It isn’t Calcium deficiency that is killing your calves!
During the first 90 days of your calf’s life growth takes place very rapidly. Your calf needs to triple her birthweight in the first 3 months. This means that mineral demands are also high yet the amount of minerals she receives from her mother’s milk is limited. Mineral and vitamin deficiencies predisposes your calf to health issues such as unthriftness and general weakness often confused with Calcium deficiency. Major deficiencies in calves include; Copper. Zinc, Selenium, Manganese, Cobalt, Vitamin A and Vitamin E deficiencies. These give way to diarrhoea, reduced feed and water intake, stunted growth and weak immune systems exposing your calf to diseases like pneumonia among others.
Which is the way out?
The dam is our saviour in this context! During the last trimester of pregnancy (Dry phase), the calf’s mother has the ability to transfer the mentioned minerals to the neonate (unborn calf). This builds mineral reserves in the calf’s body. When properly built, these reserves are able to last your newborn calf for 3 months and this will bridge your calf through the most critical phase and set a firm foundation for a longer and productive life.
How exactly will we build these mineral reserves?
Do proper dry cow management and steaming up to your cow.
What should I do to prevent my calf from being affected and help those that are already challenged?
Introduce Ndamaplus® to your calf from day 30 of life and continue using it she’s 5 months of age. This should be done alongside proper feeding as outline in our feeding article. Click here to learn more.
