Knowledge base

We work closely alongside farmers, veterinarians and scientists to constantly expand our knowledge, which we are then happy to share with you.

Categories: Colostrum, Diarrhea, Housing, Hygiene, Milk powder, Respiratory health
| Colostrum, Diarrhea, Respiratory health

The first colostrum: plenty, quickly, often, fresh and supplemented in case of emergency

A calf is born with no antibodies against disease. It is therefore of life-saving importance that the calf be given as much colostrum as possible, as quickly as possible.

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| Respiratory health

Airways: every calf’s powerplant

Healthy airways mean that animals perform well. “To keep the fires burning, you need oxygen,” explained veterinarian Niels Geurts from the Netherlands.

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| Housing, Hygiene, Respiratory health

Veterinarian Niels Geurts ‘80% are airway problems’

Transporting young calves and placing them in a new environment with calves from other farms represents a huge health challenge. Veterinarian Niels Geurts of the Thewi veterinary practice in The Netherlands sees the consequences of the process on a daily basis and points out the areas for improvement in calf rearing on dairy farms.

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| Housing, Respiratory health

Keeping warm is very important! Feeling cold? Put the calf in a bodywarmer

As the outside temperature falls, it is important to keep calves warm. Cold consumes energy which is then not available for growth. Young cattle specialist Johan Verdaasdonk shares tips to prevent a growth dip by cold weather.

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| Diarrhea, Milk powder, Respiratory health

Roughage & Concentrates: For a strong rumen development

We all know that cows are ruminants. However, a newborn calf (pre-ruminant) acts like a monogastric animal. The milk bypasses the rumen and flows directly into the abomasum by the esophageal groove reflex. So if you want your calves to become strong and high milk producing heifers, it is of high importance that the rumen starts developing as soon as possible, without limiting the energy intake in the first weeks of life! This is the challenge!

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| Colostrum, Diarrhea, Housing, Hygiene, Milk powder, Respiratory health

Calf Nutrition (videos)

Find out more on feeding schedules and the importance of feeding your calves with concentrate and roughage.

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| Housing, Respiratory health

Heat stress in calves

High temperature can be strenuous to calves, even more than cold temperature. Above 23°C calves can experience heat stress. The humidity level also plays a role: the higher the humidity, the sooner the calf suffers from heat stress.

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| Respiratory health

CAIR: helps with the prevention of airway problems

In selecting a milk powder, the essence is the growth and health of the youngest calves. For the past three years, dairy farmers have also been able to select a milk powder that contributes to airway health: CAIR. 'With Kalvolac CAIR, the calf has 33% fewer problems involving airway infections'.

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| Respiratory health

10 tips to prevent airway problems in calves

Alongside diarrhea, airway infections are the most common disorders affecting calves. And you all know what that means. Sick calves cost you money and valuable time. They also have disturbing consequences for your herd and as a result for your farm. Prevention is better than cure. Tips based on the experience of fellow dairy farmers across the Netherlands may therefore prove valuable.

We have selected the ten most commonly submitted tips and are happy to share them with you.

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| Respiratory health

Airway infections are costly

Besides diarrhea, it is the most important condition among young calves: respiratory infections. Important causes: poor colostrum supply and a poor barn climate. A systematic approach can prevent a lot of trouble.

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The best start for a better future

Dairy farmers worldwide are challenged to work to increasing efficiency. In creating a profitable farm, a healthy and productive herd makes all the difference.

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Nutrifeed

We guarantee high-quality young stock feeds combined with excellent nutritional knowledge. In addition to Kalvolac calf milk powders, we also offer ­specialist products for pigs, young goats and lambs. For more information, visit our Animal Nutrition pages.