Land O’Lakes Animal Milk Products introduces a reformulated Land O’Lakes® Electrolyte System.

“It is essential that oral electrolyte solutions contain an alkalinizing agent to address acidosis caused by the acid-base imbalance that occurs during scours. Products containing bicarbonate have been used effectively for this purpose for many years. Research demonstrates that electrolyte products containing acetate as the alkalinizing agent have advantages over bicarbonate,” says Dr. Tom Earleywine, technical services director for Land O’Lakes Animal Milk Products.

Dr. Geof Smith, professor of ruminant medicine at North Carolina State University explains, “Our research shows that abomasal pH rise is not observed when using acetate-based oral electrolyte solutions. Maintaining a low abomasal pH addresses the risk of bacteria reaching the small intestine that may lead to infection or clinical disease.”

Acetate benefits include: producing energy when metabolized, stimulating the sodium and water absorption in the calf intestine and inhibiting the growth of Salmonella, E. coli and other bacteria.

The Land O’Lakes® Electrolyte System is designed to address the effects of scours, electrolyte loss, nutrition and dehydration. It is a two part, cost-effective program structured to address the effect of scours and dehydration before it starts and after it has taken hold of the calf.

The Electrolyte System Base is designed to address the effects of scours early. It can be fed pre-shipping, prior to a long haul, on arrival of animals as part of an operation’s receiving protocols, during hot or humid weather (as a dilute solution) and at the first signs of scours (scour score 2), with no visible signs of dehydration.

“The use of electrolytes is vital year-round, but critical during summer heat and stress. The quality of commercial oral electrolyte solutions can vary greatly. When choosing an electrolyte product, remember that it must satisfy the calf’s need for sodium and potassium to replace what is lost, as well as provide agents that promote sodium and water absorption from the intestine,” says Dr. Earleywine.