| 2013-11-01 |    |
A unique nutritional supplement to reduce disease risk, promote gut health and correct potential iron deficiencies in young calves was officially launched by G Shepherd Animal Health (GSAH) at the Borderway Agri-Expo event.
Yolk-Ay Calf Paste with Iron is a two-dose, probiotic paste which contains egg-derived proteins from hens which have been vaccinated against a number of pathogens harmful to calf health. These include E coli, Cryptosporidium, Rotavirus, Coronavirus and Clostridia. Yolk-Ay also contains probiotic bugs to colonise the bowel and soya oil, for its high energy, plus vitamin and minerals.
Yolk-Ay Calf Paste with Iron
“Yolk-Ay Calf Paste will help the calf at this most vulnerable stage,” says GSAH director Graham Shepherd, who is a qualified vet. “It is generally accepted that a high proportion of calves are born deficient in iron, which is vital for achieving high growth rates. Research from Europe backs this up. That is why I believe that an oral paste containing iron will help the calf’s haemoglobin level and reduce anaemia.
“It is also common knowledge in human nutrition that probiotic bacteria provide competition against bad bacteria and the same applies to farm livestock. The soya oil provides the calf with energy, which helps to keep the animal warm, while its vitamins and minerals help to correct any potential shortfalls.
“The paste is made to our own formula by the owner of the vaccinated hens. This means we can be certain that our high standards are met and keep the unit cost to a minimum, by shortening the marketing chain. Calves should receive a half-dose of the paste as soon as possible after birth, with the remainder administered 12 days later.”
However Mr Shepherd, whose company is based near Preston in Lancashire, stresses that Yolk-Ay Calf Paste is not a replacement for good colostrum management.
“The general rule is that for good immunity, the newborn calf needs 10% of its body weight as colostrum in the first six hours of life. A top-up may also be required, to supply energy for body heat. The colostrum needs to be high in quality and this can easily be tested using a colostrometer, which makes a worthwhile investment.”
