Probiotics – What’s all the fuss?

Probiotics – What’s all the fuss?

Posted on by MicroBasics

Probiotics have become quite a hot topic as we discover more about each different strain and their role in the microbiome. There is still much to learn, but here is a little about what we know now.

ROLE OF PROBIOTICS

Stabilize rumen fermentation
Promote lactic acid production
Mitigate negative effects of stress on the gut
Increase dry matter intake
Increase feed efficiency
Stimulate immune response
Exclude harmful pathogens

PRODUCT COMPARISON

It seems like probiotic products are flooding the market, and it may be difficult to understand differences from one product to another. Here are some things to look for.

Colony Forming Units indicate the organism count provided in the supplement. The larger or more CFU’s a product has, the more probiotics it will provide and most likely will be more effective than a product with a lower count.
Different bacteria do different things and produce different metabolites.
Lactobacillus: promotes digestion and prevents invasion of pathogens.
Bacillus subtilis: produces large amounts of digestive enzymes and competitive exclusion of pathogenic bacteria.
Bifidobacterium: regulation of microbial homeostasis, produce vitamins, improve gut mucosal barrier.
Choose a formula that is research
Continually monitor the performance of any product.

WHEN TO USE A PROBIOTIC

Neonatal calves
Post weaning
Shipping
Heat Stress
Postpartum
Metabolic Disorders

Here at Calf Distinction, we have chosen to utilize different strains of probiotics in our supplements dependent upon the desired function!

Beta-glucans – What are they?

Beta-glucans – What are they?

Posted on by MicroBasics

Beta-glucans are a type of polysaccharide, meaning they are made of a chain of simple sugar molecules. They can be found in the cell walls of microorganisms such as bacteria, algae, lichens, seaweed, various plants, and yeast.

 

PREBIOTIC EFFECT

Beta-glucans are a prebiotic, meaning that they are indigestible to the animal, but are used as food for healthy bacteria living in the gut. A healthy gut is all about maintaining a balance between the “good” and “bad” bacteria living there.

The molecular structure of beta-glucans found in cereal grains is very different than the beta-glucans found in fungi. Those found in cereal grains tend to have a linear structure, where those found in fungi tend to have a branched structure.

 

ENHANCED IMMUNITY

Beta-glucans from medicinal mushrooms, such as reishi, lion’s mane, cordyceps, and turkey tail, have been found to support the immune system by stimulating immune cells. Each type of mushroom contains beta-glucans with different structures, and health benefits vary with each one.

Mushroom beta-glucans have a much more diverse structure compared to other sources. The sugar chains in mushroom beta-glucan contain other sugar molecules besides just glucose, and some are bound to a protein molecule. The chains containing different kinds of sugars are called heteroglucans and those containing proteins are called proteoglycans.

Scientific evidence supports the use of mushroom beta-glucans to regulate efficient immune responses, resulting in antimicrobial, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory reactions. The impact that mushroom beta-glucan and related polysaccharides could potentially have on animal agriculture cannot be overstated. Antibiotic resistance and consumer preferences are steering the industry towards natural alternatives and mushroom beta-glucans show a promising future in the rearing and feeding of our cattle.

 

OUR PRODUCTS

We utilize multiple beta-glucans in our calf products to successfully combat diarrhea and respiratory illnesses in a natural way. Click each product name below to find out more!

Surveillance

Sync Paste

Sync Powder

Tomahawk

 

Written by: Mariah Gull, M.S.

Yeast and Yeast Derivatives – What’s the difference?

Yeast and Yeast Derivatives – What’s the difference?

Posted on by MicroBasics

Yeast and yeast derivatives have been demonstrated to have a wide range of immune enhancing benefits. It can be confusing trying to differentiate what kind of yeast is included in a feed product and understanding what it does. Let’s discuss this a little further in depth!


Whole-Live Yeast: single celled fungi.

Improved oxygen utilization in the rumen: live yeast use up the oxygen in the rumen and promote the growth of very important anaerobic bacteria and ciliate protozoa.

Improved fiber digestion: the yeast activates helpful bacteria that digest hemicellulose and cellulose.

Stabilized rumen pH: yeast stimulate the growth of lactate consuming bacteria. These bacteria use up the lactic acid in the rumen which helps to stabilize the pH at 6.2 or higher.

