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.