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Allfarm Solaminovit Liquid and Solaminovit Powder are water-soluble vitamin and amino acid supplements for poultry, livestock, dogs, rabbits and other fur animals. They can be used as metabolic agents, water intake stimulants, vitamin supplements, immune support and recovery tonics, and as an aid in diverting flock behavioural problems. The two products are interchangeable in application, though users may find either the powder or liquid more practical for their personal use.

Solaminovit Liquid is currently unavailable, but the Powder may be used as a substitute. Here are some tips on how to do this.

The main difference between the Liquid product and the dissolved Powder is that the Powder solution will sometimes contain a small amount of undissolved residue with a consistency like fine flour granules. This is due to the use of soya beans in its preparation. There is a chance that this residue will reduce the efficiency of some in-line filters.

If blockage of filters is not an issue, or can be monitored, then the powder can exactly replace the liquid – see below. The powder residue is very fine and will pass through many filter types.

If using the powder without decanting the supernatant (liquid off the top), we suggest the tank contents are stirred every hour or so, and the bottom ball valve is left on so that when the tank empties there is agitation to keep the residue moving. Regular stirring also helps.

Directly into feed:

The powder is very fluffy and mixes well. Mix with feed at a rate of 1 to 5 grams of powder per kilogram of feed.

To apply directly to feed grains, such as in some free-range mixes, spray the feed with some vegetable oil to make it sticky and then sprinkle the powder onto the feed.

Soaking feed:

Make up Solaminovit Powder as a 1 gram per litre solution - or up to 5 grams per litre if there is a deficiency which needs to be reversed quickly. Add sufficient solution to the feed and allow to soak so until all the solution is absorbed. It is important to add the feed to the liquid while the mixture is swirling.

In standalone drinkers:

Mix the powder at the desired concentration into water and leave to stand. After a period of time you will notice a sediment forming on the bottom - this is the soya flour base. The liquid can be decanted off, leaving the powder behind. As the powder is also nutritious it can be mixed into feed with some warm water to make a wet mash.

In nipple drinkers with high filtration:

The fine soya powder described above is around 10 % weight when mixed as a 10 % solution. The particle size is very small.

To supplement small volumes, such as 20-litre reservoirs, mix 25 grams of powder into 300 mL of barely warm water in a transparent glass screw-capped container. Seal and shake vigorously for 2- 3 minutes, then allow to stand overnight. Carefully decant off the top liquid and avoid taking the residue. Use the supernatant as you would Solaminovit, and any sediment can be rinsed out and mixed into feed. Make this solution up fresh daily.

To supplement larger volumes, such as multiple 1000-litre tanks:

Pre-separated: You can request Allfarm to pre-mix the solution and remove the residue before sending, so that a 5-litre drum can be used in 900-1000 litres of drinking water (equivalent to 1 gram of powder per litre, or use at a higher concentration if required). There is no charge for this service, however you need to notify us at least 2 working days in advance.

If you wish to separate your own product: Mix 1kg of powder into 11 litres of water in a clean bucket or other container. Use a hand or motorised whisk to mix the solution and repeat the mixing several times over an hour to ensure the soluble product is completely dissolved. Allow to stand overnight in a cool spot then decant or ladle off the liquid while leaving the residue. We have found that using a drum with a lip is practical, as it makes it more difficult to tip out the sediment. Done correctly, no sediment will be transferred. We recommend that you make a fresh solution daily, unless you are very confident that your equipment and water is sterile.

It is possible to stimulate animal fluid intake by adding some white sugar or dextrose to the decanted liquid (add this the residue has been removed). The recommended rate is 1-2 grams per litre of drinking water (1- 2 kg per 900-1000 litres). Be sure all the crystals have dissolved before use.