Hydrate Calves with Immu-Lyte Black Label
Water intake is important for calves. When the weather heats up water intake becomes critical to help the calf regulate body temperature, transport nutrients, and for immune function. When it is really hot, just water may not be enough to keep calves growing, gaining, and healthy.
Temperature-Humidity Index
The thermoneutral zone for a calf is between 50F and 78F (10C to 25C). This isn’t a very large temperature range. Additionally relative humidity (RH) plays a role in the degree of heat stress that the animal feels. RH is considered comfortable between 30-60%.
In an environment that takes the calf out of the thermoneutral zone many management strategies can be used to help alleviate heat stress.
- Provide Shade
- Increase Ventilation
- ALWAYS Fresh Water
- Electrolytes
Heat Stress
When calves attempt to dissipate heat load by panting, they lose critical electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and chloride. It is essential that we replace those lost electrolytes if we want calves to continue to perform well and stay healthy during the heat.
During heat stress, blood is directed to outward extremities to help cool the body, this can result in the intestines not getting enough oxygenated blood. Which can lead to increased intestinal permeability and allow foreign substances to enter the body. The immune system responds when foreign bodies “leak” through the GI-tract. When foreign bodies are identified by immune system components an inflammatory cascade is initiated, which in turn increases the nutrient requirements of the calf.
Combat Heat Stress and Protect the Gut
At Calf Distinction we have the perfect electrolyte formula to help get your calves through heat stress! Formulated to hydrate at the cell level, support immune function, and improve intestinal barrier integrity. Immu-Lyte Black Label provides the following to get calves through the heat:
Immune Support: Calves cannot fight off disease without hydration and important nutrients.
Mucus Production: Mucus acts as a barrier between pathogens and the gut wall. When intestinal mucus is dry, the mucosal barrier breaks down and allows foreign invaders to pass through.
Protective Osmolyte: Betaine acts as an osmolyte and holds water inside cells. When cells remain hydrated, we protect the calf against heat stress and electrolyte loss. Humic acid helps to form a protective film on the mucosal layer of the gut epithelia to protect against toxins and infections.
Nutrient Absorption: Humic and Fulvic Acids offer a superior source of organic electrolyte minerals. These minerals play an important part in carrying water molecules directly into cells.
Immu-Lyte Black Label Experimental Study
2,628 Holstein steer calves were enrolled in a study to evaluate the effectiveness of Immu-Lyte Black Label. They were followed for 14 days after arriving at the calf ranch. One group of calves was designated as the “control”. A second group (IBL 1x) received a daily solution of 10ml Immu-Lyte Black Label per one quart of water. A third group (IBL 2x) of calves received a twice daily solution of 10ml Immu-Lyte Black Label per quart of water. Immu-Lyte solution was fed in addition to regular milk feedings.
- Control: 875 animals, death loss 10.17%.
- Immu-Lyte Black Label 1 quart: 878 animals, death loss 9.68%.
- Immun-Lyte Black Label 2 quarts: 875 animals, death loss 7.66%.
Offering Immu-Lyte Black Label decreased death loss in the IBL 1x group by 0.5%, and by 2.5% in the IBL 2x group. Which are considerable amounts at current male calf market prices.
- Death loss of 0.5% on 878 calves is roughly 4 animals.
- Assuming a conservative price per head in the current calf market. At $300 each that is a savings of $1,200.
- Cost to feed Immu-Lyte Black Label 10 ml. per day for 14 days to 878 calves equals $166.82.
- Additionally, 2.5% reduction in death loss would equate to roughly 21 calves kept alive.
- A savings of $6,300.
- Cost to feed 875 calves 20 ml. of Immu-Lyte Black Label for 14 days would cost $323. 75.
- Calculated costs do not include labor costs, but there is a lot of wiggle room available for any additional costs including labor, equipment, etc.
If you feel like Immu-Lyte Black Label might be of benefit to your calf raising operation, check it out in our online store!
Written by: Mariah Gull, M.S.