Cow Feed Supplements: How Calciovit Supports Calcium Balance and Lactation
Cow feed supplements play a key role in supporting dairy cows during the most demanding phases of the production cycle, especially around calving. Calcium, phosphorus and magnesium balance is critical at this stage, and the right nutritional support can make a real difference to lactation performance and overall herd health.
In this article, we look at why calcium balance matters for dairy cows and how Calciovit, one of San Marco’s cow feed supplements, can support animals during and after calving.
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Table of Contents
Why cow feed supplements matter around calving
Calving is one of the most metabolically demanding moments in a dairy cow’s production cycle. Sudden calcium requirements for colostrum and milk synthesis can outpace what the cow can mobilize on her own, and this is where targeted cow feed supplements become important.
Without adequate support, cows can struggle to maintain normal calcium levels, which affects not only the first days of lactation but also overall herd performance and health.
Understanding calcium balance in dairy cows
At the onset of lactation, calcium demand rises sharply to support colostrum and milk production. If the cow cannot mobilize or absorb enough calcium quickly, this can lead to a lack of minerals during and after calving, with consequences for muscle function, feed intake and overall recovery.
Phosphorus and magnesium are also closely linked to calcium metabolism, which is why an effective supplement should support all three minerals together rather than calcium alone.
Where Calciovit fits in
Calciovit is one of San Marco’s cow feed supplements developed to help animals achieve an optimal and progressive assimilation of calcium, thanks to various forms of calcium included in its formula. It also supplies phosphorus and magnesium, helping to prevent the lack of minerals during and after calving.
This makes Calciovit a practical solution to support dairy cows exactly when calcium demand is highest.
Key benefits of Calciovit
| Benefit | Impact |
| Optimal and progressive calcium assimilation | Various forms of calcium support steady, sustained availability |
| Phosphorus and magnesium supply | Helps prevent mineral deficiency during and after calving |
| Good start of lactation | Supports the cow through the most demanding metabolic phase |
| Vitamin D3 and choline chloride content | Contributes to calcium metabolism and liver function support |
How Calciovit is used
Calciovit is a beige liquid, packaged in 10-litre cans, designed for practical on-farm administration.
Indicative usage: at calving, 500 mL per dairy cow per day at the first sign; after calving, this can be renewed one to three times every 12 hours, up to 48 hours after calving.
As with all San Marco products, correct use should follow the directions of an expert nutritionist.
FAQ
What are cow feed supplements used for?
Cow feed supplements are used to fill specific nutritional gaps that regular feed may not fully cover, such as calcium, phosphorus and magnesium balance around calving, or energy support during the transition period.
What does Calciovit do?
Calciovit helps ensure optimal and progressive calcium assimilation, while also supplying phosphorus and magnesium to help prevent mineral deficiency during and after calving.
When should Calciovit be given to dairy cows?
The catalog indicates administration at the first sign of calving, at 500 mL per cow per day, with the possibility of renewing the dose one to three times every 12 hours up to 48 hours after calving.
Can Calciovit be used together with other San Marco products?
Yes. Calciovit is often used alongside other ruminant solutions such as M.C.B. Plus, KetoSafe/KetoMax and Epatox Anion, depending on the cow’s specific needs during the transition period.
Is Calciovit only useful at calving?
Its main application is at calving and in the following 48 hours, when calcium demand is highest and the risk of mineral deficiency is greatest.
