Cattle producers have long debated over when is the best time for calving – the spring or the fall. And while most cows in the U.S. calve in the spring, the benefits of fall calving cows are numerous.
Calves born in mid-September through late November often have the advantage of good fall pasture quality and less erratic weather patterns than in the spring. Producers are also generally more devoted to monitoring their calving cows during the fall than in the springtime when other tasks are competing for their attention.
However, fall calving is not without its challenges. The cold and snow are difficult on nursing calves, plus the nutrient requirements for lactating cows generally increases 25-30%, therefore increasing the cost to harvest, store and feed cows during the long winter months.
To give fall calves the nutritional boost they need during times of stress such as birth and weaning, Brookside Agra recommends its natural, oral nutritional supplement Calf-Rescue. When given as directed, Calf-Rescue provides calves with select vitamins and a stabilized source of direct-fed microbials (probiotics) to maintain a healthy, natural appetite, digestion and immune system.
“The gut of a newborn calf is nearly sterile. It is vital for the health and well-being of the calf to develop a healthy gut microflora,” said Tim Nelson, Vice President – Animal Health & Nutrition Sales at Brookside Agra. “When given at birth, Calf-Rescue provides beneficial bacteria to promote a healthy digestive system, enabling it to grow to its full genetic potential, at a cost of only about $1.50 per calf.”
Calf-Rescue Formulation:
Select Vitamins: Calf-Rescue provides guaranteed levels of Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Thiamine HCL, Pyridoxide HCL and Vitamin B12 – vitamins critical for normal calf growth and development.
Pre-biotic Inulin: Calf-Rescue also contains inulin, a complex carbohydrate that serves as a nutrient source to help successfully colonize beneficial bacteria in the gut.
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract: Calf-Rescue provides a source of high-quality protein based from Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast and contains concentrated levels of essential and functional nutrients critical for young animals.
Calf-Rescue also contains a healthy dose of microorganisms including: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Enterococcus faecium and Bacillus subtilis to promote healthy ruminant function during times of stress.
“When calves are stressed, their appetites often decrease, while the nutritional demand on their bodies increases,” said Nelson. “Calf-Rescue, with its unique blend of vitamins and natural microorganisms, works to promote healthy microbial counts in the rumen to increase feed intake and improve digestive function.”
Use Calf-Rescue during:
- Birth and weaning
- Shipping and receiving
- Following antibiotic therapy
- During digestive disorders
- Showing
- Times of stress
Made in the U.S.A., Calf-Rescue is available in a case of 12 applicator tubes (1.04 oz. each) for easy, oral administration. Calf-Rescue contains no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Calf-Rescue may be purchased online at brookside-agra.com/products/animal-health/calf-rescue/.
For additional product information or custom orders, contact Tim Nelson, Vice President – Animal Health & Nutrition Sales at 402-560-7381 or tim.nelson@brookside-agra.com.