Improved gains and feed conversion efficiency: result of improved rumen environment, nutrient availability, and improved digestion.

 

Mannan Oligosaccharide (MOS): glucomannan protein complex on the outermost part of the cell wall.

Binds pathogens: mannose molecules act as binding site for pathogens.

 

Yeast Cell Wall: gives the yeast cell shape, composed of beta-glucan, mannoprotein, and chitin.

Binding pathogens: MOS portion of the cell wall works by binding pathogens on mannose molecules.

Activation of white blood cells: provides nutrients to increase efficiency of white blood cells.

Mitigation of negative effects of stress: pathogen binding and improved gut environment make the animal less likely to be negatively affected by stress.

Improved feed intake: result of improved gut environment and mitigated stress responses.

 

Yeast Extract: soluble portion of yeast cell, that provides additional nutrients to the animal.

Improved nervous system function

Improved metabolism

Production of red blood cells

 

Each yeast component contributes to cattle health and performance in different ways. Benefits can be claimed by feeding any one component separately or in combination with each other. Be sure to read feed labels when comparing products, and consult with your nutritionist to determine which components will have the most benefit in your feeding program!

Here at MicroBasics we utilize yeast and yeast components in our products!

 

Written by: Mariah Gull, M.S.

Farm to Table- Ray Robinson (High Desert Milk)

Farm to Table- Ray Robinson (High Desert Milk)

Posted on by MicroBasics

Recently, as input costs have skyrocketed, more and more producers are turning to marketing their own product to consumers. While marketing a consumable product is not feasible for everyone, it can be an opportunity for some.

This week we will get to hear a few words of wisdom from Ray Robinson, as he shares some of his experiences of maximizing opportunities for growth as they come, and how he and some of his neighbors came to found High Desert Milk.

 

A LITTLE ABOUT RAY AND HIS GROWTH AND EXPANSION OVER THE YEARS

I built my first dairy myself and milked about 250 cows. I had one hired milker, and I fed and did all the other work.

In 1998 we started Moo Mountain Milk and built the first barn there.  A couple years later we built a second barn and purchased the Butte Feedlot. Then a year or 2 later we bought East Ridge over towards Jackson. And then a couple years later we bought South Ridge over towards Golden Valley.  About that time, we also took over the heifer yard over near East Ridge.

Presently, we have crossbred calves in the Harris Fed Yard, dairy heifers in the Simplot Feed Yard out to Malta and we also run an Organic Dairy (Nature Ridge) out in Raft River. All together totaling about 23,000 milking cows.

Some of our cattle are milked twice a day and some of them three times a day.  We also farm a good amount of land. I oversee 10,000 acres of farm ground, and we farm considerably more. I never ever thought we would get this big.

In 2008 we started building High Desert Milk and in 2009 we started running it.  As opportunities come, we just take them on keep moving forward.

 

WHAT GAVE YOU AND OTHERS IN YOUR GROUP THE IDEA TO START PROCESSING YOUR OWN MILK?

We came up with the idea just through different conversations we had with each other about what opportunities we could see were out there. Originally, there was 10 of us that sat down at the table to hash it all out. We all knew one another, but only 6 of us stayed to see it through, the other 4 got up and left that first meeting.

 

WHAT WERE THE BIGGEST OBSTACLES YOU OVERCAME AS YOU BUILT YOUR PROCESSING PLANT?

Getting everyone on the board to agree with how to do it and what to do, was the hardest. At first, we would meet every week, now we meet about once per month, unless there is a pressing need.

Three different individuals owned the property that High Desert Milk sits on, we bought it, and construction began.

We started out making just a non-fat 34 powder. Today we also produce butter and MPC 70. We are looking at adding on again to do some other products that would fall in the class 4 market.

 

WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST ADVANTAGES OF HAVING A FARMER OWNED PROCESSING PLANT?

It is an advantage, but also a disadvantage. We all bought quota in the plant, so we must stay within 10% of our quota, but it is nice to always have a home for our milk.

In the beginning our goal was to achieve an income equal to Class III. Sometimes we make a little extra money and sometimes we lose a little, but over the years I feel like we have averaged about that Class III price.

