Product Focus:
Dental Health MonthThe power of feeding fish
by Fish4PetsThe natural approach to easing pet anxiety: practical tips and natural remedies
by Select from NVS
Unlock better lifetime performance: Nourish heifer calves with quality milk protein
by Dr Jessica Cooke, Volac Milk Replacers
Product Focus
February is Dental Health month, a great time to remind your pet owners just how important it is to care for their pets’ teeth. By being proactive and having a great home care routine between regular dental cleanings and checks, your pet owners are helping to keep dental disease at bay.
After all, we know that dental disease is one of the most common health problems experienced by pets, with reports suggesting that 80% of dogs and 70% of cats will have some form of dental disease before they turn three. Not only are they ensuring that their pets stay healthy, but they’re potentially avoiding the cost of extensive dental work!
View NVS dental health category
Helps prevent the build-up of plaque, improves oral hygiene and keeps breath fresher for longer.
Includes: beef-flavoured enzymatic toothpaste (100ml), dual-ended toothbrush, finger brush head for sensitive gums and finger brush head to massage and promote blood flow to prevent receding gums.Code: 929451 Find out more
Contains an enzyme that is proven to assist in the breakdown of fermentable sugars which can cause a build-up of plaque.Code: 929463, 100ml Code: 930313, 100ml x 6
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This unique dog toothpaste delivers a long-lasting and effective clean. Made using a concentrated enzyme formula with baking soda, it neutralises harmful acids and naturally freshens breath.Code: 594878 - Adult DogsCode: 594891 - Puppies
VOHC certified ProDen PlaqueOff® is a 100% natural pet food supplement containing the unique organic active seaweed ingredient A.N ProDen® . It works systemically through the saliva, and is shown in clinical trials to reduce plaque, tartar and bad breath within 3-8 weeksCode: 153333 - Dogs, 60gCode: 191000 - Dogs, 180gCode: 171001 - Dogs, 420gCode: 727763 - Cats, 40g
VOHC Certified ProDen PlaqueOff Dental Bites contain the 100% unique, active seaweed ingredient A.N ProDen® - shown in clinical trials to reduce plaque, bad breath and tartar within 3-8 weeks. A tasty treat with no added sugar, artificial preservatives, or colourings.Code: 613630 - Cat, VeggieCode: 391190 - Cat, Salmon
Introducing ProDen PlaqueOff new point of sale display stands. Available in a free standing unit (FSDU) or a countertop unit (CDU).Code: 391219, FSDUCode: 391207, CDU
This bacon flavoured chew toy has durable nylon ends made for powerful chewing and softer ridges in between, making it a dog dental chew toy that helps freshen breath, massage gums, and clean teeth with triple-cleaning action.Code: 321515 - MediumCode: 321503 - Small
BioSafe toys use BioCote an antimicrobial technology, to keep them fresher for longer whilst massaging gums and reducing plaque and tartar build up. All BioSafe toys are made from tough yet soft plastics treated with a zesty fruit scent.Code: 756490 - BananaCode: 756507 - PineappleCode: 398858 - Watermelon
by Fish4Pets Ltd® a UK based business established for 20 years.
They champion fish as the perfect protein for dogs and cats, and their products have a strong, loyal following amongst many vets, breeders, pet professionals and owners.
Pets can be allergic or intolerant towards any ingredient but there are some foods that are more widely problematic. Beef, chicken, dairy and some grains being the main culprits.
Complete dry pet foods from Fish4Pets contain high-quality, natural ingredients and are grain free. Balanced, with a maximum of only 8 ingredients all recipes in the Finest range contain only fish as the animal protein.
Fish is proven to support joint health in dogs and cats at all life stages. It's rich in Glucosamine and Chondroitin, the building blocks of cartilage. Omega 3 fish oils are also effective at reducing inflammation and can be extremely effective at reducing the painful symptoms of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Skin irritation and inflammation in pets can often be caused by a surplus of omega 6 fatty acids in the body, which are commonly found in vegetable oils and chicken fat. Omega 3 found naturally in fish can counteract the effects of omega 6 putting the body back into balance with its anti-inflammatory properties, helping improve the condition of the skin by reducing irritation.
