Boehringer Ingelheim Bovikalc Dry 4pc. The bolus for a more comfortable drying off. To support reduced milk production.

Boehringer Ingelheim Bovikalc Dry Calcium bolus 4pc.
 

Bovikalc® Dry; the comfortable drying method.
 

After drying off the cow, a large amount of milk remains in the udder due to the cessation of milking, which leads to udder congestion. The resulting increase in pressure in the udder can cause pain and discomfort in the cow.
Bovikalc® Dry is an oral mineral supplement that is administered to dairy cows during drying off.
Bovikalc® Dry can help reduce milk production after stopping milking. Reduced milk production reduces milk accumulation in the udder.
 

• Bovikalc mineral bolus is supplied per 4 packs of 196 grams.

• Mineral bolus

• Reduction of milk production at the time of drying off

• Reduction of pressure on the udder

• Increased cow comfort

• Oral administration

Efficacy :
Bovikalc® Dry contains anionic salts, including ammonium chloride, calcium chloride and calcium sulfate.
 

Bovikalc^® Dry, an oral mineral supplement that contributes to comfort and well-being for dairy cows.

It is the first product on the market in the United States that helps decrease milk production in cows during “dry off,” a period of 45 to 60 days before a cow delivers its next calf.

This time of rest, when a cow is not being milked, allows for final fetal growth and rejuvenation of milk-producing cells. Bovikalc^® Dry helps prevent milk accumulation and udder swelling with the goal of a more comfortable dry-off experience.

After oral administration, the bolus dissolves in the rumen within 30 minutes, followed by release of anionic salts and absorption, which affect the acid-base balance in the cow.
The reduction in milk production is believed to be achieved by inducing a mild and transient metabolic acidosis in the animal.

The single administration of 2 boluses of Bovikalc® Dry when drying a cow has shown a reduced milk production. The reduced milk production reduces the udder pressure and therefore increases the lying time of cows.

Boehringer Ingelheim has launched Bovikalc® Dry, an oral mineral supplement to help support the drying off process in dairy cows, at UK Dairy Day 2018.

Bovikalc Dry^® joins original Bovikalc (a calcium bolus for reduction of the risk of milk fever) to extend the range from Boehringer Ingelheim. Bovikalc Dry helps support the natural decrease in milk production at the end of a lactation cycle. Reduced milk production helps to reduce milk congestion in the udder, and the associated discomfort.

Bovikalc Dry contains the anionic salts ammonium chloride, calcium chloride and calcium sulphate. Cows should receive two boluses, orally, which dissolve within 30 minutes in the rumen, where the anionic salts are released and then absorbed.

The dry period is a crucial resting period in a dairy cow’s lactation cycle, giving the udder the opportunity to repair and regenerate between lactations, but the drying-off process can be a difficult, uncomfortable and stressful period [1,2]. Cows may still be producing considerable amounts of milk and the accumulation of milk in the mammary gland can lead to udder distention and engorgement [3].

Discomfort from udder distension during drying-off may cause reduced lying time, with cows resting for shorter periods in an attempt to relieve pressure on the udder [4]. It is also a high risk period for mastitis [4], particularly in high-yielding cows.

Cow welfare can be improved at drying off with attention paid to reducing pain from udder engorgement, and monitoring for signs of mastitis with early intervention where infections are present.

Mathieu Maignan, Boehringer Ingelheim Bovikalc Dry, brand manager, says: “The addition of Bovikalc Dry to the Bovikalc range is evidence of our continued investment in this important area of dairy health and welfare.”

Dairy farmers should talk to their vets about improving cow welfare during drying-off and ask their local animal health specialist for Bovikalc Dry.

References
1. Bertulat et al. (2013), Dairy Sci.; 96:3774-3787
2. Silanikove et al. (2013). Dairy Sci. 96:6400-6411
3. Leitner et al (2007) Livestock Science, 110: 292-297
4. Rajala-Schultz et al. (2005). Dairy /scu.; 88:577-579