Trace Elements in Calves

New-born calves are highly vulnerable to disease. Providing them with essential trace elements can reduce disease, the number of deaths and significantly strengthen their immunity, during their first few weeks.

MULTIMIN^® is an advanced injectable supplement containing vital trace elements: zinc, copper, selenium, and manganese. It's designed to rapidly and safely boost trace element levels in cattle and deer, and is most effective when administered before periods of high demand. 

MULTIMIN Evolution^® contains the highest trace mineral content of any trace mineral product in New Zealand in a low volume formulation. With 50% more zinc than MULTIMIN^®, MULTIMIN Evolution^® has been formulated to provide additional immune support, and reproductive benefits for mature animals. 

Why supplement new born calves with trace elements?

Many farmers assume that pre-calving cow supplementation adequately passes on trace elements to their calves. However, a cow's own high nutritional demands and variable colostrum intake can mean calves enter the shed with lower-than-expected trace element reserves.

Secondly, during times of stress, the demand for certain trace elements, such as zinc, can exceed body scores, meaning that animals previously identified as having adequate trace element levels become deficient. This can negatively impact their immune response meaning they may be more likely to suffer disease or free radical damage. Under New Zealand rearing systems, calves generally face significant disease challenge with large numbers of calves reared in small areas of space. 

MULTIMIN^® has been shown under New Zealand conditions to reduce the incidence of scours and deaths by approximately 50%* before day 140 in calves treated on day 1 of life compared to calves that were not injected with MULTIMIN^®.

MULTIMIN^®: Complementing oral trace element programs

You might be wondering if MULTIMIN^® is necessary if your stock already receive trace elements through feed, water, or bolus, and blood tests show normal levels. 

MULTIMIN^® acts as a powerful complement to oral supplementation, not a replacement. While oral methods are effective for maintenance, animals often have decreased appetite during periods of high demand (e.g., stress, illness, rapid growth), leading to reduced feed and trace element intake. Injecting MULTIMIN^® during these crucial times minimises the impact of reduced oral intake. Think of oral supplementation as covering daily trace element needs, while MULTIMIN^® provides targeted support for higher intensity activities and periods of increased stress or demand. 

Is injecting new-born calves safe?

The concept of injecting new-born calves might be new to some, but a 2018 trial involving nearly 1,000 calves demonstrated its safely and efficacy. Farmers in the trial administered MULTIMIN^® on the first day calves arrived in the shed, easily integrating into their routine. No adverse events were reported, confirming it as a safe method for enhancing calf immunity in early life. In fact, the trial showed an increase in calf survival rates, suggesting calves are safer when supplemented with MULTIMIN^®. 

As a result, this practice is now common on many farms, with numerous calf rearers nationwide adopting it routinely. To minimise any potential risk, we recommend a dose of 1 ml/50kg, administered as closely as possible to the calf's actual weight. The study used a set dose of 0.75 ml/calf, based on an assumed weight of 35-40 kg for new-born crossbred heifer calves. This dosage can be adjusted for larger or smaller breeds. 

I don't usually have many scouring calves. Why should I supplement with MULTIMIN^®?

Local research showed that disease and death rates in calves were halved, even from a low base after being injected with MULTIMIN^®. The effect was consistent across scours, navel ill and sick calves without a specific diagnosis. So there will almost certainly be some effect, even if your level of disease is already low.

How do I use MULTIMIN^® or MULTIMIN Evolution^® 

MULTIMIN^® should be administered by subcutaneous injection only, at the below dosage recommendations. No milk or meat withholding periods are required when used as directed.

• Calves (up to 1 year): 1 ml/50 kg.

To learn more about MULTIMIN^®  and it's benefits for calf health and immunity, visit performanceready.co.nz or ask your vet. 

*Bates, A., Well, M., Laven, RA., Simpson, M. (2019) Reduction in morbidity and mortality of dairy calves from an injectable trace mineral supplement. Veterinary Record Published Online First: 25 April 2019. doi: 10.1136/ vr.105082