Fish oils promote the production of sebum, an oily waxy substance that lubricates. With increased levels of sebum, a pet’s skin becomes supple and hydrated and the hair is coated with a protective oily layer for a beautiful shine.
Marine-sourced omega 3 is known to support growing joints, skin, coat, heart, brain and even eye development.A puppy fed a balanced, complete food diet of fish, rich in omega 3 will have the best start in life. Healthy and fuller for longer, so that puppies are happy, energetic and can learn to the best of their ability.
The Fish4Dogs brand is most famous for original Sea Jerky treats, a tasty, white fish skin treat, naturally abrasive in texture which can help reduce plaque and control tartar. Available in six different shapes there is a size and shape to suit dogs of all ages and breeds. Made from 100 per cent dried white fish skin with nothing added, therefore it is naturally lower in calories than many other treats.
Fish4Pets only use quality, responsibly sourced fish not utilised by the human food chain in all their products.
They run a dedicated packaging and recycling management programme, actively cutting the amount of packaging used in all products and despatch methods. They are also committed to reducing their carbon footprint, improving water, energy, and waste management.
So popular with UK dog owners, customers and readers of Your Dog, the UK’s leading pet dog magazine, Fish4Dogs Finest Complete Dry Food Range was recently awarded Your Dog Best Dry Complete Food 2024, pitched against 14 other leading premium brands competing for the accolade.The company were also delighted to be awarded ‘Your Dog Best Treat 2024’ for the original Fish4Dogs Sea Jerky range, which was also highly recommended by readers as ‘Your Dog Product You Couldn’t Live Without 2024’. The treat is so popular with the dog-loving magazine readers, that it’s been recognised in the annual awards an impressive 8 times in the competition's 15-year history.
Explore the range of Fish4Dogs and Fish4Cats products available to order from NVS.
Practical tips and natural remedies
The Royal Veterinary College (RCV) has recently released the results of a study, conducted as part of their ongoing Pandemic Puppies project, which revealed that behavioural problems continue to be a significant concern for dogs in the UK. Almost all of the owners surveyed by the RCV reported that their dogs exhibited at least one problematic behaviour.
The PDSA's 2023 PAW Report on Animal Welfare also confirms this trend, with 60% of veterinary professionals reporting that they had seen an increase in dog behavioural issues over the past two years.
These concerns can be attributed to the lifestyle changes brought about by the pandemic, particularly in three main areas: separation-related issues, limited socialisation opportunities, and training difficulties. As a result, more dogs are displaying behaviours such as growling, snapping, biting, jumping up, or showing signs of fear.
Veterinary practices can play a crucial role in addressing these behavioural issues by providing support and guidance in the area of calming and anxiety. Often associated with separation anxiety, it can be challenging for pet owners to find the right solution for their furry companions. However, there are various practical tips and natural remedies that can help ease pet anxiety and promote a sense of calmness.
Pets thrive on routine, and maintaining a consistent daily schedule can be instrumental in significantly reducing their anxiety levels. Adhering to regular feeding times, exercise routines, and play sessions fosters predictability, providing pets with a comforting sense of security, especially during moments of heightened stress.
Pets, especially dogs and cats, need a designated safe space where they can retreat to when they feel overwhelmed. This can be a cosy corner with their favourite toys, blankets, and bedding. Ensuring the space is well-ventilated and adding some soothing background music can enhance its calming effect.
Gradual exposure to potential anxiety triggers, such as car rides, loud noises or vet visits, in a controlled and positive way, is a powerful behaviour modification technique. It can really help pets overcome fears and anxieties, promoting more positive and relaxed behaviour in stressful situations.
Engaging pets in activities they enjoy can help divert their attention from external stressors and is an effective way to keep them calm and content. Regular physical exercise is crucial to release pent-up energy and induce relaxation. Additionally, incorporating brain games, feeding puzzles, and interactive toys offers a stimulating outlet for their curiosity, warding off boredom and anxiety.
