The Role of Gut Health in Calf Rearing

“We actually know very little about gut health. Research on bacterial composition is usually based on manure from the large intestine. However, it is in the small intestine where most of the nutrient absorption occurs and where diarrhea originates. The small intestine is anatomically divided into three parts, each with a different bacterial composition. This bacterial composition in the intestines starts from day one. After a few weeks, it even matches the bacterial composition of the adult cow,” says young animal specialist Henk Sijtsma. It is therefore crucial that everything goes well from day one for optimal gut development. Henk emphasizes good hygiene, clean water, and proper colostrum management.

Gut Health Influences Lung Health

“The health of the gut affects the overall health of the calf. This also applies to the gut-lung axis. Positive bacteria in the gut influence the bacteria in the lungs and thus lung health. A healthy calf starts with a healthy gut.”

Pay Attention to the Digestibility of Milk Powder

The digestibility of the ingredients in milk powder is essential for gut health. Undigested protein and fat can make the calf sick. “That’s why all our ingredients first go through the laboratory where we check them for solubility and digestibility,” explains Henk. “We even have a special digestion barn where we test all our new ingredients in digestion studies. Only when these results are good do our own veal calves receive these new ingredients. After positive results, it goes to the veal calf farmers in our integration. If the veal calves also respond well to the ingredient, only then does this new ingredient end up in rearing milk.” As a user, you cannot see the solubility of ingredients on the label, but be sure to ask your supplier about this, as it has a significant effect.

Additional Support for Gut Health

To support your calves’ gut health, all our calf milk is enriched with Vital-iD. Some of these components are:

Examo: Natural Milk Sugar Formula

“Examo consists of milk oligosaccharides, milk sugars found in premium baby milk powders. These milk sugars naturally occur in cow’s milk and help develop the intestinal wall cells, making these cells larger and giving them better absorption capacity. This allows the calf to better utilize the milk. As intestinal wall cells grow better, they also create a better and thicker mucus layer. This healthier mucus layer in the intestines also improves cooperation with the immune system,” explains Henk. You can find Examo in Denkamilk Royal 50, Denkamilk Excellent, and Denkamilk Perfect.

Progres®: The Power of Resin Acids

Progres® consists of resin acids from pine trees. These normally protect the tree against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This resin acid has the same effect for the calf in the intestines. Progres® is included in our entire Denkamilk range.

Additional Products Supporting Gut Health
As an additive alongside or in the milk, the following products further support the gut health of the calf:

Humigut Liquid: Humic Acids The humic acids in Humigut Liquid promote beneficial bacteria in the gut, help the calf maintain a healthy gut barrier, and support natural detoxification in the intestines. You can add Humigut Liquid yourself to colostrum and milk powder.
Vitallin: Flaxseed During a calf peak, in case of diarrhea, or preventively when gut health is under pressure, you can use Vitallin. This contains flaxseed, which supports the gut function of your calves. Vitalin helps absorb moisture from the intestines and firm up the manure. You can add Vitallin yourself to the milk.