New CalverMaxx supplement meets suckler pre-calving nutrient demands without shifting BCS

CalverMaxx delivers rumen support and key performance vitamins and minerals ahead of calving

In the run-up to calving, suckler producers looking to deliver essential nutrients to cows without making increases to body condition scores will benefit from CalverMaxx, Rumenco’s newest addition to its pre-calving supplement range.

Specially formulated to support the health and performance of pre-calving cows and heifers, CalverMaxx is a palatable, high-sugar product that provides a readily available source of energy to support calf growth, colostrum production and future cow fertility. The high sugar content provides rumen support by feeding rumen microbes to boost rumen function, which in return will optimise available nutrients in every mouthful of forage consumed.

This type of supplement is highly valuable to pre-calving cows and heifers by delivering essential nutrients. However, some producers fear if cows are supplemented with a nutrient bucket ahead of calving, that there will be excessive weight gain and larger calves, contributing to calving difficulties. According to Dr Alison Bond, nutritionist for Rumenco, this is not the case with a supplement like CalverMaxx.

“With a daily intake of 200-300g per day, the energy delivered from CalverMaxx is not enough to cause cows to become too fat in late pregnancy – especially when on a forage-based diet. Cattle at the ideal BCS of 2.5 and even over conditioned cows will not have weight gain,” explains Dr Bond. “However, there will be adequate intakes to deliver those essential vitamins and minerals, while also providing support to the rumen.”

The importance of meeting pre-calving nutrient demands

Pre-calving nutrition has a significant impact on cow and calf health, especially in the final stages of pregnancy. During the last six weeks of pregnancy, cows are under considerable metabolic stress as the udder prepares for lactation and colostrum production begins.

“The calf is also growing rapidly and demands a high amount of nutrients,” says Dr Bond. “Providing the correct balance of energy, minerals, and vitamins during this period is essential to prevent metabolic diseases and optimise colostrum production.”

The supplement also contains a full range of trace minerals and vitamins to support cow and calf immunity and subsequent fertility. This includes high levels of iodine and copper, including a protected source of copper, to support calf development and return to oestrus. It also has optimal levels of selenium and vitamin E, including a protected source of selenium, to support colostrum quality, calf vigour, and immunity.

“CalverMaxx also contains the correct balance of calcium and magnesium to help where the potential incidence for milk fever and grass staggers exists, while supporting muscle contraction for the calving process,” says Dr Bond. “The levels of magnesium to achieve this is not possible through drenching or a bolus, and must be through consumption.”

For the majority of suckler systems with forage as its primary feed source, the nutrient benefits received from a multipurpose nutrient and rumen support supplement like CalverMaxx will yield a return on investment. This is paid through supporting healthier calvings, healthier calves and future fertility.

“By providing the correct balance of energy, minerals, and vitamins, CalverMaxx can help to manage metabolic disease risk and optimise colostrum production, ensuring that your cows are healthy and productive for future production,” concludes Dr Bond.