Natural remedies and supplements offer several advantages when it comes to calming pets. Firstly, they provide a natural and holistic approach to pet care, avoiding the potential side effects associated with pharmaceutical drugs. Natural remedies are mainly derived from plants and herbs, which contain a rich array of bioactive compounds that work synergistically to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety in pets. Moreover, natural remedies and supplements are often gentler on the pet's system, making them suitable for long-term use without the risk of dependency or adverse reactions.
When it comes to calming pets, certain herbal ingredients have gained popularity for their soothing effects. One of the most common of these is chamomile, known for its calming properties, it can provide relief from anxiety and promote relaxation.
Another popular herb is valerian root, which has a sedative effect and is commonly used to alleviate nervousness and restlessness. Other beneficial herbs include passionflower, known for its calming effects on the nervous system, and lemon balm, which helps reduce stress and promotes a sense of wellbeing.
Herbal medicines work in various ways to calm pets. Many herbs contain compounds that act on the pet's central nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. For example, chamomile contains apigenin, a flavonoid compound that binds to specific receptors in the brain, producing a calming effect. Whilst valerian root contains valerenic acid, which acts as a natural sedative by increasing the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that inhibits brain activity and promotes relaxation.
In essence, the combination of practical behavioural strategies and natural remedies provides a comprehensive approach to mitigate the challenges posed by pet anxiety and the associated behavioural issues. By empowering pet owners with these tools, veterinary practices can contribute significantly to the wellbeing of pets and help foster a more harmonious relationship between owners and their furry companions.
Specially designed for cats and small dogs, these delectable treats are not just a delight for their taste buds but can also assist with pet anxiety and general health.
Calming comfort in every bite – our Calming Soft Chews are formulated to help pets experiencing signs of pet anxiety
Carefully selected ingredients – a specifically tailored blend of ingredients to effectively promote calming. With natural herbal ingredients, including Chamomile, Lemon Balm, Passion Flower and Valerian root and added vitamin C, B vitamins and amino acids including L-Tryptophan.
Irresistible bacon flavour – our treats come in an enticing bacon flavour for easier feeding and can be fed to pets whole or sprinkled onto food.Available in packs of 30 & 60 – the treats come in two sizes for both cats and small to large dogs.
Click here for more information
All you need to do to enter is answer the below question by visiting our website and filling in the form.
Question: What is the flavour of the Select from NVS Calming Soft Chews?
*Deadline to enter is 29th February 2024
Heifer calves reared on a concentrated whey protein-based milk replacer diet are younger at first calving and more fertile than those receiving lower-quality milk protein in early life.
Dairy heifers at AFBI Hillsborough in Northern Ireland fed different milk protein-based diets as pre-weaned calves in 2018-19 have been monitored from birth up until their third calving having monitored these animals on different milk protein-based diets as pre-weaned calves back in 2019.
The 2019 experimental study involved 80 Holstein Friesian calves fed four different milk replacers from birth until 56 days of age. The trial highlighted that well-formulated, high-quality milk replacers whether it is skim (at a high concentration) or whey-based deliver comparable animal performance.
This work clearly showed that the presence of skim – and therefore the clotting effect of casein – is not the fundamental element within a calf milk formula influencing optimum calf growth. There was no significant difference between the calf growth or health from the different milk replacer formulations. If the important milk components are processed correctly, both skim and whey proteins will be highly digestible by the high milk-fed pre-weaned calf and will deliver good performance.
Importantly though, good nutrition and calf performance are linked to more than just the type of dairy protein included in the finished milk formula.
Important differences in amino acid and fatty acid profiles, amount of lactose, vitamins, minerals and trace elements, processing conditions and overall digestibility also all contribute to calf performance.
What’s more, the data confirmed that high-quality pre-weaned calf nutrition favourably influences better lifetime productivity. What calves are fed pre-weaning certainly makes a difference as these heifers join the milking herd.
Although high-quality, concentrated whey protein-based (CWP) and a skim-based milk replacer will perform similarly in later life, some performance differences start to emerge when you compare calves fed CWP with those fed a lower quality, simple whey powder-based (WP) milk replacer (see table 1 below).
