19 November 2024

3 minute read

By: Laurence Williams

Trouw Nutrition, Nutreco’s livestock feed business, is introducing Sprayfo Ultimo, the first calf milk formulated to naturally signal healthy calf development. Inspired by nature, Sprayfo Ultimo mimics the fatty acid profile composition and fat levels supplied in cow’s milk, nurturing rumen development and supporting resilient herds. Revolutionizing calf nutrition, Sprayfo Ultimo has been proven on farm to result in a first breeding three weeks earlier and fewer health management costs. This novel technology reflects Trouw Nutrition’s three pillars of development as it is inspired by nature, built to nurture and proven on farm. 

Breakthrough discovery reveals natural signals in cows’ milk

The patent-pending technology used to develop Sprayfo Ultimo stems from a breakthrough research discovery. LifeStart scientists showed how the composition of fatty acids in cow’s milk supports the development of the calf’s GIT. Built to nurture like cow’s milk, Sprayfo Ultimo signals closure of the calf’s permeable intestinal lining, creating a natural barrier against pathogen invasion and preparing the calf to transition to solid feed, further developing the rumen. Sprayfo Ultimo delivers a total level of fat mimicking the levels found in cow’s milk – 10% more energy than standard milk replacers. The fat levels help calves develop a natural body composition that improves metabolism across the animal’s life.

Supplying organic trace minerals to enhance availability and reduce footprint of farming

Along with optimizing the composition of fatty acids and total level of fat, Sprayfo Ultimo contains organic trace mineral amounts similar to those naturally found in cows’ milk. The inclusion of organic trace minerals at precise levels supports the availability of the mineral to the animal, results in fewer trace minerals excreted in faeces, and reduces the environmental footprint of dairy production.

Safeguarding producers’ investments

Trouw Nutrition’s investments in the science of phytogenic ingredients led to the discovery of a collection of natural compounds that supports the immune system of the calf. Included in Sprayfo Ultimo calf milk, the phytogenic ingredients help ensure that the farmer’s nutritional investment is safeguarded.

On-farm trials and scientific research showed that calves experienced fewer health incidents, such as diarrhoea, and consumed more starter feed, resulting in visibly stronger and larger calves at three months of age. As healthier growth enabled calves to reach breeding weight three weeks earlier, researchers have estimated that farmers can save around €40 to €60 per calf. Studies also showed that calves fed Sprayfo Ultimo incurred fewer health management costs.

Remarking on the launch of Sprayfo Ultimo, Eile van der Gaast, global marketing manager with Trouw Nutrition, stated, “Leveraging a breakthrough discovery to support dairy farmers, Sprayfo Ultimo brings a natural, calf-centric approach to supporting the animal at a very vulnerable time in the animal’s life. As SprayFo nurtures gut development, it prepares animals to enter the milking herd earlier and remain productive longer, resulting in more resilient herds and requiring fewer replacement animals.”

Visitors to EuroTier met with dairy nutrition experts and learn more about the science used to develop Sprayfo Ultimo.