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27/11/06
Thanks to a new product from specialist animal nutrition company
SCA NuTec, calves can be successfully treated for scours and
other digestive upsets without incurring setbacks in growth rates.
Critical Care is an electrolyte blend with the essential ingredients
for rehydration. In addition – and what makes it different
from many other electrolyte products – is that it also contains
milk protein and a slow releasing source of energy together with
the gut conditioning package NuStart.
“The addition of protein, slow releasing energy and NuStart
makes Critical Care unique,” says SCA NuTec ruminant nutritionist
Norman Downey. “The great advantage is that the new product
is a complete feed. Calves receive the essential rehydration treatment
and at the same time get the necessary protein and energy to minimise
any setbacks in growth rate.”
At the first signs of any digestive upset, Mr Downey recommends
taking the calf off milk completely and feeding two litres of Critical
Care. This should be followed by two further feeds of two litres
each at 12 hour intervals then milk reintroduced after 36 hours.
“If the calf’s condition improves after 12 hours, having
had two feeds of Critical Care then milk can be introduced earlier,” he
adds.
In trials, calves fed on Critical Care have been shown to recover
quickly and not suffer from growth checks. Subsequent incidences
of diarrhoea have also been reduced. Compared with calves fed on
a conventional electrolyte, those on Critical Care achieved 65%
higher daily liveweight gains over the course of a week and consumed
more milk powder.
“Maintaining the supply of protein and energy will keep growth
rates moving,” adds Mr Downy. “Including NuStart helps
too, in boosting gut health by stimulating the growth of beneficial
bacteria and this should help prevent subsequent digestive problems.”
Suited to dairy and beef systems, many producers are now feeding
Critical Care to bought-in calves when they arrive on the unit
as well as to calves at the early onset of any problems.
Available in dried form in 2.4kg or 5kg, a 2litre feed is made
up by mixing 200g with 1.8 litres of warm water. Critical care
is also available in 200g sachets. “Using Critical Care
for two or three feeds will cost between £5.40 and £8
to complete the course – a cost that can be easily justified
through better growth rates and improved health.”
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