Cattle
Watch the video to see why BOVIKALC is the gold standard, #1 calcium bolus globally*.
Bovikalc is a complementary calcium supplement given to post-calving transitioning cows which can reduce the risk of milk fever and subclinical hypocalcaemia (SCH), when dietary sources are insufficient to meet demands.
Benefits
- The gold standard, number 1 calcium bolus* globally.
- Provides the ideal types of supplementary calcium to support the increased demand for calcium at first hands on.
- A special wax coating and lubricant that makes it easier to administer and helps the bolus slide easily into the rumen.
- The bolus dissolves completely in the rumen within 30 minutes.
- No need for added vitamins or hormones.
- Available from your veterinarian without prescription.
Technical Information
- Each Bovikalc bolus contains two different forms of calcium: rapidly available calcium chloride, and calcium sulphate for sustained supplementation.
- A special coating eases administration and protects the cow's oesophagus during administration.
- The hermetically sealed tube protects the formulation throughout storage, helping maintain bolus integrity, and coating quality, ensuring consistent calcium availability at administration.
- 48 x 192 g Boluses.
Downloads
Download Bovikalc® Fact Sheet, SDS and Technical Information below
Each Bovikalc bolus contains two different forms of calcium: rapidly available calcium chloride and calcium sulphate for sustained supplementation.
New Zealand Dairy Cows are at Risk.
Although not clearly symptomatic, calcium studies at calving show one in two NZ cows are at risk of subclinical hypocalcaemia (SCH)1. Calcium is essential for muscle and nerve function, playing a vital role in muscle contractility and milk synthesis.
Studies show, subclinical hypocalcaemia was associated with reduced immune function and reproductive performance, cows were at increased risk for mastitis and metritis. Hypocalcaemia triggers a cascade of negative events (reduced milk yield and early removal from the herd)2-7.
Bovikalc® is indicated for:
- Reducing the risk and incidence of clinical milk fever (parturient paresis), when dietary sources fail to meet demands.
- Muscle contraction and muscle tone: Maintaining smooth and skeletal muscle function and essential for rumen motility and abomasal function.
- Milk synthesis and colostrum production: Essential for milk and colostrum production.
- Nerve function and transmission: Regulating neurological signalling and neuromuscular function.
- Immune response & disease defense: Supports immune cell function and neutrophil activity.
- Early lactation productivity: Supporting post-calving dry matter intake (DMI).
Why use Bovikalc®?
- Dual-source release: Combines rapidly available calcium chloride for fast absorption with calcium sulphate for sustained supplementation.
- Rapid complete breakdown: Dissolves completely in the rumen within 30 minutes without artificial fillers.
- Cow comfort & safety: Special wax coating and lubricant ensure the bolus slides easily into the rumen, minimising mucosal irritation.
- Targeted metabolic stabiliser: Effectively supports serum calcium levels when dietary sources are low without dampening natural physiological mobilisation mechanisms.
Calcium has a role in:
- Muscle contraction and muscle tone: Maintaining smooth and skeletal muscle function, essential for rumen motility, abomasal function, and standing strength.
- Milk synthesis and colostrum production: Fueling the massive physiological transition and sudden output demand at the onset of lactation.
- Nerve function and transmission: Regulating vital neurological signalling and alert neuromuscular responsiveness.
- Immune response & disease defense: Preserving immune cell function and neutrophil activity, reducing the downstream risk of secondary post-calving disorders such as mastitis, metritis, and displaced abomasum.
- Early lactation productivity: Supporting post-calving dry matter intake (DMI), preventing early herd removal, and securing early reproductive cycling.
Cows often receive inadequate dietary calcium during calving. In this video see how BOVIKALC can help reduce the risk of milk fever and subclinical hypocalcaemia by providing the ideal calcium cows need to meet the increased demand during the transition period.
Active Constituents
- Calcium chloride.
- Calcium sulfate.
Withholding Periods:
- MEAT & MILK: NIL
Exempt from registration under the ACVM Act 1997.
Storage
- Store at or below 30 °C.
- Keep the bolus in the original container until immediately before use to protect the bolus from humidity and contamination, ensuring it remains intact and delivers the intended calcium dose and release profile when administered at calving.
- During the transition period, the lowest concentration of blood calcium usually occurs within 12 to 24 hours of calving.
- The optimum time to administer Bovikalc is at first hands on and in the 12 to 24 hours after calving. Talk to your vet about the calcium management of your cows.
| BOLUS | MINIMUM PROTOCOL |
| 1st bolus | Immediately after calving |
| 2nd bolus | 12–24 hours after calving |
- For high yielding cows and cows with previous history of hypocalcemia:
| BOLUS | EXTENDED PROTOCOL |
| 1st bolus | At the first signs of parturition |
| 2nd bolus | Immediately after calving |
| 3rd bolus | 12–24 hours after calving |
| 4th bolus | 24–48 hours after calving |
- After administration, the bolus disintegrates in the rumen completely within 30 minutes. The calcium chloride dissolves quickly and is rapidly absorbed, while the calcium sulfate dissolves only after being degraded by the rumen micro flora providing a sustained release of calcium.
Precautions
Read and follow all label directions. Do not give Bovikalc to down/lying cows. Bovikalc must not be given to cows with clinical signs of milk fever as the swallowing reflex may be impaired. Do not use excessive force when giving bolus to the cow. Do not administer the bolus if coating on the bolus becomes damaged or breaks.
Directions for use
For ease of dosing administer using the custom Bovikalc applicator.
1
Prepare the Bolus
Place the bolus in the bolus applicator with the rounded end pointing outward. If your right-handed, place yourself at the cow’s right side.
2
Insert the Applicator
Firmly hold the cow’s upper jaw with your left hand. Keep the cow’s head at a natural position and a little towards yourself. Gently guide the loaded applicator into the cow’s mouth.
3
Administer the Bolus
When you feel resistance, gently guide the applicator over the tongue.
When the applicator is behind the tongue, squeeze the handle to release the bolus.
4
Confirm Swallowing & Remove
Wait a moment for the cow to swallow and then remove the applicator.
In this video see the quality manufacturing process that makes BOVIKALC the gold standard calcium bolus.