewinners | Organic Cheeses Roundup » Competition | New Staff | Stud Success
Spring 2009
NEWSLETTER
Equine Section
Feeding the foal and weanling Deciding what to feed the foal or weanling is an important decision as nutrition is most influential from the age of 3 – 9 months. One of the key issues facing breeders is DOD (developmental orthopedic disease), which can result from genetic problems, traumas or incorrect feeding. DOD is a term used to cover a range of bone related problems from physitis to limb deformities to cartilage problems. Good feeding becomes particularly important from 3 months on when the mares milk quality starts to drop and the foal becomes more reliant on grazing and hard feeds. The foal can efficiently start digesting cereals prior to 3 months and creep feeding can start from as early as 3 weeks. The benefit of creep feeding is, less stress at the time of weaning and hopefully less disturbance to the growth of the foal. Weaning often causes a temporary drop in weight at a time when development is critical, having your foal accustomed to concentrate feeds and eating from a bucket /feeder will help avoid this problem. Traditionally we think of protein, calcium and phosphorus when we think of good nutrients for strong bones. But there is a whole range of nutrients involved and having the balance of all of these is the key to success. For example, iodine is involved in thyroid function; the thyroid helps regulate growth rates. Vitamin A is important for osteoclasts, which are cells that make the bone. Too little vitamin A and your weanling will not reach his true height
potential. Zinc and manganese are needed for good cartilage formation, whilst copper is essential for the cross-links that provide strength in the bone. All of these elements are the building block of the foal and weanling and most effective in the first 9 months. The second element of nutrition that effects development is the question of how much to feed. Overfeeding or pushing the foal or weanling can cause DOD, as the joints are not able to adapt quickly enough to the sudden increase in bodyweight. Also variations in growth due to times of stress, e.g. weaning or seasonal variations (fresh new grass) can lead to DOD. The ideal situation is for steady growth of the foal; that is in itself an art to achieve.
balancers are ideal. Balancers provide all the nutrients needed in a much more concentrated form, so have smaller feeding volumes and fewer “calories”. Balancers can be used to top up or replace part of an existing diet, or can be fed as the sole feed, making them very flexible. In a case of DOD it is recommended to feed a reduced energy (calorie) diet, for example a balancer along with plenty of forage.
Whilst every foal is an individual and weight will be affected by type, the following averages will help as a guide. The average birth weight is 55kg, within the first 90 days the foal will gain around 110kg and in the next 90 days a further 70kg will be gained. Following this the 3rd set of 90 days will see a 60kg increase and the 4th set of 90 days a final 45kg increase will occur. Traditional stud cubes and mixes are an easy way to feed young stock and provide all the nutrients required. However they do not suit all types, especially those that are naturally heavier or are easy keepers. In these cases
For further advice please contact one of our nutritionists at Connolly’s RED MILLS on +353 (0)59 9775800.
RED MILLS - Pointing forward Connolly’s RED MILLS UK is pleased to announce its continued support to the UK Point to Point scene with the sponsorship of the Intermediate Point to Point Series 2009. With 22 qualifying races throughout the UK from January through to the end of April, the first four will qualify for the Final at Cheltenham Racecourse during its Hunter Chase evening on Wednesday 6th May. The Intermediate series is proving to be an
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important event in the calendar for owners from all over the UK, and is seen as a stepping-stone for young horses to progress up the Hunter Chase ladder. The 2007 winner Bon Accord, came out and finished 2nd in the Foxhunters at the Cheltenham festival last year. The re-appearance of 2008 winner, Massimo, is eagerly awaited following his impressive 7L win last year.
George Baker with SingleB and Music Box Express
Creating a Commotion in Dundalk
“My horses have been having great success on the RED MILLS range of racing feeds. My horses are in top condition. Not only are we triumphant on the race track, we are also having huge success in the ‘best turned out’ competitions.”
Padge Gill (Connolly’s RED MILLS) presenting the prize to the winners of the the RED MILLS race at the first harness race meeting held at Dundalk all weather track. The winner was Bon Commotion owned and trained by Finbar Quill, driven by Donal Murphy.
Spring 2009
NEWSLETTER
Equine Section
Blake’s Heaven David Blake is still going strong, he has been clocking up great results wherever he goes. Last June, aboard Killard Horizon, he came away with the Mackey Equestrian Junior Rider Award. He added this award to his collection
Connolly’s RED MILLS Masters Series
following a fantastic win at the Galway leg of the Showjumping Ireland National Grand Prix League. Congratulations to David from all at RED MILLS and best of luck with the future seasons.
