The trace mineral levels in all grass swards are projected to be at historically low levels, as livestock farmers across the island of Ireland face up to turnout in 2026 after the wettest winter in living memory.

Even assuming the weather does improve over the coming weeks, it could be well into the summer before mineral levels in grasses come back to anywhere near normal values.

Such circumstances dictate that farmers make available a proven trace mineral source that will be active from the get-go while also providing ruminant animals with a longer-term nutritional boost.

The good news is that the new Tracesure Advanced bolus has been specifically developed to meet these requirements.

Application of the bolus is a straightforward process.

Consequently, a single intervention on the part of farmer provides long-term security, ensuring that a critically important component of animals’ overall nutritional needs is being met in full.

Trace minerals

Trace mineral status has a fundamental impact on all aspects of animal performance: daily growth rates, fertility and health.

The nutrient content of spring grass can be notoriously variable and difficult to determine.

However, turnout 2026 brings with it one very stark certainty: trace mineral levels in all grass swards are ‘in their boots’. And there is an onus on farmers to respond accordingly.

The recent launch of Tracesure Advanced in Ireland ensures the ample availability of the new bolus prior to the start of the soon-to-start grazing season.

Tracesure Advanced's Mark O'Brien explained: “The new boluses represent a major step forward in terms of meeting the full mineral requirement of cattle at all ages.

“Underpinning all of this is the diffusion technology, for which Tracesure boluses have always been acclaimed.

“In addition, the outer surface gradually erodes over time. Together, these two mechanisms ensure a consistent and reliable supply of trace elements for up to six months.”

Tracesure Advanced boluses are now packaged in a weather-resistant, re-sealable container to safeguard product integrity when stored under typical farm conditions.

In addition, the boluses are neatly stacked within a cardboard inner, offering added protection during transit.

The vertical presentation of the boluses also makes their handling and administration more straightforward.

“Preventing these issues from arising in the first place requires the delivery of the right trace elements in the right amounts in a consistent and reliable manner.

“The new Tracesure Advanced boluses tick all these boxes," O'Brien said.

Trace element deficiencies can creep in quietly, compromising animal health, reducing fertility, slowing growth, and cutting into yields.

Preventing these profit-hitting issues is not straightforward, and delivering the right trace elements in the right amounts requires precise, consistent and reliable supplementation

Bolus technology

Driven by this need, Tracesure Advanced delivers the next generation of trace element bolus technology, engineered for farmers who need both performance and practicality.

Tracesure Advanced offers unique advantages that set a new benchmark in trace element supplementation.Its  boluses have a unique mode of action. The core mechanism is diffusion, where water continually penetrates the bolus, enabling the controlled release of essential trace elements into the rumen fluid.

In addition, the bolus’ outer surface gradually erodes over time. Together, these two mechanisms ensure a consistent and reliable supply of trace minerals for an entire grazing season.

“Tracesure Advanced represents a significant step forward in trace element supplementation, combining proven precision and performance with greater practicality," O'Brien said.