The periparturient period is one of the most metabolically demanding stages in the life of a dairy cow. The rapid increase in calcium requirements associated with the onset of lactation, combined with reduced feed intake during the days surrounding calving, makes the animal’s mineral homeostasis particularly vulnerable to disturbances during this period. Calcium plays a role in the cow’s body that extends far beyond bone formation – it is involved in the contraction of smooth and striated muscles, including the uterine and gastrointestinal muscles, as well as in proper neuromuscular transmission and blood coagulation.
Proper management of mineral balance during this critical time window is now a standard component of preventive programs in dairy herds. In this context, it is worth taking a closer look at AnimaCal – a complementary feed in paste form designed for cows during the periparturient period.
What is AnimaCal?
AnimaCal is a complementary feed in paste form, intended for dairy cows during the periparturient period. The product supplements the diet with calcium, magnesium, vitamin D₃, and niacinamide – nutrients with a documented role in animal metabolism during this period.
Composition and Analytical Values
The product contains propylene glycol, glycerol, and magnesium chloride, which form the carrier base of the preparation. Among the additives (per 100 ml), the key dietary additives include vitamin D₃ at 23,000 IU and niacinamide at 600 mg, as well as technological additives, including calcium formate (45,200 mg) and calcium acetate (22,200 mg), which are the main calcium sources in the product, along with potassium sorbate and BHT, which serve as stabilizers.
The analytical composition of the paste is as follows: crude protein – 0.5%, crude fibre – 0.6%, crude fat – below 0.2%, crude ash – 38.4%, calcium – 15%, magnesium – 0.5%, moisture – 26.5%. The high calcium content relative to the other components confirms the mineral nature of the product.
When Should Its Use Be Considered?
From a nutritional management perspective, products of this type may be used as part of a strategy to support mineral balance during a period when calcium requirements increase rapidly while feed intake is limited – namely, directly during the periparturient period. The final decision to introduce such supplementation should always be made by a veterinarian or nutritionist based on an assessment of herd condition and the individual history of the animal.
Practical Use in the Herd
According to the manufacturer’s information, the product is administered at a dose of 100 ml per cow during the periparturient period. If required from a nutritional perspective, the dose may be repeated after 24 hours. The paste should be stored in a dry, cool, shaded place at a temperature of 2–25°C and must not be frozen.
It is important to emphasize that AnimaCal is a complementary feed, not a medicinal product – its role is to support the dietary supply of minerals and vitamins rather than to treat disease conditions. Decisions regarding its inclusion in the herd’s nutritional program should be made as part of a broader strategy for managing nutrition during the periparturient period, developed in cooperation with a veterinarian.
Summary
Managing calcium balance during the periparturient period remains one of the key elements of metabolic disease prevention in dairy herds. Properly selected mineral and vitamin supplementation, tailored to the animal’s stage of the production cycle, is one of the tools supporting a comprehensive approach to herd health. As a complementary calcium-vitamin paste, AnimaCal fits into the range of products that veterinarians and nutritionists may consider when planning the nutrition of cows during the periparturient period.