The most recent batch of calves at a 200 cow dairy and arable unit near Malton in North Yorkshire farm has not had to receive any jabs for treatment of pneumonia, having been offered Axcelera-C from day 4. All calves get usual prophylactic injections as routine but are treated with Draxxin and Loxicom if they show symptoms of pneumonia. This is what was not necessary.
Initially, the farmer’s feedback had been that his calves were eating widely varying amounts of Axcelera-C, with some calves gorging and eating far too much. Having re-visited the farm we soon realised that the Axcelera-C offered had been in excess of the recommended amount and, because the calves were on a once-a-day milk regime, a different approach to feeding Axcelera-C and follow-on calf pellets was required.
Once this simple change had been made, the farmer’s feedback is that intakes are good and the health status of his herd has improved to the extent that they have not required any treatment for symptoms of pneumonia at all – a saving of approx. £7 /calf per treatment – the previous batch having required more than one treatment for several animals.
January 2016.
