Supporting recovery after calving will benefit both dairy and suckler enterprises in terms of cow health and lifetime productivity. The calving process itself is incredibly energy and nutrient expensive. A large amount of energy is required to expel the calf and approximately 60L of body fluid, plus significant amounts of electrolytes, are lost. This combined with a drop in feed and water intake places significant stress on the cow and can quickly result in dehydration and increased risk of post-calving problems if not addressed promptly.
Providing a balanced rehydration supplement such as Post Calver immediately after calving can help to mitigate the risk of problems occurring. Not only do post-calving illnesses such as milk fever, ketosis and displaced abomasum generate the direct costs of treatment and labour, but indirect costs from reduced milk and colostrum yield, unsaleable milk and reduced subsequent fertility also have a major impact on overall profitability. Per case, the average total costs of milk fever, displaced abomasum and Ketosis are very significant.
Formulated to contain readily available energy and electrolytes, plus key vitamins and minerals, Post Calver offers a dietary and metabolic boost to support recovery and reduce the risk of post-calving problems when used alongside an appropriate transition management programme. The highly palatable formulation, developed using farmer insight and on-farm experience, helps to ensure cows receive the vital fluid and nutrients they need to recover from the calving process. Vitamin E and selenium are also included to support immune responses, as we usually see a drop in immune system functioning around calving.
Available in packs of 20 1kg sachets, one sachet of Post-Calver should be mixed with 15-20L of warm water and given to cows immediately post-calving. If the cow has experienced a particularly difficult calving period, a repeat drink can be offered 24 hours later.
Ensuring cows are rapidly rehydrated post-calving with the correct balance of energy, electrolytes, vitamins and minerals to replace what has been lost will aid rapid recovery, restore water balance and encourage dry matter intakes, supporting the start of lactation.