Around calving, milk production starts up and a cow needs a lot of calcium and energy in a short time, while she often eats less. This collection contains complementary feeds for that transition period: calcium and energy boluses, drinks and liquid energy. They are not medicines; you use them according to the feeding advice on the label.
Choose by form: bolus, drink or liquid
| Form | Products | How to give it |
|---|---|---|
| Calcium bolus | Dairy Calcium Bolus from Hofman Animal Care (with magnesium and vitamin D3), Direct Calcium from Direct Bolus | With a bolus applicator |
| Energy bolus | Dairy Energy Bolus, Direct Energy | With a bolus applicator |
| Phosphorus bolus | Direct Phosphorus | With a bolus applicator |
| Calcium drink | Excellent Calbal Plus | With a drench gun |
| Calving drink | Excellent Afkalf Drank and Afkalf Drank + | Dissolved in a bucket of lukewarm water |
| Liquid energy | Excellent Prop Top (propylene glycol), Excellent Toprium (glycerine) | Drenching, or Toprium via the ration or a dosing system |
The Dairy Fresh Cow Starter Box contains both Dairy boluses, twelve of each: white caps for calcium, yellow for energy. Handy if you want to work with one box around calving.
Packaging and administration
Boluses come in small and large packs, such as 4 or 24 for Dairy and 4 or 12 for Direct Bolus; choose based on the number of cows you expect to calve in a period. Check the diameter of the bolus and whether your bolus applicator fits it: according to the manufacturer, the Dairy Calcium Bolus is given with a 36 mm stainless steel applicator. Prop Top is also intended for sheep and goats.
Points to note
A supplement does not replace a good dry-cow ration; consult your vet or feed adviser before you use supplements. If a cow is eating poorly, stays lying down or you are unsure about her condition, call your vet. Bolus applicators are in boluses and minerals, drench guns in drenching. You will find obstetric supplies in calving aids and the rest for the calving period in calving.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a bolus and a drink?
A bolus is given with an applicator and stays in the rumen for a while. A drink or drench is given as a liquid in one go. Which form suits depends on how you work and on the advice of your vet or feed adviser.
When do I give a calcium bolus?
Follow the feeding advice on the label; it states the timing around calving for each product. Agree this with your vet.
Are these products medicines?
No, they are complementary feeds and dietetic feeds. With a sick cow, always call in your vet.