Crystalyx News

Reducing Respiratory Challenges and Pneumonia in Calves

Posted on by Graeme Warnock
pneumonia in calves
27
Oct
Respiratory problems – such as pneumonia in calves – are most prevalent when temperatures are low and humidity is high. Poor ventilation and direct draughts can also cause calves and sheep to develop respiratory problems. 
 
According to AHDB, pneumonia in calves costs the UK cattle industry around £50 million every year. The cost of pneumonia in calves is largely hidden, but even subclinical cases can have significant impacts on liveweight gains. 
 
The problem is partly created by the sharing of respiratory organisms when groups are mixed. Cattle and sheep, like all animals, carry bacteria in their respiratory passages. When the immune response is weakened, the opportunity is given for infection to take hold.
 
The growing awareness of antimicrobial resistance is prompting farmers to look ever more closely at taking preventative steps to tackling the infectious organisms. Steps include: 
  • Improved hygiene practises
  • Enhanced biosecurity measures
  • Incorporation of vaccines
  • Advances in nutritional supplementation

Reduce the respiratory risk with Crystalyx Easy Breather 

While not intended to be a substitute for good management practices, Crystalyx Easy Breather does provide a powerful and natural aid to help housed animals withstand respiratory challenges.

Stress is a major impactor on immune responses and therefore the spread of disease. Livestock can become stressed with disturbances such as weaning, transportation, housing, regrouping, competition for insufficient feed, and overcrowding. 

Featuring a full complement of vitamins and trace elements, Crystalyx Easy Breather supports a strong immune defence system in young animals. This gives them a better chance of protecting themselves against infectious respiratory challenges. Crystalyx Easy Breather also features menthol and eucalyptus to aid breathing and keep calves relaxed through keeping respiratory passages clear. 

Extensive trial work has shown Crystalyx Easy Breather significantly reduces the incidence of coughing and respiratory irritation in housed calves and sheep and allows them to regain their appetite after a stress or challenge.

Research by Professor Z M Kowalski of Krakow University in Poland showed that offering Crystalyx Easy Breather to Holstein dairy calves increased growth rates by 8.5% over controls, similar trials conducted in Russia confirmed that feeding Crystalyx Easy Breather to stressed calves improved DLWG by 11.3%.

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Crystalyx Easy Breather

 

Graeme Warnock