Pictured above; Ray Coleman, Gareth Connolly, Padge Gill and Liz Bloomer
David Blake with some of the Connolly’s RED MILLS Equine team at our stand in the RDS
The 2009 Connolly’s RED MILLS Masters Series proved to be a great contest again. The finals took place in the Mullingar Equestrian Centre in the outdoor arenas this year. The final was an exciting event with a three way jump-off needed to decide the winner. Cavallo’s Ray Coleman came out the winner with Mill Road’s Raynal Cunningham in second and Coolbell’s Pat Ronayne finishing in third place. Last years winner Liz Bloomer was triumphant again taking the Leading Rider trophy.
Pony Club
BHS LECTURES British Horse Society are proud to present a lecture on: Good feeding on a Budget Understanding your Horses Digestive System and How to Design a Diet Date: 23rd March Time: 7-9pm Venue: Calliaghstown Riding Centre by kind invitation of Ms Grainnie Sugers BHSI
Date: 20th April Time: 7-9pm Venue: Gurteen College by kind permission of the prinicpal
Tickets: €8 BHS members, €10 non-members. For further info contact Jillie Rogers on (087) 1353367 or email
[email protected]
Padge Gill with the winners at the Pony Club Championships 2008.
Carriage Demonstration Top Driving Champion Barry Capstick in association with Connolly’s RED MILLS gave a tremendous driving demonstration in Coilog Equestrian centre, Co. Kildare. The crowd were delighted to see Barry and his crew guide a four strong team of horses through obstacles with great skill, and at great speed.
The exciting part came when Barry allowed spectators to climb aboard his carriage and experience the adrenalin rush of speeding around the arena. Barry Capstick has been competing successfully in the horse pair and horse team classes since 1990, so everyone was safe and all were delivered back to the sideline in one piece!
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Spring 2009
Pet Section
Tips for you and your Puppy 1. M ake sure your puppy has all its vaccinations. They should have received their 6 week vaccine already, but they will need another shot at about 10 weeks and one more at about 14 weeks. Consult your vet on these issues.
NEWSLETTER PET EXPO Pet Expo returned once again. Following the success of last years event the organisers decided to hold two Expos this year. The first was held over two days in Mallow in July and the second took place in the RDS for three days in October. Both events proved a great success, with a great variety of exhibits from the doggie fashion show to the Clysdale horses.
2. If you are changing the diet of your puppy, make sure to do so over a period of 7 -10 days to allow the puppy digestive system to adjust to the new diet. 3. G et your puppy accustomed to travelling in the car from as early an age as possible, there will be less chance of them suffering from car sickness if they are comfortable and relaxed on journeys. 4. It is good for your puppy to be left alone in his/her own bed/kennel for short periods with you always returning to reward the puppy when he/she is relaxed and quiet. 5. K eep treats to a minimum using them for training rather than spoiling them.
Julie Holmes (Tag & Rye) and her dog Prudence
The Connolly’s RED MILLS stand was manned by our Pet Reps who were kept busy with a constant flow of people with plenty of questions. We were delighted to have Julie Holmes, leading dog behaviouralists, on our stand again with her companion Prudence. Prudence kept the crowds entertained with her wonderful tricks and Julie was on hand to give advise.
The RED MILLS Pointer & Setter Championships The RED MILLS Pointer & Setter Championships took place on the Kinnity Moors in August 2008. There was double reason to celebrate with RED MILLS in their centenary year and Pointer & Setter championship was in its 50th year.
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Aidan Dunne with Jamail Adam, winners of the 2008 Pointer & Setter Championship Fed on Connolly’s RED MILLS dog foods.
Spring 2009
NEWSLETTER
Greyhound
NEW RACING LINE-UP
Following extensive research and development Connolly’s RED MILLS have launched new formula RACER PLUS and XCEL. Our greyhound range consists of RACER PLUS, XCEL and TRACKER.
