Nettex Fresh Calver Electrolyte 20 x 1Kg Sachets

Description

It’s hard to understate the physiological & nutritional challenges facing a cow over the calving period. In a modern, productive farm her performance immediately post calving and in the subsequent weeks is essential to a profitable reproductive cycle. Milk production places a considerable demand on the cow’s reserves of energy and calcium at a time when dry matter intake is typically reduced. As well as daily demands, her general health and nutritional status at this time will have a significant impact on future reproductive performance and when she can get back in calf.

A careful focus on the diet in the run up to calving is essential to help meet these challenges and to avoid significant conditions such as ketosis & hypocalcaemia (Milk Fever). Clinical manifestations of these issues need to be identified swiftly and specific intervention and treatment started to prevent further decline. But it should be remembered that all cows, even if appearing healthy will still be going through significant physiological stress at this time and would benefit from additional support.

Dehydration is a real risk post-partum. Water intake tends to reduce before and during calving, so the cow is already potentially in deficit. Then during the birthing process she can lose nearly 60 litres of fluids from the uterus in the form of blood and uterine fluids. This loss is more than just water as, crucially, electrolytes are lost as well. Although drinking tends to resume after calving, this won’t replace the lost electrolytes.

A specifically formulated supplement can help support rehydration and a quicker recovery, as it can replace lost electrolytes and facilitate the uptake of water. Intake of a large volume of fluid post calving that fills the rumen may encourage movement of the rumen to the lower abdominal cavity. This in turn can help to prevent the displacement of the abomasum¹. In addition a recent study provided evidence that oral supplementation with electrolytes and energy at this time had a positive impact on subsequent reproductive performance²_.

Whilst clinical cases of ketosis and milk fever need specific treatment, many animals will benefit from additional supplementation with calcium and some form of energy. “Sub clinical” ketosis, where signs go undetected, can be widespread and have a significant impact on performance. As food intake is often reduced post calving, an oral solution can be a practical way of providing additional calcium and energy through this vulnerable time.

Fresh Calver from Nettex provides essential electrolytes to replenish those lost during calving and to support effective rehydration. Glucose delivers fermentable carbohydrate to help rapidly improve the energy status while calcium aids in the maintenance of calcium homeostasis. In addition it supplies Vitamin E and Selenium to support the immune response, disease resistance and the cow’s ability to cleanse effectively. Fresh Calver from Nettex is a palatable supplement to support quick cow recovery post calving