What are pre and probiotics?

Prebiotics

Prebiotics are a blend of naturally occurring complex carbohydrates that regulate microbial balance and bind with pathogens. They regulate microbial balance by selectively feeding beneficial bacteria (probiotics) in the calf’s stomach. They enhance the calf’s natural defences against enteric (E.coli and salmonella, etc) and respiratory diseases. They also bind with harmful pathogens in the intestine, which are then flushed out of the calf.

Ngahiwi Milk Powders all contain Bio-Mos® – a comprehensive prebiotic.

Probiotics

Probiotics are a highly concentrated blend of naturally-occurring and beneficial bacteria. These encourage a healthy gut environment, overcome pathogens and reduce scours. The result is a healthier, high-weight calf.

Ngahiwi Milk Powders all contain All-Lac® with stable and micro-encapsulated Lactobacillus acidophilus and Streptococcus faecium.

Why can’t I just feed my calves probiotics?

You can’t take a short-cut. That’s like you taking a vitamin tablet after eating nothing but junk food all day. Just as your body needs balance to function properly, you need to encourage the development of your calf’s natural defences. Probiotics are also more expensive on a per dose basis than prebiotics. It’s better to let them develop naturally in the stomach fed by prebiotics.

Do all calf milk replacers contain prebiotics and probiotics?

Though most on the market have finally cottoned on, many companies charge extra for it, and sell it separately. Ngahiwi discovered the health benefits of prebiotics while sponsoring the pioneering Poukawa calf trials in 1996. Ever since, every Ngahiwi calf milk replacer has included both All-Lac® (probiotic) and Bio-Mos® (prebiotic).