Helping you prepare for a successful calving season
The calving period is a critical time on dairy and beef farms and its success is vital for a farm's profit margin.
The impact on the cow’s health will determine her productivity and her potential future in the herd, whilst the impact on the health of the calf will determine growth and performance.
Our Molecare Animal Health range offers a wide variety of supplements to help give calves the best possible start in life - as well as helping their mothers’ recovery.
For the cow
Even a normal calving puts considerable stress on the cow. Feed and water intake are interrupted, increased levels of energy are used and fluid is lost. At the same time, milk production creates a further demand on energy, water and calcium.
Feeding a supplement like Molecare Recover immediately post-calving will replenish lost vital nutrients.
It is a highly palatable fresh cow rehydration drink providing glucose for energy, calcium to meet increased demands from milk production and electrolytes, like sodium and potassium, to restore hydration and re-establish feed intake.
Good transition management can also be supported by Molecare Keto-Rumen, which reduces the risk of ketosis. Containing highly digestible sources of energy to rapidly improve the energy status of the cow.
It is suitable for use from three weeks prior to six weeks post-calving and is formulated with Diamond V bioactives, alongside essential vitamins and minerals to encourage appetite, boost rumen function and support a healthy metabolism.
For the calf
Good hygiene and calf rearing management practices are vital to help limit the risk of disease. Correct colostrum management is critical and an effective colostrum supplement should be a store cupboard essential.
Molecare Calf Colostrum is an easy-mix colostrum powder, fortified with vitamins and minerals, to help support newborn calves when maternal colostrum is in short supply or low quality.
It contains a blend of colostrum and egg proteins to help support the calf’s natural defences. It’s formula also contains Diamond V bioactives, a NuStart gut health pack and a blend of antioxidants which work together to support health, stimulate appetite and boost rumen development.
Molecare Calf Colostrum also contains multiple sources of highly digestible fats to provide essential energy.
Feeding an additional supplement, like Molecare Calf Roto-Paste, provides the ideal complement to good colostrum management.
Containing multiple sources of energy to improve the energy status of newborn calves Molecare Calf Roto-Paste also includes a unique combination of immune supporting vitamins, along with a blend of milk and egg proteins to support health.
Don’t forget the 5 Q’s of feeding colostrum
Quality - Aim for a minimum of 50g/L of IgG in maternal colostrum. Use a colostrum refractometer to measure.
Quantity - Aim to provide 10% of body weight in the first feed, followed by another similar size feed.
Quickly - Ensure calves receive at least one feed of colostrum within six hours of birth. Provide another feed within the next 18 hours for best practice.
Quietly - Research shows calves absorb fewer antibodies if they are stressed when they receive colostrum so try to feed them in a calm, quiet environment to maximise the chance of success.
Squeaky Clean - Ensure all equipment is clean and disinfected when preparing and feeding colostrum.