One thing that is nice when you are tied to a plant is that the people at the plant help you to know a little more of what the current market is doing.

 

WHERE ARE YOUR PRODUCTS SOLD?

Our product is marketed all around the world. To date, we have sold product in 49 different countries. Some is sold in the U.S.A., but the majority is export.

Originally, we started out just making one-pound cubes of butter, but as time went on, we started packaging our own quarter pound bars as well as picking up some contracts to manufacture for a few other brands. High Desert Milk Butter is sold locally in Ridley’s, Stoke’s, and WalMart stores in the “Idaho Products Section”

Recently our non-fat and buttermilk powder has become available on Amazon in 1-pound pouches.

 

WORDS OF ADVICE FOR ANYONE ASPIRING TO PROCESS THEIR OWN MILK

When you first start, nothing will go like you think it will. It will all go backwards, but you have to prove to the public that you can make a quality product and do the things you say you will do. If you are going to do it as a group, make sure that you can all get along together.

 

Thank you, Ray, for sharing some of your insights regarding growth and milk marketing with us! We appreciate your knowledge and your commitment to provide quality milk products to the public.

 

Written by: Mariah Gull, M.S.

Setting Calves and Employees up for Success – Thoughts from Brooke Vanderloop, AVA Group Inc.

Setting Calves and Employees up for Success – Thoughts from Brooke Vanderloop, AVA Group Inc.

Posted on by MicroBasics

Preventing Illness

To prevent illness in the calves the maternity pen is the end all be all and is especially when group housing calves. Also, good ventilation, and supporting gut health to prevent things like scours and secondary infections and respiratory disease.

I feel like, especially in a calf barn situation, you need to have your calf program set up to be successful to prevent you employees from burning out and getting compassion fatigue. I feel like that can be a huge problem with calf people.  Most employees won’t stick around if there are a lot of sick calves and dying calves. The employees care about the calves. If they can’t feel successful in raising them, they won’t be happy in their work. If you want good help, you need to have a good calf program, they both go together.

 

Treating Sick Calves

I do most all the treating. One thing I want to work on this year is to get a protocol zeroed in, so that if per se I want to teach someone to treat calves they could do it how I would do it. I am familiar with my animals and their environment so I can usually tell by looking at a calf if it will be best to treat it with a natural product or if it needs antibiotics. I want to document my reasoning so if needed, someone else could treat the calves just as effectively.

I use Sync powder as a scours treatment. Logistically it was a little difficult for us to use in our group housing program, so Mom had the idea to put the powder into self-fill gelatin boluses, which makes it easy to give it to the calf with a pill popper. I also want to go back to giving Sync on arrival like we have done in the past. It was a great boost to the calf, and it directly impacted average daily gain.

We use Surveillance daily in our milk to prevent illness. I also have been using it more and more as a treatment. It’s very effective on the front end of scours.

The other day I got a preemie calf, I thought she was going to die. She was flat out scouring straight water. I didn’t feed her milk or anything, she couldn’t stand.  I gave her 30 ml of Surveillance and the next morning she looked like a spring chicken. I think I am going to utilize that treatment more.

 

Successful Employees

This year I have been working on communicating better and faster with my employees. I also have a goal to be more deliberate with my team meetings. Number one, so I can tell them how well the calves are doing, and number two, so we can determine areas of improvement. I know a lot of my employees feel appreciated when I show value in their opinions.

Positive feedback is important to everyone, but I feel like it is above average important to me. I know I need positive feedback, and I need to make sure that I also give that to my crew. One way I show appreciation to my employees I always like to have candy and treats available. One of my guys really loves coffee so I make sure there is coffee available every day.

I was reading an article the other day and it said that 27% of dairy farm employees, haven’t gotten positive feedback from an employer for 15 years.  That’s depressing! I would cry!  As employers we need to really focus on the positives for our employees. I am going to be more intentional with positive feedback. When a vendor comes and tells us the barn looks nice, I need to pass that on to my employees and let them know how good of a job they are doing.

 

Thank you, Brooke, for the great thoughts on setting up calves and employees for success! If you would like to hear more from Brooke’s perspective on calf raising you can visit her Smart Calf blog!

 

Surveillance and Sync can be purchased in the Calf Distinction Store.

