The True Cost of Calf Scour and How a Practical New Supplement Can Save You Money
The first few weeks of a calf’s life are a critical window for future productivity. But what happens when coccidiosis is present in the herd? The immediate signs are clear: diarrhoea, dehydration, and in the worst cases, mortality. But the hidden costs are often far more damaging.
A subclinical infection can permanently stunt a calf’s growth, compromising its lifetime potential and leading to reduced milk yields and lower profitability for your farm. This is where proactive management becomes vital.
A recent study 24-026-B-P made in Ireland by an independent partner showed that Tonisity Rum-Xm, a highly concentrated supplement delivered through the milk replacer, can play a key role in reducing this pathogenic pressure. By supporting the calf’s intestinal function and microbiome, Tonisity Rum-Xm reduces the burden of Coccidia oocysts and improves in turn long-term development, helping the calf to reach its full productive potential.
Evidence in Practice: The Study Behind Tonisity Rum-Xm
We wanted to put our product to the test. A trial was conducted with 40 Friesian heifer calves, split into two groups: one on a standard milk replacer and a second group that had Tonisity Rum-Xm added to their milk at 5g/L. The aim was to see how Tonisity Rum-Xm would affect the calves’ health, with faecal samples collected weekly to check for pathogens.
The results were clear and encouraging:
- Coccidia: In the group that did not receive Tonisity Rum-Xm, Coccidia oocysts were detected at weeks six and eight. In contrast, no Coccidia oocysts were detected in the calves that received Tonisity Rum-Xm.
- Cryptosporidia: This pathogen was present in both groups at the start of the study. However, it did not persist in the calves receiving the Tonisity Rum-Xm supplement.
These findings suggest that Tonisity Rum-Xm may help reduce the burden of these common pathogenic protozoa in young calves.
1- At weeks two and four, samples were also tested for rotavirus, cryptosporidia, coronavirus, e-coli k99, giardia and adenovirus, only positive results are reported. *Values in oocysts per gram
The Real Cost of Calf Scour
Bovine neonatal diarrhea (calf scour) is a leading cause of economic losses in global livestock farming. While the direct costs like mortality and medication are visible, the true financial impact lies in indirect, long-term losses.
See below the table with the economic impact of Bovine Coccidiosis.
References:
A Systematic Review on Bovine Coccidiosis and its Economic Impact
The good news is that these costs can be mitigated through proper management. Essential practices include ensuring high-quality colostrum intake in the first few hours of life, providing clean, dry, and warm environments, regularly cleaning and disinfecting housing and using products such as Tonisity Rum-Xm that will specifically nourish and strengthen the gut from the first days of life.
The Tonisity Difference: A Targeted Approach to Gut Health
Tonisity Rum-Xm is your reliable ally when choosing the best way to offer the nutritional support your young ruminants need. Unlike standard supplements, Tonisity Rum-Xm is a targeted solution. It’s specifically formulated to nourish the enterocytes, the cells in the intestine responsible for absorbing nutrients.
Our unique formulation ensures the perfect balance of ingredients to support these crucial cells directly. By providing key nutrients, we help maximise the full potential of intestinal growth and animal production.
Delivering key nutrients to intestinal cells leads to a number of key benefits:
- Supports Gut Function: It supports the development of intestinal villi, which creates a larger surface area for better nutrient absorption.
- A Stronger Microbiome: It boosts the immune system within the gut, leading to a better microbiome profile.
- Reduced Pathogen Pressure: Our trial data shows a reduction in key pathogens like Cryptosporidium and Coccidia.
- Faster Recovery & Reduced Diarrhea: Studies and customer feedback show a significant reduction in the incidence and duration of diarrhea.
- Superior Growth: Other studies showed that calves supplemented with Tonisity Rum-Xm were 12% heavier than the control group by day 90, demonstrating impressive weight gain.
Tonisity Rum-Xm is the innovative, science-backed solution that goes beyond traditional supplements to nourish the gut itself, setting calves, lambs, and goat kids on a path to superior growth and lifetime productivity.
Invest in Your Herd’s Future Today
Tonisity Rum-Xm is designed to be easily mixed with fresh milk or milk replacer. We recommend mixing 50g with 10 litres of milk. Offer the amount of milk per animal according to the farm’s routine management for a minimum of 10 days post-colostrum. This simple addition can prevent common problems and ensure your young animals are set up for a lifetime of productivity.
By investing in Tonisity Rum-Xm, you’re not just buying a product; you’re making a powerful investment in the long-term health, performance, and profitability of your herd.
Ready to see how Tonisity Rum-Xm can reduce scour pressure on your farm?
