Complementary Feed & Electrolytes: Support for your calves

Complementary Feed & Electrolytes: Help in critical phases

Calving, a change of feed and transport all put young calves under pressure. In phases like these many farms rely on complementary feeds that supply fluid, salts and energy. In this section you will find electrolytes for fluid supply, energy preparations and products around colostrum and digestion. Complementary and dietetic feeds are not medicines.

Fluid and salts with scours

Scours draw water and electrolytes out of a calf quickly. That is exactly what electrolyte drinks replace, usually in addition to the milk feed and spread across the day in small portions. Follow the dosage given by the manufacturer and offer fresh water as a second option. Boluses and tablets for calves are given with a tablet applicator, while pastes go straight into the mouth. One point matters: these products support, they do not replace treatment. If a calf seems listless, stops drinking or the scours continue, it belongs in veterinary care.

Colostrum, energy and digestion

The colostrum supply in the first hours of life is the most important step of all, because only in that window does the gut take up antibodies well. Supplementary colostrum products are used when the amount from the dam is short. Energy preparations deliver quickly available energy after calving or in phases of weakness. Preparations with micro organisms and herbal concentrates are used alongside to steady digestion and the airways. Stick to the stated dosage and keep watching each animal closely afterwards.

Frequently asked questions

When do electrolytes make sense?
With scours, because fluid and salts are lost. They are given in addition to the milk feed and according to the manufacturer instructions.

Do these products replace treatment?
No. They are complementary and dietetic feeds. If problems persist, the calf belongs in veterinary care.

Why is colostrum so important?
Only in the first hours of life does the gut take up antibodies well. That is why every hour after calving counts.