New formula for weaning calves this season
The team at Alleva Animal Health claim to have developed a world-first formula specifically designed for weaned calves.
The company says the new formula was developed after farmers questioned the efficacy of pour-on in wet weather.
Alleva general manager Blair Loveridge says the company gets many calls about this from “anxious” farmers.
“The first question we are asked is, ‘will this affect the efficacy of the pour-on I have just applied?’ The other question is, ‘it has been raining and can I treat the cows while they are wet?’
“Fortunately, most single-active pour-ons are rain-resistant and their efficacy will now be affected by rain after treatment.”
But it’s not so with combination pour-ons, he says.
“First generation combination pour-ons are not rainfast, so rain can [knock their] efficacy.
“The surprise to us was that in creating a formulation that resists run-off and rain, we have also improved active ingredient absorption…. It contains a blend of materials allowing it to be used on wet animals; and rainfall before or after application has no effect on efficacy.”
Alleva says a Taranaki dairy farmer, Martin Powell, got excellent results using the product: “Young animals respond well to treatment and I no longer need worry about the sudden onset of unexpected showers,” Powell said.
Available from selected veterinary practices.
