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If a young calf seems to be weak and has very little energy, could you treat it with dextrose as an energy source? If so, could glucose or sucrose be used, and which of the three would be the best to use if there's a difference between those sugars?
Last Updated: August 28, 2007
If the young calf needs more energy, you should increase the amount of whole milk or milk replacer. Young calves may scour on the added sugar products as they cannot digest properly (high levels of lactose can even cause this). If you infuse a solution directly in the vein (IV), then a dextrose solution under the guidance of your veterinarian is possible (similar to ketosis treatment).
Sucrose definitely needs to be avoided as the calf cannot digest it well. There used to be "home" remedies of feeding Karo syrup for extra energy. This is also poorly digested and not recommended for the calf. More whole milk or milk replacer is the most economical.
Mike Hutjens, Extension Dairy Specialist, University of Illinois - Illini DairyNET
Robert James, Extension Dairy Scientist, Virginia Tech
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