Animal welfare

A dairy cow needs a lot of water to stay healthy and fit. A healthy adult cow needs at least 150 liters of water per day to function and produce properly. When a cow drinks too little, this has direct consequences for welfare and production.

Cows that are not fit due to illness or calving often have trouble getting enough water. To help the animals quickly with this, the use of the Easy Drench is a godsend. Drenching is the administration of a certain amount of water. The most common application of drenching is desiccation. Dehydration can be detected in cows in various ways. For example, squeeze the skin of the cow. If the skin remains upright for a while, this is an indication of dehydration. Deep-set eyes are also an indication of dehydration.

The temperature of a drench's water is best comparable to the body temperature of the cow. If the weather is very hot, you can choose to use slightly cooler water. It is not desirable to give a cow cold water in hot weather. Water with a large temperature difference compared to body temperature actually causes extra stress. So check the temperature of the animal and the water before drenching.

I am happy to help you determine how much water a cow may need. To be able to act quickly, it is best to call me. I can be reached on 06-51 60 12 22. Then we can discuss the possibilities. Of course I also have to have the cow in the picture. If possible, I prefer to visit in person, but photos or videos of the cow also give me an idea of ​​the animal's health.

When a cow is dehydrated, there is a good chance that a shortage of vitamins and minerals has also arisen. The reason for dehydration can have various causes. When a cow suffers from diarrhoea, the loss of moisture is great and dehydration is lurking. In addition to diarrhoea, there are more specific conditions in which drenching is very valuable for the health of the cow. Here we discuss some common causes.
Lyme disease

Because a lot of energy is required from the cow during pregnancy, starting milk production is a risk. Milk production also costs a lot of energy. About 25% of calved cows have an energy deficiency. In many cases this is not visible and the cow manages to make up for this shortage independently. If the cow is unable to absorb sufficient energy from the feed, she will eat away at the fat reserves. Ketones are created in the reaction of converting fat into energy. If too many ketones end up in the blood, the cow will become ill. About half of the cows with an energy deficiency suffer from the amount of ketones.

The combination of extra energy and yeast gives the cow exactly what she needs for a quick recovery. This gives her the energy to make up for the deficiency. It also reduces the pathogenic ketones in the blood. The functioning of the rumen is improved by the increase in rumen flora. Digestion is thus supported for a better appetite and better absorption of nutrients.
Udder inflammation

The bacteria Eschericia coli can cause inflammation of the udder. This condition is also known as acute E. coli mastitis. In case of inflammation by E. coli, it is important to act quickly. The growth of the number of bacteria is very fast. With a larger number of bacteria, the symptoms of the mastitis increase. Eventually the cow can go into shock and in most cases this is fatal.

An important part of the treatment is the administration of fluids. By administering moisture, the body is enabled to quickly separate harmful bacteria and substances. With a drench, the moisture can be administered quickly, with appropriate additives.

In case of udder infection, we advise to drench the cow. Use a drench powder that ensures a correction of the mineral balance and the acidity of the blood. The composition should also aim at stimulating fluid absorption as a remedy against dehydration. To supplement the moisture deficiency, we also recommend that you administer sufficient water. As a result, the cow is rid of the inflammation and pain more quickly. When the inflammation has disappeared, the milk is also good for production again. How much water a cow needs depends of course on the condition of the cow. Here I list four ways in which you can estimate the extent of the dehydration. Namely the rumen filling, the appetite, the fur and the position of the eyes.

A low rumen filling indicates a fluid deficiency. Behind the ribs on the left flank lies the rumen. If the rumen is not well filled, then this place has clearly collapsed. Appetite is also a signal that may indicate dehydration. If the cow does not eat for a longer period of time, the risk of dehydration is greater. The coat of the cow should shine. A cow with a moisture deficiency has a dull coat. In addition, the fur of a dehydrated animal stays upright when you squeeze it. The skin should be supple and fall back quickly. If a cow's eyes are visibly sunken, there is a serious moisture deficiency.

I am happy to help you determine how much water a cow may need. To be able to act quickly, it is best to call me. I can be reached on telephone number 06-51 60 12 22. Then we can discuss the possibilities. Of course I also have to have the cow in the picture. If possible, I prefer to visit in person, but photos or videos of the cow also give me an idea of ​​the animal's health.
Classic milk fever

After calving, milk production starts quickly. Especially after a period of dryness with the right ration. Due to the rapid start of milk production, the cow also quickly needs a relatively large amount of calcium. If the cow cannot quickly release sufficient calcium from the feed, a calcium deficiency will arise. Calcium is important for proper functioning of the muscles, among other things. This condition therefore has many potential problems for the proper functioning of the cow.

Animals with classical milk fever or calf disease can be treated by eliminating the calcium deficiency. Rapid administration of calcium is possible with the Easy Drench. It is also advisable to drench the cow in good time in case of classical milk fever. In this case, use a drench powder containing all the nutrients a cow needs after calving for a good start to lactation. The administration of these substances using a drench stimulates the appetite. By administering a larger amount of fluid, the rumen is put under tension. Because the rumen is stimulated, digestion starts faster. Stimulating digestion after calving is important. Cows often eat less as a result of the milk fever. And it is precisely the diet that is important to get enough necessary nutrients.


Items used:
Drenching cows
Escherichia coli
Milk sickness
Ketosis (Sluggish Milk Disease)
Give lukewarm drinking water immediately after calving
Animal health / Temperature cattle

The Easy Drench is now available for every farmer.