Customer Favorites to Give Calves a Good Start

Everyone has their preferred product(s) when it comes to getting calves off to a great start – whether that's to help establish a strong immune system and gut health, or for support during periods of scours or overall weak or stressed conditions. It can be wise to see what others are using, too, in case there's a new or improved method or solution you hadn't heard of.

You may recall our TechMix series about the scouring calf and other support protocols offered to calves in various stages. In this article, we’re featuring a few other customer favorites that you may also want to consider as your next calves arrive.

As always, remember to carefully read and follow the label and/or consult with a vet for specific health concerns/needs.

DBC Ag Products

Preparing for a calf is not the time to gamble. To set calves on the best course, you need support products that work hard to establish a strong immune and digestive system. That’s exactly what you get with DBC Ag Products. Their biotechnology solutions utilize practical research and proven technology to meet calves’ needs.

First Arrival

For healthy, fast-growing calves, try the First Arrival with Encrypt Calf Supplement. Its scientific formulation helps ensure each calf starts out strong on its way to reaching genetic potential – and maximizing your overall investment. When it was first developed in 2006, First Arrival helped a calf raiser reach a 60% reduction in antibiotic use. The enhanced formula in 2018 outperformed that initial test.

Ingredients include:

The fiber source, Encrypt, helps maintain the protective layers of the gut
Whey solubles specialize in supporting the calf’s immune system
Vitamins A, D3, and E for additional immune support
Flavor from seeds and essential oils

To feed First Arrival, mix the calf powder into milk replacer or milk at 24 hours old. Or, during stressful weaning, transport or feed changes, give the calf formula paste orally. Products contain all-natural ingredients that don’t interfere with antibiotics or vaccinations. Check with your certifier for use in organic programs.

Last Stand

When your beef calves need rapid support, reach for Last Stand with ImmWave Calf Supplement. This all-natural paste helps maintain normal gastrointestinal health along with a healthy immune response from a strategic combo of ingredients that helps calves grow fast and big:

ImmWave milk proteins
Dried egg yolk and whole egg proteins
Vitamins B and D3, plus a prebiotic
The same unique fiber in First Arrival, Encrypt, keeps protective gut layers strong

The easy-to-carry tube can be given to calves orally anywhere and any time. Use it as a routine protocol for newborn calves (giving the entire tube to each newborn on day one), and carry tubes when looking after the herd for rapid support when needed. Like First Arrival, Last Stand is all natural and may be suitable for use in organic, natural and grass-fed operations. Check with your certifier.

Support Weak or Stressed Calves

One other customer favorite you might consider for your weak and stressed calves is Immu-PRIME. This liquid activates the brain to make calves more alert and hungry. They call it a blueprint for success when you give once for four consecutive days (as soon as possible after birth, or just prior to stressful transport, feed, or social changes).

What about when your calves cry? Stress from weaning can lead to weight loss and illness, so stay ahead of the stress. Look into FerAppease to help ease that transition with its Maternal Bovine Appeasing Substance (MBAS) that comforts calves like their mother did.

Durvet is another trusted brand our customers turn to for calf support:

DuraZyme Calf Colostrum Supplement is an excellent option for dairy or beef calves who don’t get enough high-quality colostrum. The product helps boost energy, fight disease, reduce intestinal infections and improve appetite and digestion.
DuraFight Capsules for Calf Stress contain electrolytes to rapidly rehydrate and balance the calves fluids. Just two capsules per day can support digestive health to help calves overcome stress from transport, handling, and more.

Stock Up Before the Calves Show Up

Meeting the needs of your calves is key to their health and long-term performance. We hope these products give you more tools to consider through your calves’ early days, and that they keep your calves growing into healthy producers for the long term. Also, let us know what you think of these products – submit a customer review after you’ve given them a try.

Roundup of Calf-Support Products