Vitalizer DB is a milk replacer especially for dairy beef calves to help producers lower their risk. Vitalizer DB is a unique formulation designed to promote good health and wellness in dairy beef calves.
Vitalizer DB is a complete milk replacer designed for the producer raising dairy beef calves. These calves are at increased risk for sickness early in life due to:
- Unknown colostrum intake and immune status
- Co-mingling with calves from multiple sources
- Transportation to and from livestock facilities
Vitalizer DB contains ingredients and supplements targeted at promoting good health and combating sickness in the dairy beef calf.
MOS and Essential Oil Options
MOS or mannan-oligosaccharides and essential oils containing specific plant extracts are standard ingredients in Vitalizer DB. Both supplements contribute to maintaining a desirable microbial balance in the intestine, which leads to optimizing nutrient utilization and animal growth.
Plasma
Vitalizer DB provides animal plasma, which contributes to the overall protein content of the milk replacer in addition to providing specialized proteins that promote a favorable intestinal environment and increased animal performance.
Complexed Trace Minerals and Vitamins
Vitalizer DB contains complexed trace minerals to support calf immunity, calf performance and health. In addition, Vitalizer DB is fortified with B-vitamins along with vitamins C and E to promote health and growth.
Dry Blended Formulation
Vitalizer DB is a dry blended formula (versus an instantized formula) and is designed for use with power mixers to assure that adequate dispersion and mixing of the product occurs.
The protein and fat levels along with a set feeding schedule are designed to promote dry starter intake and early rumen development in the dairy beef calf. This leads to a more rapid and economical transition to a dry feed program.
Medicated Options Include:
|
Oxytetracycline and Neomycin Base (from Neomycin Sulfate) For aid in the treatment of bacterial enteritis (scours) and bacterial pneumonia |
|
Decoquinate For the prevention of coccidiosis in non-ruminating and ruminating calves and cattle caused by Eimeria bovis and Eimeria zuernii. |
|
Lasalocid For control of coccidiosis caused by Eimeria bovis and Eimeria zuernii. |
Nutrient Analysis |
|
|---|---|
| Crude Protein % | 20.0 |
| Crude Fat % | 18 - 20 |
| Crude Fiber % | 0.20 |
| Calcium, min-max % | 0.75-1.25 |
| Phosphorus % | 0.70 |
| Vitamin A, min | 30,000 IU/lb. |
| Vitamin D3, min | 10,000 IU/lb. |
| Vitamin E, min | 200 IU/lb. |
Day of Arrival to Day 35: Feed 2 quarts of milk replacer solution (~100°F) to calves twice a day. Offer free choice clean water and starter daily.
Day 36 – Day 42: Feed 2 quarts of milk replacer solution (~100°F) to calves once a day. Offer free choice clean water and starter daily.
Day 43: Wean calves if they are eating at least 3# of calf starter for 3 consecutive days. If starter consumption is not at this level, continue feeding milk once a day until it reaches this level.
Cold Weather Feeding: Newborn calves can experience cold stress at temperatures below 50 degrees F. Options for providing more nutrients to calves during cold stress include:
- Feed up to 50% more milk replacer solution per calf per feeding (feed 3 quarts versus 2 quarts per feeding).
- Add a third 2 quart feeding during the day.
- Add Calf-Cal high energy supplement to the existing milk replacer.
Mixing Directions
Mix milk replacer and warm (120°F) water according to the rates in the table below:
| # of Calves | Gallons of Water |
Pounds of Vitalizer DB |
| 1 | 1/2 | 1/2 |
| 2 | 1 | 1 |
| 10 | 5 | 5 |
For faster growth, cold stress, or health challenges, mix milk replacer and water according to the table below:
| # of Calves | Gallons of Water |
Pounds of Vitalizer DB |
| 1 | 1/2 | 0.625 |
| 2 | 1 | 1.25 |
| 10 | 5 | 6.25 |
Management Tips
- Offer clean, fresh water at all times.
- Clean, sanitize and air dry feeding and mixing equipment after each feeding.
- Avoid feeding hay prior to weaning.
- House calves in a well ventilated area.
- Provide clean, dry bedding at all times.
- Do not mix powder in water over 150°F.
- Powder can contain variation in color and dark particles, this is normal.
- Slow agitation of milk replacer solution during feeding is recommended to assure a proper mix to all calves.
These products, which contain added copper, must not be fed to sheep or related species that have a low tolerance level to copper.
These products have been formulated specifically for dairy calves and are not intended for other species.
#46513—Vitalizer 20-20 Non-med, 50 lbs.
#46594—Vitalizer 22-20 Non-med, 50 lbs.
#46603—Vitalizer Plus 24-20 Non-med, 50 lbs.
Other drug and additive options available.