When it comes to your cattle’s health and hydration, not all cattle hydration products are created equal.
Finding the right product for your cattle’s needs is important, but so is using it to its full potential. At Bio-Vet, we’re here to help you maximize your cattle’s well-being using our top hydration tips.
What Are Bovine GoldLyte Buckets?
Bovine GoldLyte® Buckets are a smart, slow-release electrolyte for cattle health.
Why Use Electrolyte Buckets for Cattle Over Electrolyte Powder or Gels?
Cattle electrolyte supplements come in many forms. From powders and gels to buckets of concentrated formula, there are many methods of hydration support for cattle at your disposal. So why choose bovine electrolyte buckets over powder or gel formulas? Unlike powders or gels for cattle performance supplements, bovine electrolyte buckets feature:
Water Trough Feeding Hydration Electrolytes
- A concentrated small profile for easy transport, management and storage.
- No mixing mess! Bovine electrolyte buckets are dropped into tanks for added ease and convenience.
- Slow-release hydration technology that dissolves slowly over time, providing continuous hydration support, and it improves water intake in cattle.
- Palatable cattle electrolyte encourages consumption.
What’s Inside: Ingredient Breakdown and Functional Benefits
Bovine GoldLyte® Buckets are a top cattle electrolyte product with trace minerals and herbal additives for cattle feed.
Sodium, Potassium and Chloride
These slow-release electrolytes restore essential minerals lost during dehydration and stress. Not only do they improve water intake in cattle, but they also provide rumen function support. If you’re looking for a potassium supplement for cows and cattle, bovine electrolyte buckets are a great choice.
Zinc, Copper and Manganese
These chelated trace minerals for bovine health ensure your cattle actually absorb the minerals and nutrients you give them, leading to overall better health and immune function, while also providing milk production support.
B vitamins for cattle energy
Made with water-soluble B vitamins, Bovine GoldLyte® Buckets improve appetite in stressed cattle and increase energy production. For these reasons, some of the best electrolytes for post-calving cows contain B vitamins.
Kelp and iodine
Using a kelp iodine supplement for livestock supports metabolism function and hormone balance, making electrolyte buckets for dairy cows and beef cattle a smart choice.
Oregano essential oil
One of the main benefits of oregano essential oil in cattle supplements is its ability to improve water intake in cattle and feed intake. Cattle electrolytes with oregano essential oil also enhance the electrolyte’s palatability, making cattle more willing to consume it.
As you can see, there are many benefits to choosing bovine electrolyte buckets. Now let’s dive deeper into our top hydration tips for dairy and beef cattle.
Step 1: Identify When Hydration Support for Cattle Is Needed
Before using electrolyte therapy for livestock, it’s important to examine your herd for signs of dehydration.
Common scenarios that require hydration therapy for livestock are:
Heat stress in cattle
Heat waves and hot summer months can cause dehydration in cattle. If warm weather is heading your way, be proactive by adding a cattle electrolyte supplement before your herd has a chance to become dehydrated.
Post-calving hydration
It’s important to watch for signs of fatigue or low water or feed intake after a cow gives birth. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to incorporate a slow-release hydration supplement for cows.
Milk production support
Dehydration, heat stress and nutritional issues can all cause a reduction in milk production. Electrolyte buckets for dairy cows can help restore optimal milk production so your operation can get back to peak performance in no time.
Transport days
Shipping and transport can take a toll on cattle. From extreme heat to physical and psychological stress, low feed and water intake and overcrowding, travel puts cattle at risk of shrink and dehydration. Prepare your cattle in advance by supplementing with an electrolyte.
Stress recovery for cattle
Cattle can undergo periods of stress from illness, procedures, routine disruptions and environmental conditions. Electrolyte supplements are a great choice of cattle stress recovery products to help aid recovery and restore well-being.
If any of these circumstances are in your future, it may be time to use a cattle hydration product.
Step 2: Choose the Right Administration Method
Once you’ve determined that a cattle electrolyte supplement is needed, the next step is administering the hydration product to your cattle so they can feel their best. One of Bovine GoldLyte® Buckets’ most desirable features is their flexibility. Choose from our three convenient administration methods. You’re sure to find one that works best for your operation type and preferences:
1. Drop into water tank
This hands-free administration method is well loved by our customers. Simply remove the tape from the top and bottom of the bucket and place it in the water tank, allowing the bucket to float freely. The product will slowly dissolve, providing continuous electrolyte release over time. It’s really that simple!
2. Mix daily into feed ration
Not looking to provide supplementation to an entire herd? Then, mixing daily into feed rations may be a better choice for you. Simply measure the amount recommended on the packaging for your specific needs and mix it evenly into your animals’ feed ration. Ensure the solution is mixed thoroughly for uniform intake.
3. Combine with drinking water
Another easy option is adding Bovine GoldLyte® Buckets to your livestock’s drinking water. Simply dissolve a portion of the bucket contents into a set volume of drinking water per head of cattle. Stir until the livestock electrolyte additive is fully dissolved and add the mixture to your animals’ clean water troughs or buckets.
Step 3: Monitor Intake and Adjust Accordingly
Hydration therapy for livestock should be targeted and trackable. Monitor the following and adjust as needed:
- Water intake: Improved water intake in cattle is a clear sign of rehydration. Watch your cattle’s intake levels to determine if adjustments need to be made.
- Appetite levels: Noticing improved appetite in stressed cattle? Adjust accordingly based on whether feed intake is deemed satisfactory.
- Manure consistency: Monitor your cattle’s manure. Dehydration in cattle often results in dry, firm manure or scours. If this occurs, an increased dosage may be needed.
- Milk production or weight gain: Dehydration in cattle can impact milk production and weight. Monitoring these levels is an easy way to tell if you need to adjust your animals’ electrolyte intake.
Each scenario is unique. You may need to increase or decrease dosage and frequency to meet your cattle’s specific needs.
Step 4: Maximize Hydration Support for Cattle
Looking for other hydration tips for dairy and beef cows? When combatting dehydration in cattle, these additional tips are always a good rule of thumb:
- Provide clean, cool water at all times
- Provide ample shade or cooling systems, especially during heat waves
- Avoid overcrowding to reduce stress-related dehydration in cattle
- Combine bovine electrolyte buckets with other cattle performance supplements for enhanced hydration support
Get Started
Do bovine electrolyte buckets sound like the right choice for you? At Bio-Vet, our Bovine GoldLyte® Buckets are a great choice if you’re looking for a slow-release hydration supplement for cows and cattle.
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