 

 

Written by: Mariah Gull, M.S.

Dealing with Labor Shortages

Dealing with Labor Shortages

Posted on by MicroBasics

The current labor shortage has been a challenge for many industries, including agriculture. Many factors have contributed to this shortage including impaired immigrant migration, an aging population, and the migration of younger generations to the cities. This week we will discuss some strategies for overcoming labor shortages.

 

Simplify

When there just isn’t enough help to get everything done evaluate activities that can be eliminated or modified and focus on doing the little things right. Maximize the time spent touching each calf, not only will this speed work up, but it is also less stressful on the animal.

Hone in protocols to prevent disease. Treating sick calves is one of the most labor-intensive activities involved in calf rearing. Review sanitation, colostrum, vaccination, and treatment protocols to ensure your calves have the best chance of staying healthy. Keep good records to evaluate the success of each protocol and aid in any adjustments that need to be made.

 

Technology

Nowadays there are so many ways that technology can streamline labor. Utilize equipment such as tagging systems to organize and report treatments, pen moves, vaccinations, etc.

Lung ultrasound is a tool that can aid in early detection of pneumonia. Early detection of disease gives the calf a much better chance of recovery and allows treatment to be quick and effective. Not only that but having the inside view of the lungs helps with visual assessment of the animal and learning what signs to look for when detecting early onset of respiratory illness. In addition, follow up scans after treatment allow decisions to be made on the effectiveness of particular treatments.

Auto-feeders are another technological development that may decrease the amount of labor needed. These systems can provide a lot of information about how each individual calf is eating and may help identify sick calves early. Keep in mind that although auto-feeders may reduce the number of employees needed to feed calves, group feeding systems are a totally different style of management than individual housing and protocols should be established appropriately.

It will be exciting to see what new technologies will be developed in the coming years that will assist farms in caring for animals with fewer employees involved.  Work is being done in developing “facial recognition” for cattle and precision dairy technologies to monitor calf activity such as lying time, activity, rumination, and response to stressful events. All of which could be helpful in reducing the human labor requirement.

 

Employee Investment

While it’s hard to find good help, let’s not forget to maximize the manpower we already have.  A few questions to consider are:

  1. Are we utilizing the strengths of our employees?

Get to know your employees on an individual basis. Find out their personality strengths and what aspects of their job they are most passionate about.  Include them in discussions around effectiveness of current protocols and value their input on any changes that need to be made. When they feel heard and appreciated in the decision-making process, they will be more willing to stick to protocols and work towards common goals.

  1. Are we giving them the tools they need to be successful?

Sometimes we expect a certain level of performance, and then forget to connect all the dots to help our employees rise to those expectations. Take the time to teach employees not only the motions, but the why behind each task.  When their level of understanding increases, they will be more likely to ensure that things are done correctly. Also help them to realize that although some protocols may seem more labor intensive at first, in the long run it will save them time when things are done correctly the first time.

One way to invest in yourself and your employees is to participate in regular training and continued education. We created the Calf Care MasterClass to provide producers with a refresher course of all the basics of calf care, and as a training resource to be used for employees or others who are new to calf raising. It is currently available in English and will also be available in Spanish February 2022.

The tight labor situation won’t be going away anytime soon and may get worse before it gets better. Set a goal to reevaluate your labor needs and make any changes needed to become more efficient.

 

Written by: Mariah Gull, M.S.

Find your Niche

Find your Niche

Posted on by MicroBasics

Hello, my name is Mariah Gull. This week I get to introduce myself, and give you a little insight on how I found my niche in calf and heifer management and came to write the blog here on the Calf Distinction website!

Although all of my grandparents came from farming backgrounds, I did not grow up on a farm. Each of them left their family farms and pursued different careers to raise their families. However, even as a small child I always had a deep love for large animals. I was blest with wonderful parents who provided me with opportunities to pursue my interests.

Other than visiting my cousin’s dairy farm a couple of times, I didn’t have much exposure to the dairy industry until I was 14 years old. I had the most amazing 4-H leader, Maria Nye. She and her family had recently relocated their dairy farm to Millard County, Utah and she was very influential promoting dairy projects in our county 4-H program.