Table 1: Not all whey is the sameCalves fed milk replacer based on concentrated whey protein (CWP e.g. Imunopro ®) were younger at first calving compared with those fed milk replacer with whey powder (WP) as the primary protein.
Imunopro®
Whey powder
Number of heifers at first breeding
5
6
Services per conception
1.4
2.0
First service conception rate (%)
3/5 (60%)
3/6 (50%)
Age at first calving (days)
729
751 (+22 days)
% calved by 24 months
80%
33%
Not only were the CWP fed calves five days younger than their counterparts at first breeding, but there were also some fertility differences.
“Not only were the CWP fed calves five days younger than their counterparts at first breeding, but there were also some fertility differences. For example, the CWP-fed group only required 1.4 services per heifer, while the WP-fed group required 2 services per heifer. First service conception rate was better too in the CWP fed group (60%) versus 50% in the WP fed group." However, a particularly important performance difference starts to emerge when you compare the AFC data.
On average, the CWP-fed calves calved first at 729 days of age, whereas the WP-fed animals calved down at 751 days – 22 days later. What’s more, 80% of the CWP-fed heifers had calved down by 24 months of age, as opposed to only 33% of the WP-fed heifers.
With AHDB figures suggesting each day delay beyond 24 months AFC costs you £2.87, this performance difference alone is worth £63.14 per heifer. Or, to put it another way, a £3,357 cost to the dairy farm business every year for a 200-cow herd with a 25% annual replacement rate.
This research confirms that high-quality early-life nutrition pays dividends and all calf rearers need to be far more discerning over calf milk replacer choice for rearing milking herd replacements. For example, if favouring a skim-based calf milk replacer, always look for a high (>60%) skim content. And always be cautious about how whey protein is described when comparing milk replacer bag labels.
Liquid whey from cheese production can be processed in a variety of ways, leaving different types of whey, including whey powder, delactosed whey and concentrated whey protein.
The different types of whey differ in both protein and lactose content. For example, whey powder only contains 12.5-13% protein, compared to concentrated whey protein, which typically contains 35% protein. Consequently, it’s important to realise that any whey powder in a finished milk formula will not contribute the same level of dairy protein to a calf compared with one based on concentrated whey protein, such as Volac’s Imunopro®.
This research confirms that high-quality early-life nutrition pays dividends and all calf rearersneed to be far more discerning over calf milk replacer choicefor rearing milking herd replacements.
It’s important to bear in mind too that the whey fraction of colostrum and whole milk contains valuable bioactive proteins (e.g. immunoglobulins and lactoferrin), which are not present in casein. These functional proteins are essential for calf health (supporting defence mechanisms) and influence the beneficial growth of the young animal.
However, care must be taken to minimise the protein denaturation of these valuable bioactive proteins during manufacture. Over 45 years ago it was shown that at processing temperatures of 85°C, over 60% of whey proteins were denatured within 30 minutes, whilst at 65°C only 15% of proteins were denatured1.
Fortunately, Volac’s modern low-temperature ultrafiltration process ensures that a high proportion of the naturally occurring immunoglobulins found in liquid whey are retained in the company’s latest finished whey protein concentrate-based milk formulas.
In summary, this means that when processed under carefully controlled conditions, both skim and whey protein concentrate-based milk replacers can deliver excellent calf performance and better lifetime performance potential – but, on the other hand, poorly processed milk-derived protein (be it skim or whey) can have very poor digestibility and increase the risk of health issues.
The key is to evaluate value for money carefully when purchasing a calf milk replacer. Look for a proven track record of performance and recognise that a precision-formulated product based on concentrated whey protein (e.g. Volac’s Imunopro®) will provide everything the modern, high milk-fed calf needs in early life – and deliver better lifetime performance.
Reference:1. Richert SH, Morr CV & Cooney CM (1974). Effect of heat and other factors upon foaming properties of whey protein concentrates. Journal of Food Science 39.
To find out more…
Feed for Growth is an initiative from Volac Milk Replacers to help farmers do the best for their calves and ultimately grow better cows. It's an exciting programme providing practical advice, support, resources, and tools.
https://feedforgrowth.com
