Frequently Asked Questions

What extra ingredients are there in Biocalf Plus that are not in Biocalf Restore and other products?

Biocalf Plus includes Bovine Boost containing five selected strains of micro-encapsulated probiotic bacteria, which populate the lower gastrointestinal tract where 75 – 80% of all mammals’ immune function arises thereby helping to exclude pathogens and boost the immune system and a specialised strain of live prebiotic yeast and five digestive enzymes to assist the digestion of milk.

Also included is the gelling agent, Guar gum, that has thickening and stabilizing properties which increase the viscosity of the solution to slow down the passage of fluids, maintaining gut lumen hydration and increasing the absorption of water and minerals.

What causes diarrhoea?

The majority of cases of diarrhoea are a result of poor quality colostrum, nutritional imbalances caused by overfeeding, inconsistent feeding times, abrupt changes in feed and poorly mixed milk powder which can open the way for more serious bacterial and viral infections such as Rotavirus, Cryptosporidiosis, Salmonella and E.coli.

No. Oral electrolyte and oral nutritional solutions are supplements that provide energy, correct acidosis and replaces fluids and electrolytes lost when a calf has diarrhoea. If diseases such as Crypto, Rotavirus, Salmonella etc are suspected consult a veterinarian.

Do Electrolytes kill disease causing nasties?

What is required for a calf to recover from diarrhoea?

Diarrhoea causes significant losses of bodily fluids, electrolytes, and energy and causes acidosis, so treatments need to provide water, electrolytes, energy, and alkalinising agents.

That depends on the severity of the diarrhoea and the size of the calf. See below for a quick guide.

How much electrolytes do I feed?

Should I continue to feed milk while a calf has Diarrhoea?

Milk should continue to be fed while treating calves for diarrhoea as electrolyte solutions do not contain sufficient energy to maintain their weight as well as their immune system. Feeding milk or milk replacer supplies more energy and protein, allowing calves to maintain weight.

Should I mix electrolytes with milk?

Electrolytes containing alkalinizing agents need to be fed separately from milk as the alkalinising agents prevent milk from curding. Alternate feeds of milk and electrolyte solution allowing 2-3 hrs between feeds.