Maria and her family are very passionate about the dairy industry and about sharing their passion with others. She was generous enough to let many of us “non-dairy” kids show her cattle, and took the time to teach us how to care for them and fit them for show. I am very grateful for Maria, and the opportunity she provided me through 4-H that sparked my interest in the dairy industry.

When my 4-H days came to an end, I headed off to college with bright hopes for the future! I was 90% certain I wanted to become a veterinarian, and if that didn’t work out then I wanted to pursue something in animal or human nutrition. I chose to study Biology as my pre-vet program at Southern Utah University. The summer after my sophomore year, I was able to shadow a very successful local veterinarian. It was a good experience, and I learned a lot, but I questioned if that was really the career I should pursue. I thought before I made my final decision and went on to vet school maybe I should try something else. The following semester, a dairy nutritionist from a large feed company came and gave a presentation to our Block and Bridle Club. He talked about possible internships with his company, and I decided to apply!

After a few interviews I was delighted to find out I had scored the internship, and even better I was going to be working in my home area of Southern Utah! I learned a lot during that summer internship and decided I wanted to instead pursue a master’s degree in dairy nutrition. When surprise, at the end of the summer they just offered me a job that would start the following year after I finished my bachelors degree. I was astonished, but didn’t have to think long before I agreed!

During my 9 years with this company I was blest to work with many mentors, and producers that influenced my life and helped to shape me personally and in my career. I entered this career field with the intention of learning to become a nutritionist, and thought I would mostly be focusing on mature producing animals. However, along the way I jumped at every opportunity to learn something new. One example is when we needed a silage specialist, I stepped up and learned how to fill that role. I have come to experience that every single thing we learn can be applied and built upon to enhance our own abilities.

Over the years of working with producers primarily in Southern Utah and Southern Idaho, I came to realize that although I loved all aspects of dairy nutrition, I really had a passion for the young stock. I really am fascinated with the idea that we can raise a calf that was originally designed to stay on the dam, drink large volumes of milk, and slowly develop a rumen, just as well and in some cases, maybe even better, on a bottle, and with properly formulated calf starters, have the rumen ready to transition to dry feed by 6-8 weeks of age! I also love all the concepts we are learning about neonatal programming, the importance of colostrum and transition milk, and everything involved in developing the immune system of the calf.

About 4 years ago I made the decision to quit my job as a dairy nutritionist/calf and heifer specialist, and stay home with my small children. It was difficult to leave team members and producers that I loved working with, but I didn’t want to pass up the limited time I had while my children were small.

During my time off, even though I was busy being a mom, I had a little time to think about what I would want to do if the opportunity to return to a career in the calf and heifer industry came available. One of my biggest frustrations as a calf nutritionist, was that it didn’t matter how great the milk or milk replacer was, or how amazing the starter formulation was, if calves were getting sick we wouldn’t get the performance we were looking for. I decided then and there, if and when I went back to work, then I wanted to focus most on helping producers have healthy calves, by preventing disease.

Fall of 2020, I was offered the opportunity to work from home and write the blog here on the Calf Distinction website. I couldn’t be more excited, as this opportunity provided me a way to share my knowledge and experience with producers, continue to learn new things, and still be at home with my children!

If I had one word of advice for anyone developing themselves in their own career field, whether it be a farmer, rancher, calf raiser, herdsman, manager, employee, breeder, or anyone aspiring to work in the cattle industry as a veterinarian, nutritionist, or anything else. It would be to find your niche. Each and every single one of us matters, we all have strengths and weaknesses, but together we can accomplish much! Find where your passion lies and build upon it. Work hard each and every day to learn something new and build upon your foundation. Our industry is changing and evolving in ways we may have never imagined. Maximize opportunities for learning and growth. Think outside the box when making decisions that will set you up for what tomorrow brings.

Fresh Cow Health

Fresh Cow Health

Posted on by MicroBasics

Calving is a stressful event for both the cow and the calf. Management practices that minimize stress and support immune function are crucial during this event. The first few days postpartum are the most critical days in the life of a dairy cow. Proper nutrition and management during this time is important to maintain immunity, prevent metabolic disorders, and achieve high milk production throughout lactation.

