A Scientific Approach to Calf Digestive Support

Activated Charcoal - A Scientific Approach to Calf Digestive Support

With autumn-calving herds now well into the calving period, attention inevitably turns to the

management of the newborn calf. The first few weeks of life represent a period of

considerable physiological and nutritional change, and maintaining normal gastrointestinal

function is an important component of successful calf rearing.

The Calf Dry Bolus, from Matrix Animal Health, has been formulated to provide nutritional

and physical support to the digestive environment of young calves. Central to the formulation

is activated charcoal, an ingredient characterised by its exceptionally large internal surface

area.

Activated charcoal undergoes processing that creates an intricate network of microscopic

pores. Although a relatively small quantity of material is administered, this highly porous

structure produces an enormous adsorptive surface.

One gram of activated charcoal can have a surface area of up to 3,000m².

To put that into perspective, the activated charcoal contained within a Calf Dry Bolus

provides an adsorptive surface comparable in scale to a football pitch.

This surface area is important because activated charcoal works principally through

adsorption. Rather than being absorbed into the calf, compounds within the gastrointestinal

contents can adhere to the surface of the charcoal as it passes through the digestive tract.

This is a physical process and does not depend upon the charcoal being absorbed or

metabolised before it can act. Its extensive porous surface is therefore available within the

gastrointestinal tract, providing rapid physical support to the digestive environment and

helping to manage excess moisture and unwanted material.

Calf Dry also contains seaweed, providing a naturally derived source of minerals and trace

elements to complement the activated charcoal and provide additional nutritional support.

For autumn-calving systems, where large numbers of young calves may require close

attention over a relatively concentrated period, ease of administration is also important. Calf

Dry is presented as a convenient oral bolus, allowing the formulation to be delivered directly

and consistently.

By combining the substantial adsorptive capacity of activated charcoal with the nutritional

contribution of seaweed, Calf Dry provides a practical approach to supporting normal

digestive function in young calves.

Matrix Animal Health – Delivering results through innovation in animal health.

For more information or to find your local distributor contact Matrix HQ 0044 7803618754.