It says often these problems are associated with complex processes of the animal’s metabolism. Common conditions include grass staggers due to low concentrations of magnesium in the blood, milk fever when the concentration of calcium in the blood is too low and Ketosis when the cow is expending more energy than is being taken in.
Once a cow is down it may be difficult to determine which of the above conditions caused the initial problem, the company says.
“Therefore, a good nutritional transition leading into calving is highly important. Preventing a metabolic disorder is always a better option than curing one.”
The AHD metabolic range includes Minject/Vetmin 4 in 1, Calject/Vetcal, Magsulph and Dextron, which are provided as pillow packs supported by Cal-jet and Calvet oral; this is administered orally to give extended protection to help prevent a relapse. Also included in the metabolic range is Acedex, a quickly absorbed energy supplement.
Calject or Vetcal is the correct product to use when the cow has clinical milk fever. Milk fever usually occurs in the 48 hours pre or post calving. Milk fever occurs when the blood calcium levels drop below the normal blood calcium level of 8-10mg/100 millilitres.
Minject or Vetmin 4 in 1 is to be used when the cow has milk fever with complications. This usually happens 24 hours or more after calving. The complications are caused by imbalances of minerals such as magnesium that are contained in Minject and Vetmin 4 in 1.
Cal- Jet or Calvet oral is an oral calcium or Minject/Vetmin 4 in 1. When used in this way it will increase the length of protection from two to four hours up to 12- 24 hours.
The company says a better strategy is the preventative approach using one of the AHD energy drenches Rite –Start, Resolute, Cow Boost + Protexin and Over the Moon + Protexin which are used as preventatives for metabolic disorders. These energy drenches have a high content of soya bean oil along with calcium and magnesium; they are free flowing under any weather conditions and highly palatable.
Another oral application is the AHD Oral –Mag. “Often underrated or overlooked, Oral –Mag, which contains 25% magnesium pidolate, is easily metabolized. Oral –Mag remains in the body for up to 10 days and can be used in conjunction with other forms of magnesium supplements that offer a limited magnesium uptake.”
www.ahdltd.co.nz