 

Metabolic Disorders

A metabolic disorder is a result of a disruption in the cow’s internal biochemical processes. These disorders are often caused by an imbalance of minerals in the blood or improper rumen pH. Cows that experience a metabolic disorder are less productive and more likely to encounter a secondary disorder such as; ketosis, mastitis, retained placenta and uterine prolapse.

 

Rumen Acidosis

Cause: Acidosis is caused by a drop of pH in the rumen. Signs of rumen acidosis include; going off feed, slug feeding, depressed milk fat, diarrhea, laminitis, and a high incidence of displaced abomasum. Acidosis is often caused by poor bunk management or low-quality ration forage.

Low rumen pH is often common in fresh cows as their intakes increase or decrease dramatically, or as they change to a new ration higher in fermentable carbohydrate. This low rumen pH makes the fresh cow more likely to experience acidosis than cows later in lactation.

Prevention: Properly balance diets for energy, and provide smooth transitions from the close-up ration, to the fresh cow ration, and on to the high cow ration. It is also a good idea to offer rumen buffers free choice and/or in the ration.

 

Milk Fever

Cause: Milk Fever is a result of hypocalcemia (low blood calcium). Typically, cows will experience hypocalcemia post calving because of increased demand for calcium as the cow produces more milk. In some cases, the change is more drastic and hypocalcemia is severe enough to lead to clinical milk fever.

This sudden demand for calcium must be accommodated by absorption from the gut or resorption (mobilization) from bone. When calcium supplied from both gut absorption and bone mobilization is not adequate, then milk fever is the result.

Prevention: Consider feeding a negative DCAD diet in the close-up period, and ensure the fresh cow diet is properly balanced. It is also common to supply the cow with an oral calcium supplement at calving as a preventative measure.

 

Displaced Abomasum

Cause: A displaced abomasum (DA) usually occurs within the first month after calving,

and may be a primary or secondary condition. The abomasum migrates to the left or right side, and the gut may become twisted and create a partial blockage of the digestive tract. Fresh cows with low dry matter intake, or those whose ration is changed abruptly are more at risk of a DA.

Prevention: Maintain adequate daily dry matter intake, and blood acid-base balance. Watch for any symptoms of milk fever and promptly treat with intravenous calcium if needed.

 

Ketosis

Cause: Ketosis occurs when the cow experiences a negative energy balance and the body mobilizes large amounts of adipose (fat) tissue. Fat mobilization is accompanied by high blood serum concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs), a large portion of which are directed to ketone synthesis in the liver. Resulting in high concentrations of NEFAs and ketones, and low concentrations of glucose in the cow.

Prevention: Manage body condition in late lactation, heavy cows are more likely to experience ketosis at freshening. Encourage DMI during the close-up and fresh cow periods, and balance rations for both adequate energy and fiber to promote rumen health. Consider including supplements such as; niacin, calcium propionate, sodium propionate, propylene glycol, and rumen-protected choline, during the close-up period as they may help prevent and manage ketosis.

 

There are many different metabolic diseases that fresh cows are at risk for. One thing that they all have in common is that to prevent them from occurring cows need properly balanced rations and we have to keep the cow eating! If the close-up ration is adequately balanced and the fresh cow ration mirrors the high cow ration, fresh cows should experience a relatively smooth transition.

However, there are additional supplements to consider when promoting gut health to keep cows eating and also to support to the immune system through transition. Yeast, probiotics, and chelated minerals have all been shown to promote optimum rumen function and improve overall cow health. One supplement that has all the bases covered is Achieve.

Achieve contains:

  • Multiple strains of live yeast that provide a rich nutrient source for rumen microbes.
  • Viable lactobacillus probiotics aid in stabilizing rumen pH and helping to prevent acidosis.
  • Bacillus subtilis to produce large quantities of digestive enzymes and compete with pathogenic bacteria.
  • Digestive enzymes that stimulate fiber-digestion, stabilize rumen pH, and reduce heat stress.
  • Mannan-oligosaccharide prevents pathogenic colonization in the GI tract.
  • Yucca schidigera modifies ruminal fermentation by altering select microorganism ratios. Resulting in reduction of rumen ammonia and high blood urea levels. Which in turn has been show to improve milk production and conception rates in dairy cattle.
  • Immune Positioning System (IPS) a blend of biologically active polysaccharides and polypeptides. IPS nutritionally assists cows in balancing cellular function, reducing gut inflammation, and supporting the immune system.

