Lely Calm Automatic Calf Feeder Aims to Improve Calf Health and Farm Efficiency
The first weeks of a calf's life quietly shape the future of the entire herd.
Strong parasite coverage in weaned calves just isn’t an area that is given a huge amount of thought at this time of year.
A New Zealand animal health company says it has developed a world-first formula specifically designed for weaned calves.
Alleva Animal Health says the oral drench provides worm parasite coverage, as well as helping to protect against coccidiosis.
“This combination helps provide protection during the vulnerable period after calves come off coccidiostat-treated meal onto pasture while supporting the development of their natural immunity to coccidiosis,” says Alleva general manager Blair Loveridge.
He says on many farms the mad rush of calving is winding down for the year. However, mating is about to start and spring cropping is rolling out across the country.
“Strong parasite coverage in weaned calves just isn’t an area that is given a huge amount of thought at this time of year.
“Due to stress and undeveloped immunity during the weaning transition, calves are very susceptible to parasitism from both gastrointestinal parasites and coccidiosis. The result can have an impact on growth rates during this time while the calf’s immunity to coccidia infection is developing.”
Loveridge says its Turbo Initial formula is stage one of the three-stage drench programme designed by Alleva specifically for growing cattle.
“We’ve listened to the market and worked with vets to iron out as many pain points of cattle drench options in New Zealand as we can.
“The result is really exciting and a huge leap forward in terms of efficacy and safety in cattle drenches,” says Loveridge.
The second product in the range is also an oral drench named Turbo Advance. This targets cattle in that second stage of growth, where coccidiosis immunity has developed and they are still a safe size to drench orally.
It can also be used on cattle under 120kg, which is often not an option with many other drench combinations, allowing for variations in growth rates within mobs. Turbo Pour-on and Injection are alternate treatments for the third stage of growth, suitable for cattle that are too large for an oral drench.
The product is available exclusively through veterinary practices nationwide and is recommended as the first drench for weaned young stock.
Loveridge says Alleva Animal Health is New Zealand owned and operated, ensuring products are designed specifically for New Zealand farmers.
Healthy snacking company Rockit has announced Wang Yibo, one of China's most influential celebrities, as its new brand ambassador.
Rabobank has celebrated the tenth anniversary of its AgPathways Programme, with 23 farmers from Otago and Southland gathering for two-and-a-half days to learn new business management and planning skills.
Adopting strategies to reduce worm burden on farm goes hand-in--hand with best practice farm management practices to optimise stock production and performance, veterinarian Andrew Roe says.
Last night saw the winners of the 2026 Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) Awards named at a gala dinner at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre.
A 12-month pathway programme has helped kickstart a career in dairy for an 18-year-old student-turned-farmer.
Zespri says its global fruit sales revenue has reached a record NZ$5.9 billion from sales of 248.1 million trays.