Products To Always Have On Hand – Calf Toolbox

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By Alex Austin

In my last article, I discussed the top three Crystal Creek® products to have on hand for adult dairy cattle. In this article I will focus on pre-weaned calves. When young calves first show signs of a health issue, such as scours or pneumonia, early intervention is key. Having essential products on hand makes it easy to start treatment at the first signs, so no time is wasted. Below are some Crystal Creek® calf products to carry on your farm.

Calf Shield®

Calf Shield® is a daily feed additive for pre-weaned calves designed to support and stabilize the gastrointestinal health in young calves. It is a source of direct-fed microorganisms, with natural antimicrobial and immune modulator properties as well as probiotics, pH acidifiers and botanicals. By contributing to a healthy and stable Gi tract and having antimicrobial properties, Calf Shield® helps with feed efficiency, weight gain as well as being active against potential pathogens.

The feeding rate for Calf Shield® is flexible based on need. The conventional formula can be fed at 2.75 grams up to 10.9 grams. (1 scoop). The organic formula can be fed at 1.5 grams up to 6 grams per day.

Aloe Juice

Crystal Creek® Aloe Juice is a great product to have on hand. Crystal Creek® thoroughly tests the product using the methods recommended by the International Aloe Science Council to ensure quality and efficacy. Quality aloe has been proven to increase nutrient absorption and reduce the negative impacts of stress. In one study, one ounce of aloe vera juice significantly increased absorption of both water soluble and fat-soluble vitamins.

Aloe can be used daily by adding as little as 1 oz to each milk feeding. It can also be used strategically by orally drenching up to 5-8 oz twice a day during a health challenge.

HabiStat™

HabiStat™ is a chlorine dioxide product that is very effective against a broad range of pathogens, including crypto, as well as breaking down the biofilm that can help harbor and protect pathogens. The Habistat Exact™ Tablets can easily be mixed with water, to achieve the ppm concentration needed.

When the pathogens in a calves’ environment outweigh the immune resources, calves can become sick. HabiStat™ is safe and effective. It can easily be used to sanitize calf penning as well as feeding equipment to prevent the spread of pathogens and keep the calf’s environment clean.

Calf 180® Electrolytes

Scours are the leading cause of death in pre-weaned calves. Calves can become quickly dehydrated if left untreated. Electrolytes are an important tool to keep on hand when it comes to scours treatment. Calf 180® not only provides electrolytes to help rehydrate a scouring calf, but also fibers and vitamins as well as plant pectins, which help to firm up the stool.

Electrolytes should be fed as a separate feeding and not mixed with milk. Calves should remain on normal milk feedings to ensure they continue to receive the energy and nutrition necessary for not only growth but also for recovery. Ideally electrolyte feedings should take place 4 hours after milk feeding.

Every time a calf experiences a health challenge, it is not only costly but has negative impacts on their future performance as adult cows. Calves treated for scours are 2.9X more likely to calve at 30 months and almost produce 10% less milk during the first lactation. Prevention and early treatment are key to keeping calves on track. To learn more about the products in this article and the Crystal Creek® calf nutrition program, contact Crystal Creek® today.