CORRECT administration technique is critical to getting the full benefit of any injectable mineral supplementation program, according to Elanco Territory Manager – Tasmania and Gippsland, Brent Burgess.
Mr Burgess said mineral supplementation to address sub-clinical deficiencies was fast becoming commonplace in beef and dairy herds throughout Australia.
“We know that sub-clinical mineral deficiencies can occur during periods of high energy demand, such as in growing cattle or during mating, calving and lactation,” he said.
“Seasonal conditions can contribute to fluctuating trace mineral availability, such as when cattle are grazing lush, rapidly growing pastures. This can be compounded during prolonged wet conditions or stressful periods, such as weaning, when feed intake can be reduced.”
MultiBoost with B12 from Elanco is a five-way injectable mineral and vitamin booster developed specifically to address potential sub-clinical mineral deficiencies in cattle during periods of high energy demand or stress.
The product delivers four essential minerals – copper, manganese, selenium and zinc – and Vitamin B12 in one, convenient injection.
“Copper, manganese, selenium and zinc are essential for health and fertility, while Vitamin B12 is critical for supporting energy production needed for growth or milk production,” Mr Burgess said.
“MultiBoost with B12 does the lot in one injection – and that’s not only convenient, but it also eliminates additional injection sites and therefore the potential for unintentional carcase damage.”
Mr Burgess’s comments are particularly poignant, given that he spent more than ten years as a Meat Standards Australia meat grader at a major abattoir before working in rural merchandising and then joining Elanco in 2023.
“While working at the abattoir, I saw countless carcases with injection site lesions that had formed as a result of poor injection technique. These lesions were trimmed prior to weighing,” he said.
Injection technique important
MultiBoost with B12 is administered as a low-volume, subcutaneous injection (under the skin).
The recommended dose rate is 1 mL/50 kg in young cattle (up to 1 year); 1 mL/75 kg in yearlings (1–2 years) and 1 mL/100 kg in adult cattle (over 2 years) including bulls.
“It’s important to make sure all animal health products are administered in line with the label directions,” Mr Burgess said.
“If you are not doing it yourself, then it’s important that your staff have been properly trained on the correct injection technique.
“For MultiBoost with B12, make sure you use an appropriate applicator and needles. 16-gauge x half-inch needles are recommended. Sterilise your equipment before you start and ensure needles are sharp and clean at all times. Replace the needles frequently, every 20-30 animals, and immediately if the needle becomes burred or blunt.
“Inject at the correct site, high up on the neck behind the ear, and ensure you maintain good hygiene,” he said.
About Elanco’s nutrition treatments
MultiBoost with B12 complements Elanco’s existing range of long-acting mineral and vitamin deficiency treatments, including Cobalife™ VB12, Cobalife™ VB12 Plus Selenium, Selovin™ LA and Copperplan™ 20 Capsules.
Contact your local Elanco representative, the Elanco Customer Service team on 1800 995 709 or click here for further information about our range of mineral supplementation solutions.
Always read and follow the label directions. Results may vary based on current mineral status and additional sources of trace minerals. Consult your veterinarian or animal health advisor for supplementation advice specific to your situation.
Cobalife, Copperplan, Selovin, Elanco and the diagonal bar logo are trademarks of Elanco or its affiliates. MultiBoost is a trademark of Biocell Corporation. MultiBoost with B12 is patent pending. Australian patent application [AU2023206212]. ©2025 Elanco or its affiliates. EAH25160. PM-AU-25-0167.