It Isn’t Calcium Deficiency That’s Killing Your Calves!

When calves fall sick or fail to thrive, many farmers immediately suspect calcium deficiency. While calcium is vital for growth and skeletal health, it’s rarely the root cause of mortality in young calves. Instead, the problem often lies in management practices, nutrition, or underlying diseases that weaken the calves before calcium deficiency even becomes a concern.

The Real Culprits Behind Calf Deaths

1. Dehydration and Scours
   Diarrhea, or scours, is the leading cause of death in calves under one month old. It quickly leads to severe dehydration and loss of essential electrolytes. While calcium plays a role in overall health, failing to address scours promptly is far deadlier than a calcium imbalance.
2. Inadequate Colostrum Intake
   Calves are born without a functional immune system and rely on colostrum for antibodies. Poor-quality or insufficient colostrum intake leaves calves vulnerable to infections, which can lead to high mortality rates.
3. Poor Hygiene and Housing
   Dirty bedding, overcrowded pens, or poorly ventilated shelters create breeding grounds for bacteria and viruses. Calves living in such environments are at a higher risk of respiratory diseases and other infections, which can be fatal.
4. Nutritional Deficiencies Beyond Calcium
   While calcium deficiency is rare in well-fed calves, deficiencies in other critical nutrients like vitamin A, protein, or energy can impair growth and weaken immunity.One way to combat these issues is by using Ndamaplus®, a high-quality product designed to enhance dairy calf growth and development. Here’s how it helps:
   • Promotes Weight Gain: Supports average daily weight gain in calves, ensuring healthy growth.
   • Counters Stunted Growth: Provides essential nutrients to prevent stunted growth in young calves.
   • Reduces Post-Weaning Stress: Minimizes stress during the critical post-weaning period, supporting calf health.
   • Boosts Immunity: Enhances the calf’s immune system, safeguarding against diseases.
   • Facilitates Timely Heat Onset: Promotes timely heat cycles in heifers, ensuring a smooth transition to adulthood.
5. Parasites and Diseases
   Worm infestations and diseases like pneumonia or coccidiosis can silently harm calves. These conditions are more likely to cause fatal outcomes than calcium deficiency.

How to Keep Your Calves Healthy

• Focus on Early Nutrition: Ensure calves receive colostrum within the first six hours of life to boost their immunity. Follow up with milk replacers or fresh milk rich in essential nutrients.
• Maintain Clean Housing: Regularly clean pens and provide dry, comfortable bedding. Good ventilation reduces the risk of respiratory illnesses.
• Prevent and Treat Diseases Early: Regularly deworm calves and monitor for signs of illness like coughing, diarrhea, or lethargy. Seek veterinary assistance promptly.
• Incorporate Ndamaplus® in Their Diet: Use Ndamaplus® as part of your feeding regimen to ensure calves receive all the nutrients needed for steady growth, strong immunity, and overall health.

Conclusion

Don’t let calcium deficiency distract you from the real threats to your calves. By prioritizing nutrition, cleanliness, and disease prevention—and incorporating products like Ndamaplus® into your calf management—you can reduce calf mortality and raise healthier, more resilient animals.