Visit with your veterinarian and nutritionist about any management improvements, or ration adjusts that may aid in reducing metabolic disease in your transition cows.

 

Written by: Mariah Gull, M.S.

Surveillance Calf- Neonatal Gut Health

Surveillance Calf- Neonatal Gut Health

Posted on by MicroBasics

Early identification and treatment of disease will increase the chances of survival for the young calf. Train employees to quickly pick up on signs that a calf is not feeling well. Depression, lethargy, not eating, elevated body temperature, ocular or nasal discharge, head tilt, and scours are some common signs a calf may not be doing well. Work with your veterinarian to establish protocols for early identification and treatment of disease.

In a world where antibiotic resistance is becoming an issue and consumer perceptions are favoring products from animals that have never been treated with antibiotics, we need to be open minded and be utilizing new technologies to improve the health and welfare of our livestock. Surveillance Calf does just that as it provides support to the front-line defenses of the calf, as it supports and maintains intestinal health and supports rumen development.

What does Surveillance provide?

Probiotics

  • Bacillus subtilis thrives in the intestines and produces large quantities of digestive enzymes to aid in the digestion of feed. Bacillus subtilis also helps to create an environment of competitive exclusion, where pathogenic bacteria are excluded from the space on the intestinal wall.

Zinc Methionine

  • Chelated zinc-methionine acts as an anti-diarrheal agent by protecting the lining of the intestine. Research has shown a 65% reduction in scours, an 18% improvement in average daily gain, a 20% improvement in feed efficiency when feeding zinc-methionine.

Bioactive Polysaccharides

  • Surveillance contains a unique blend of biologically active polysaccharides and polypeptides to provide immune support.
    • Polysaccharides (a carbohydrate consisting of a number of sugar molecules bound together)
      • Polysaccharides are prebiotics that feed and stimulate growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
      • Prebiotics found in Surveillance also depress internal pathogens and increase the competency of the immune system.
    • Polypeptides (chain containing a large number of amino-acids bound together to form part of a protein)
      • Polypeptides can function as immunomodulators by supporting the immune system and preventing excess inflammation.

Yeast Culture

  • Benefits of feeding yeast to calves include
    • Improved digestion and utilization of nutrients
    • Stabilization of rumen pH
    • Encouragement of growth of beneficial bacteria
    • Optimized animal performance
    • Supports mineral retention

Egg Proteins

  • Unlike calves, who do not receive maternal immunity until after birth, chickens pass immunity directly into the eggs they lay. Egg protein technology (EPT) can produce large concentrations of antibodies (IgY) specific to common bovine pathogens. Feeding these antibodies can provide a critical bridge from birth until the calf can build its own immunity.

Yucca

  • Yucca schidigera soothes the intestinal tissue, and reduces inflammation.

Phytogenics

  • Substances of plant origin that contain anti-inflammatory properties.

Yeast Components, Prebioticis, and Postbiotics

  • Yeast cell wall (YCW) helps improve the barrier function of the small intestine.
  • Pre and Postbiotics help to feed the gastrointestinal tract.

How is Surveillance used?

So when can the calf benefit from Surveillance?  Here is a list of ways producers have found this supplement useful.

  • Upon receiving drench dairy and beef calves with 15-30 ml/hd/day of surveillance.
  • Supplement for gut development and illness prevention, 6-10 ml/hd/day added to milk feedings.
  • Add to electrolyte feedings of sick calves, 15 ml/hd/day.
  • Scours solution, drench 20 ml of Kaopectate and 30 ml of Surveillance down the throat.
  • During any stressful event, weaning, shipping, etc. orally drench 20-30 ml
    • 2021 has brought drought conditions to many areas of the United States. A lot of beef cattle are coming off summer pastures early, and many of the calves are also being weaned and/or shipped abruptly giving them little or no time to adjust to creep or ration feeds. This is a prime example of a time when Surveillance could definitely be used to help mitigate illness and aid transition onto dry feeds.

Where can you buy Surveillance?

Surveillance provides many opportunities to improve calf health and is a great alternative to antibiotic therapies. Surveillance can now be purchased through the Calf Distinction Store!

Written by: Mariah Gull, M.S.