dietetic complementary feed for calves

what is osmofit?

benefits

• Dietetic water-soluble calf rehydration product.
• Developed to stabilise the water and electrolyte balance to support physiological digestion in case of diarrhoea.
• OsmoFit provides the optimal amounts and ratio of salts and sugars and a high SID to maintain the acid-base balance.
• This patent pending formula allows for effective recovery and correction of metabolic acidosis.

Managing Neonatal Diarrhoea

Calf dehydration, primarily caused by diarrhoea, significantly hampers dairy farm performance and stands as the leading cause of calf mortality. Mitigating the effects of dehydration can yield substantial advantages since it affects both short-term and long-term aspects that influence profitability.

Calves are especially susceptible to dehydration due to their small body size, elevated metabolic rate, and body composition. Most of the calf’s fluid is stored in extracellular spaces, making it prone to rapid fluid loss when exposed to diarrhoea.

The Importance of Early Intervention

Dehydration disrupts several vital processes in the animal’s body, resulting in decreased blood sugar levels, malnutrition, and an elevated risk of hypothermia. Furthermore, it can negatively impact the intestines’ ability to absorb nutrients, leading to inefficient utilisation of feed, slower growth rates, and poor feed conversion.

In the case of calves suffering from diarrhoea, there is a significant increase in sodium loss through their faeces. This sodium loss is crucial because the larger it is, the more difficult it becomes to maintain an appropriate electrolyte balance. Consequently, reducing the severity and duration of dehydration becomes more challenging.

Dehydration resulting from diarrhoea is the cause of 55% of all calf deaths in their first stage of life.

Georgina Thomas, Young Animal Feed Manager

Spotting the Early Signs

Diarrhoea often leads to significant damage to the intestinal villi, reducing the calf’s ability to absorb nutrients from the milk. Consequently, the calf becomes unable to fully utilise the available nutrients, resulting in poorer feed utilisation, feed conversion, and reduced growth rates. Therefore, it is essential not to wait until the calf shows visible signs of diarrhoea before intervening, as by that time, the situation may already be critical.

It’s crucial to closely monitor calf behaviour for early indications such as decreased milk intake, slower drinking speeds, or a complete refusal to drink. Other signs to be vigilant about include droopy ears, sunken eyes, and a general decrease in activity, which are indicative of developing dehydration issues. By recognising these early signs, prompt intervention can help prevent further complications and improve the calf’s chances of recovery.

Take Action to Rehydrate

At the first sight of early dehydration symptoms, it is essential to begin treatment immediately using a hypotonic (low osmolality) oral rehydration solution like OsmoFit.

OsmoFit is a specially designed calf rehydration product that dissolves in water. It effectively restores and stabilises the water and electrolyte balance of the extracellular fluid pool during diarrhoea episodes. By providing the necessary salts and sugars in the appropriate amounts and proper ratio, OsmoFit aids in countering the effects of dehydration and supports the calf’s recovery.

USAGE

Add 60 grams to two litres of lukewarm water (25-35°C) and provide between feedings (calf milk replacer or whole milk). Provide two litres twice daily until resolution of digestive disturbance (diarrhoea).

Do not mix with whole milk or milk replacer for calves. It is highly recommended to always have access to fresh drinking water when providing electrolytes.