RACER PLUS
XCEL
• Increased protein and energy • Added Chondrotin and glucosimine for enhanced joint mobility • Fully balanced with vitamins and minerals • Contains FOS and MOS • Wheat Gluten free
• Increased Meat Content • Rich in Omega 3&6 • Enriched with vitmains and minerals for extra endurance and increased stamina • Chicory Fibre for enhanced digestion and optimal gut health • Nutritionally Balanced
TRACKER
• Lower protein for injured or resting greyhounds • Rich in omega 3&6 • Fully balanced with vitamins and minerals • Chicory Fibre for enhanced digestion and optimal gut health • Top Quality ingredients
Double for Shelbourne Aston
What a Legend!!
Shelbourne Aston winner of the paddypower.com Irish Derby and the Boylesports Champion Stakes. Owners: Pat Curtin, Noel Hehir & Margaret Montgomerie. Trainer: Pat Curtin Breeder: Shelbourne Stud. Shelbourne Aston is fed on Connolly’s RED MILLS Greyhound foods.
Mr. Chris Houlihan Owner, Trainer and Breeder of Cashen Legend, winner of 2008 Cashmans Bookmakers Irish Laurels Final, Cashen Legend is fed on Connolly’s RED MILLS Greyhound foods.
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Spring 2009
NEWSLETTER
Agri
RED MILLS - PRIZE WINNERS FEED BELGIAN BLUE SUPREME CHAMPION BEEF EXPO 2008
Well done to Trevor Ashmore from Ferns, Co Wexford, who was triumphant in the Junior Belgian Blue Bull born between 01/09/06 and 31/08/07 with Rosemount Ashmore (fed on Connolly’s RED MILLS 16% Cattle Cooked Mix).
LIMOUSIN JUNIOR COW PRIZE WINNER 2008
Congratulations to Shay Cullen from Ballinahinch, Co Wicklow. He had the winner of the Limousin Junior Cow born in 2005, Ballinahinch Alexandria (fed on Connolly’s RED MILLS 17% Pedigree No.3 Bull/ Calf Creep). This cow and calf sold at the premier sale in Roscrea the following day for the sales top price of €12,400.
ALL IRELAND BELGIAN BLUE CROSS BRED CALF TINAHELY 2008
Prize Customers Morrins Pedigree Animal Feeds are delighted to see so much success from their Organic feed customers. Morrins and Connolly’s RED MILLS would like to congratulate the following on their numerous awards to date:
Sean O’Brien, Ballydowen, Burnfoot, Co. Donegal came away the winner of the All Ireland Belgian Blue Cross Bred Calf Tinahely. Pictured above are Andrew Bellas (judge), Tara O’ Brien, Thomas Burke. (the calf was fed on Connolly’s RED MILLS 17% Pedigree No.3 Bull/Calf Creep)
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Kelly’s Moonshine Organic Dairy Co Westmeath
Inagh Farmhouse: St Tola Cheese Co Clare
Mossfield Cheese Co Offaly
Kerry Organics Beal Cheese Co Kerry
We would like to wish all our customers continued success and hope those awards keep coming!
Spring 2009
NEWSLETTER
Round-up
WARRENSTOWN WINNERS Ronan Tynan is delighted with the success his stud, Warrenstown, has had in show jumping leagues. The team have been finishing high in the ranks in many events across the country. Warrenstown You 2, Warrenstown Well Aware and Warrenstown Krafty Jack have all achieved great results from the stud. Tholm Keane narrowly missed 1st place in the Showjumping Ireland National Grand Prix League 2008 finishing 2nd, just 1 point behind the winner. We are delighted that the horses in Warrenstown are fed on Connolly’s RED MILLS horse feeds and hope that they will have the same success, and more, in the future. Pictured here is Ronan Tynan with SJI Rachel Kane, Tholm Keane, and Linda Leslie presenting Krafy Jack at the National Championships in 2007.
New Staff Member
Online Colouring Competition Kids, here’s your chance to win a RED MILLS cooler rug for your pony and a RED MILLS T-shirt (for you) Simply log onto: www.redmills.ie/competition and follow the instructions.
Post your picture to Laura McDonald, Connolly's RED MILLS, Goresbridge, Co Kilkenny Entries must be in by Friday 6th March.
Connolly’s RED MILLS are delighted to welcome Aoife Barry MVB to their staff. Aoife comes on board as head of research and development.
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Spring 2009
NEWSLETTER
all under one roof...
Connolly’s RED MILLS, Goresbridge, County Kilkenny, Ireland Tel: +353 599 775 800 Fax: +353 599 775 378 Email:
[email protected] Web: www.redmills.com