Demand for Calf Excel continues'¨to grow

Paul Elwood, from HVS Animal Health, is confirming a strong demand for Calf Excel

The product has been specifically developed to maintain the well-being of young calves and help bring relief against intestinal disorders and non-specific diarrhoea.

“Dairy farmers realise that they must give young calves the best possible start,” said HVS’ Paul Elwood. “A key factor in this regard is the now almost year-round calving patterns on many local dairy farms.

“As a consequence, sheds used for the rearing of calves are in almost continuous use. This, in turn, allows bug populations to build up, despite the best efforts of the farmers in question.

“The scourge of Cryptosporidium (Crypto) continues to gather pace on dairy farms across Northern Ireland. The parasite can cause severe scouring in young calves, with significant growth setbacks and even death the end result.

“The impact which Calf Excel has had on a number of these farms across the provInce, is both immediate and dramatic.

“Within a short period of time, the scouring stopped, calves regained their appetites and the bloom on their coats returned.”

Elwood confirmed a tremendous level of interest shown in the new product at the Winter Fair and, subsequently, the Fintona Machinery event.

“We got the same level of response at this week’s Spring Farm Machinery Show, held at Balmoral Park.

“What’s more encouraging is the fact that many of those farmers who purchased Excel, initially, are coming back for more.”

Calf Excel should be fed at a rate of 10g per calf per day, from the commencement of milk feeding up to six weeks of age.

“It contains a number of ingredients which act to help protect the lining of the young calf’s gut: hence its effectiveness in reducing the onset of scour related problems,” Paul added.

Prior to its launch, Calf Excel had been extensively trialled on local farms.

“All of the results from this work came back positive,” said Paul. “The product has been developed to give young calves the boost they need during that critical period when they are developing their own immune systems.

“Calf Excel is extremely palatable and complements all milk feeding routines, including the use of computerised feeding systems.

“Dairy farmers know that making sure calves get the best possible start is the best investment they can make in their businesses.”

For further information, contact HVS Animal Health on (028) 44831700.