The danger of using DCP on your incalf heifer or cow
We highly discourage use of high Calcium minerals on heifers and cows at advanced stages of pregnancy. High calcium mineral sources should be limited when the animal is 7 Months incalf.
The major reasons for this include;
1. The animal during late stages of pregnancy needs to train her body to utilize Calcium stored in body reserves – the bones as opposed to that provided through the diet.
2. Provision of high dietary Calcium will hinder the body from training the necessary glands and organs from releasing Calcium into the blood on need basis and this will lead to milk fever after calving.
3. High amounts of Calcium will lead to overgrowth of the developing calf which will in turn result in difficulties while giving birth (Dystocia). This leads to excessive stress on the animal and causes low production after calving. In adverse cases death of the calf or the dam may occur.
So what minerals should we provide the incalf heifer or cow during the last trimester?
You should only provide mineral licks that have low amount of Calcium. 5% Calcium will be ideal to stimulate the body to function normally and enhance supply of blood Calcium preventing the animal from the risk of milk fever and enhance milk production. Calcium is important in manufacture of milk. Mineral supplements that contains high levels of protein help in proper development of the udder. This ensures that your cow produces more milk after calving.
Tranzpro®️ a high protein and energy supplement should be introduced 18 days before calving and used for 36 more days after parturition (after calving). It boosts her immunity, maintains her appetite and body condition. To buy Tranzpro®️ please click here.
Learn more on proper care of incalf cows, click here.
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