This month’s edition of “Gizmos & Gadgets” features a Purina feed additive that optimizes reproduction in cattle, biodiesel approval for all T4 John Deere engines, a new Massey Ferguson^® tractor series and a new John Deere baler lineup.

Feed additive boosts reproductive performance

Purina Animal Nutrition is driving the success of reproductive health in beef cattle through the launch of CX8™, an additive technology designed to optimize reproductive performance for beef producers utilizing advanced reproductive technologies such as artificial insemination (AI), embryo transfer (ET) and semen collection.

The technology incorporates eight nutritional components positively affecting rumen fermentation, trace mineral and energy utilization, and oxidative stress, which optimizes fertility, increases first-service conception and maintains a healthy pregnancy.

Feed to cows 30 days before natural service, AI or embryo collection/transfer. Continue feeding 90 days postbreeding. For bulls, feed CX8 at least 60-90 days before semen collection. For natural service feed 60-90 days prior to turnout and continue feeding through the breeding season.

For more information visit https://bit.ly/468iHda.

Biodiesel-compatible engine portfolio

John Deere announced the approval of B30 biodiesel use across its entire portfolio of Tier 4 John Deere engines. This increases the previous approval of blends up to B20.

“We believe strongly in the role that renewable fuels play in supporting the agriculture economy and are excited to offer our customers — including those who grow the very crops used to make renewable fuels — the opportunity to leverage higher blends of fuels like biodiesel in their own equipment,” said Pierre Guyot, senior vice president of John Deere Power Systems.

For more information visit https://bit.ly/4mjqXvN.

New tractor series

AGCO introduces the Massey Ferguson^® 5M Series to North America. Designed for high-hour multitasking, the series helps address everyday challenges, delivering a tailored combination of power, comfort and technology to increase productivity, reduce fatigue and manage resources more effectively.

While utility tractors in this class often demand trade-offs, the MF 5M Series offers a wide range of power levels, cab and platform setups, and transmission choices. The series includes four models, from 105 to 145 hp. Operators can select between cab or open platform, 12x12 or Dyna-4™ transmissions, and two chassis sizes. The larger frame on the 135- and 145-hp models adds lifting power up to 11,500 pounds and stability, ideal for handling big round bales or heavy municipal mowing attachments.

For more information visit https://bit.ly/3VNTApZ.

Baler for heavy crop conditions

John Deere has added the V452M round baler to its North American lineup, providing enhanced productivity and precision to larger-scale hay and forage operations. The baler headlines the newly updated lineup of VR and CR round baler models, introducing a new naming convention and advanced features purpose-built for heavy crop and silage conditions.

Updates to the VM, VR and CR lineup include variable-chamber and variable-wrapping combination models.

The V452M offers bale sizes up to 5.5 feet (ft.) in diameter, giving producers more flexibility and control of their forage output, and a solution for increased density capabilities. Key features include:

• Advanced bale chamber technology: Three starting rolls and two belt drive rolls ensure consistent bale rotation, regardless of crop moisture.