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Post-calving calcium: avoid the shortfall

  • Animals
  • Calving
  • Sponsored Content

Are your cows really getting the calcium they need? If you’re feeding maize silage, PKE or cereals this winter, you might be unknowingly short-changing your dairy herd on one of the most critical minerals post-calving: calcium from Calcimate®.

Calcium is an essential macro-mineral for a healthy and profitable dairy herd. As calving approaches, your cows are under pressure. Hormonal changes can depress appetite, just as energy and mineral needs skyrocket. With less feed going in and metabolic changes in play, cows can struggle to access enough calcium when demand is peaking. Colostrum contains nearly double the calcium levels of normal milk, so if her blood calcium levels drop too low during the colostrum period, her performance suffers, and milk fever – subclinical or clinical hypocalcaemia can strike.

You won’t always see the signs right away. Subclinical hypocalcaemia often flies under the radar, silently dragging down milk production, affecting reproductive success, immunity, and feed intake. While it’s more common in older cows, even heifers can be affected, especially in a climate with frequent cold snaps and wet weather stressors.

That’s why more farmers are taking a preventative approach.

Graymont’s Calcimate® Fine Limestone is made right here in New Zealand using high-quality, naturally sourced limestone (calcium carbonate). It’s finely ground for better absorption, tested daily for consistency, and proudly BioGro certified – giving you peace of mind that you’re feeding your cows a clean, high-calcium supplement you can trust every time.

Approximately one cup per cow per day (250-300g)1 is all it takes to help balance calcium levels in your herd’s diet. When paired with low calcium supplementary feeds like PKE, maize silage or cereals, Calcimate® closes the calcium gap, helping to reduce the risk of costly health setbacks like milk fever and maintain healthy milk production.


Trusted for more than 23 Years

By supporting calcium metabolism at one of the most demanding times of a dairy cow’s life, Calcimate® can help:

  • Mitigate milk fever
  • Cows reach milk production potential
  • Maintain healthy immune function
  • Dairy cows get back into condition faster post-calving
  • Youngstock reach their growth potential
  • Support uterine health to improve reproduction outcomes.

Start strong this season. Don’t let milk fever steal productivity from your herd. A simple daily dose of Calcimate® could be your smartest investment this winter, because when it comes to milk fever, prevention is the best cure.




Talk to your local TSR or stop by a Farm Source store to find out more.


 

Note: Do not feed Calcimate® in the four weeks before calving without veterinary or nutritionist advice.

1. Minimum requirements for calcium down the throat – allowance must be made for wastage, and outside cows can have additional calcium requirements, especially in bad weather and/or if still growing for detailed advice, consult your veterinarian or nutritionist. Calcimate® contains a minimum of 36% elemental calcium and factors in an absorption efficiency of 70%. Ensure that the calcium content all feed inputs is understood and accounted for when assessing Calcimate® intake. Inclusion rates may vary between age and breed and are influenced by factors like lactation phase, diet, environment, mineral uptake and vitamin availability.

Article supplied by Graymont