Correct dry cow management is the key to a successful calving, vigorous healthy calves, and post calving health and performance. Lifeline Pre-calver is the ideal supplement to meet both the needs of the unborn calf and the pregnant cow.
Uniblock, which manufactures the product, says it has been patented to boost colostrum quality by 25%.The product has been formulated to contain immune-boosting ingredients to stimulate the cow’s immune system during the final weeks of pregnancy, to increase antibody levels in the colostrum.
Developing immunity
Looking after the calf does not start when the calf hits the ground, but with the dry cow. Providing the dry cow with the correct vitamins and minerals is vitally important to the calf as these are then available in the colostrum.
It is well understood that colostrum is the crucial driver for calf health; it is the calf’s first source of nutrition and immunity to disease as there is no transfer of antibodies from cow to calf whilst in the uterus.
The new-born calf is consequently very vulnerable to disease post-parturition and relies on passive transfer of immunity from its mother via colostrum.
Cows that are deficient in minerals or with low immunity can’t produce good quality colostrum nor can they provide the calf with the necessary minerals and vitamins required for growth and immunity.
“Uniblock has included levels of lactose, protected soya and a range of yeast products; these help to improve the vitality of the calf and stimulates the immune system,’’ says Dr. Amanda Dunn, of Uniblock.
Ensuring cows consume adequate amounts of their required minerals prior to calving is vital. Lifeline Pre-calver is very palatable as it has a sweet coconut and vanilla flavour, the active ingredients are blended with glycerol and palm kernel.
Dr. Dunn added. “Our Lifeline mineral crumb is somewhat bulky compared to other pre-calver powders on the market and consequently it is easily spread across the silage so that all animals have good access.”
Dosage and timing
The recommended feed rate of Lifeline pre-calver is 120-150g/head/day.
Timing is another factor to consider when offering dry cow mineral supplementation, says Dr. Dunn.
“Six to eight weeks pre-calving is the optimum period to provide Lifeline Pre-calver as colostrum formation begins approximately five weeks prior to calving and it takes time for the cow to respond to supplementation and divert to colostrum.”
Lifeline Pre-calver now contains 100% protected (hydroxy) sources of copper and zinc. These are included in the formulation instead of copper and zinc sulphates or oxides as these protected sources are more bioavailable, palatable and result in better performance, intakes and efficiency.
It is suspected that sulphate-based trace minerals may harm beneficial rumen microbes and potentially damage the beneficial bacteria that digest fibre. A practical example of this is that sulphate trace minerals are used in footbaths for their efficacy in killing microbes.
Getting the balance of nutrition right in the weeks prior to calving reaps benefits to the cow in the days post calving.
Post-calving is the most common period for cows to become ill due to metabolic diseases, partly resulting from their vulnerability when they have reduced immunity at the time of calving.
“If the pregnant cow is lacking in the necessary minerals and vitamins, there will be an increased risk of post-calving health issues such as retained cleanings, milk fever, ketosis, poor dry matter intakes, poor quality colostrum, displaced abomasum and fertility problems later on,’’ says Dr. Dunn.
For additional information
To find out where you can purchase Lifeline Pre-calver, view its stockiest list online here
Or, alternatively, contact Uniblock Office for further information on: +353 (42) 932 9176.
