Multiple Manufacturers Calcium Bolus Products
By Multiple Manufacturers
Last reviewed: December 2025
Oral calcium supplements for fresh cow management to prevent and treat subclinical and clinical hypocalcemia (milk fever).
Calcium boluses provide oral calcium supplementation to fresh cows during the transition period when blood calcium levels often drop due to the high calcium demands of colostrum and early lactation. Products include various forms of calcium (calcium chloride, calcium sulfate, calcium carbonate) designed for rapid or sustained release.
Research shows that strategic calcium supplementation of high-risk cows (older, high-producing, overconditioned) can reduce clinical milk fever and improve fresh cow performance. Timing and targeting are key - blanket treatment of all cows may not be economical.
Multiple manufacturers offer calcium bolus products with different formulations, release rates, and dosing protocols. Common brands include Bovikalc, Transition III, and Cal-C-Vita.
Key Features
- Oral Calcium: Supplement calcium without IV administration
- Various Formulations: Fast and sustained release options
- Easy Administration: Balling gun delivery
- Fresh Cow Protocol: Integrate into calving management
- Multiple Brands: Choose based on preference and protocol
Advanced Features
- Targeted Use: Focus on high-risk cows for best ROI
- Combination Products: Some include vitamins or other minerals
- Fat-Coated Options: Reduced tissue irritation
- Research-Backed Protocols: University-tested timing strategies
Ideal For
Farm Types: Dairy farms, Operations with mature, high-producing cows
Competitive Advantages
What sets Calcium Bolus Products apart from alternatives:
- Reduce clinical milk fever risk
- Easy to administer vs. IV calcium
- Can target high-risk cows
- Improve fresh cow health outcomes
- Multiple product options available
Pricing Information
Here is the pricing information for Calcium Bolus Products:
Sold in cases or individual doses
Pricing Model: per-bolus
Pricing varies by brand and distributor.
Pros & Considerations
- Oral calcium supplementation
- Multiple product options
- Prevents hypocalcemia
- Easy to administer
- Proven category
- Per-dose costs
- Administration labor
- Product selection complexity
- Not standalone solution
Implementation & Setup
How to implement Calcium Bolus Products on your dairy operation:
Implementation Timeline: Administer at calving per protocol
Training & Support
Training and support options available for Calcium Bolus Products:
Support Channels:
Evaluation Questions
Key questions to consider when evaluating Calcium Bolus Products:
- What is your current milk fever incidence?
- What percentage of fresh cows are third lactation or greater?
- Do you currently supplement calcium at calving?
- What is your fresh cow protocol?
- Have you identified high-risk cows for targeting?