Ability of two different oral electrolyte solutions to correct dehydration and acidosis
Lactobalance, hydration and osmoregulation
It is crucial for a calf to maintain its water balance
A dehydrated calf will not have the desired average daily growth required for LifeStart performance.
whole milk has an osmolality of about 330 mOsm/L. Many calf milk replacers have an osmolality which is much higher. As a result of feeding such a calf milk replacer, water may move into the GI tract, leading to a reduction of faeces consistency and an increased risk to develop diarrhoea.
Dehydration in calves often results from diarrhoea, which is usually accompanied by sodium depletion. This requires a different approach compared to dehydration due to transport. LifeStart trials have provided the information to correctly formulate hydration products for calves suffering from diarrhoea in order to meet the following three criteria:
If transport, heat stress or water deprivation cause dehydration, potassium is mostly depleted. Products formulated for dealing with these problems should have the correct balance between potassium and sodium.
Articles about lactobalance, osmoregulation and hydration
LifeStart Themes
Most of the LifeStart science presented on this site is related to a particular stage of the life of a calf or dairy cow. There are however some general themes not related to a particular stage of life.
For a full understanding of LifeStart science, please review the information related to the following
4 themes:
