Hiko has introduced a new calf drencher for feeding newborn calves. We had the opportunity to test one of the new tube feeders.

KEEPING IT BRIEF

  • The Hiko Soft Drencher is used for tube feeding calves.
  • Soft silicone tube reduces the risk of injury.
  • The tube is comfortable to use, but it takes a bit of practice.
  • A red mark helps to insert the tube to the correct length.

The Soft Drencher unit from Hiko is a flexible silicone tube that its maker claims is a gentle emergency solution for tube feeding colostrum to new-born calves. We tried out the new product, assisted by a specialist from the Triesdorf Agricultural Training Centre, and saw that calves that didn’t drink on their own after birth were still able to be fed with the vital colostrum relatively easily, and with little stress, using the Soft Drencher.

The thick tip of the Soft Drencher effectively reduces the risk of inserting the tube accidentally into the calf’s windpipe.

Among the strong points is the thickened front end, also known as the olive, which reduces the risk of a life-threatening injury to the trachea. There were two more details that we’ll discuss later on. 

The best protection

As you no doubt know, efficient colostrum intake immediately after birth is critical for calf health. Just in case you have forgotten, those newborn calves lack an innate immune defence and rely heavily on colostrum for passive immunity, which provides essential antibodies to protect against disease.

However, timely ingestion is crucial, as the gut-blood barrier within the small intestine remains permeable to these large antibody molecules only for a limited period after birth. This means that the antibodies in the colostrum — known as immunoglobulins — only enter the calf’s blood and lymphatic system immediately after birth. 

Research carried out in the USA has shown that intestinal permeability is reduced just four hours after birth. After six hours, only half of those key antibodies can cross the intestinal-blood barrier, and by approximately 24 hours post-birth, the window for passive immune transfer is pretty much closed. 

Indeed, in Germany, The Animal Welfare Farming Ordinance (Section 11, point 2) takes all this into account by stipulating that a calf must be offered colostrum within the first four hours of its life. 

Drenching in an emergency

The effectiveness of a calf’s immune defence depends on both the timing and quantity of colostrum intake. Research indicates that adequate immune protection is achieved only when a calf consumes approximately 200 grammes of immunoglobulins. Starting with 50-60g of immunoglobulins per litre, calves should therefore consume 4 litres of colostrum.

But how can a newborn calf be encouraged to consume four litres of colostrum? While some calves instinctively nurse and ingest a sufficient amount relatively quickly after birth, others may require a helping hand to ensure adequate intake, and some are nearly unable to drink after birth. Especially after a lengthy labour, the tongue may be swollen, making it difficult to suck on a teat, so the calf won’t drink at all or only very little. 

This is where drenching/tube feeding is a help to ensure newborn calves get the vital colostrum. The Soft Drencher supplies the animal with the recommended amount of colostrum of 3 to 4 litres, feeding it directly into the stomach via a tube. 

However, the tube feeding of calves is only permitted in an emergency according to the Animal Welfare Act section 9 point 3. This means feeding colostrum to calves via a feeding tube must only be an exception. 

The bottom line, though, is that feeding via a tube ensures that each calf receives the recommended amount of colostrum within four hours, as required by the Livestock Farming Ordinance.

The technique of drenching

These are the situations in which the Soft Drencher from Hiko comes into play. It consists of a flexible silicone tube that is connected to the firm’s 1-Click calf feeding bottle. The 1-Click calf feeding bottle offers a systematic approach, allowing for a swift transition between teat and tube feeding. This enables farmers to efficiently provide colostrum while adhering to animal welfare standards. The current model, featuring a screw cap, holds 3.8 litres. However, the manufacturer has announced that a larger 4.2-litre version will be introduced from the middle of 2025.

The large opening on the 1-Click bottle makes it easy to not only fill but also clean the 3.8-litre bottle.

After filling the colostrum into the bottle, you can first try and see whether the calf accepts the teat and whether it takes in a sufficient amount of colostrum on its own. 

First step is to try and feed the calf using the teat.

If this attempt is unsuccessful, you can then  quickly switch from teat to the Soft Drencher — without the milk losing temperature. This changeover process is even faster if you use two screw caps (one with an integral teat and one with a Soft Drencher), because you  can simply change the cap. 

If the calf doesn’t drink, you can fit the Soft Drencher cap.

Helpful mark

The centrepiece of the new Soft Drencher is a 160cm long, 18mm thick silicone feeding tube, the end of which is inserted into the calf’s mouth. This tube end is in the shape of an olive, which helps prevent inserting the tube accidentally into the windpipe. It also triggers a swallowing reflex, which makes it easier to push the tube into the gullet. However, to ensure that the tube is in the gullet, only ever drench a small amount of colostrum and observe the calf’s reaction. Tip: Experienced people can feel whether the tube is in the gullet by a noticeable bulge on the left side of the neck. 

Behind the olive, which is made from solid material, there are two holes spaced a few centimetres apart and technically known as ‘eyes’. It is through these small eyes that the colostrum enters the animal’s stomach. About 80cm from the olive, there is a red mark that serves as a guide, indicating the length of the tube already inserted or the remaining length required for proper tube placement. The tube insertion depth varies, depending on the calf’s body size and birth weight. Our experience was that pushing the tube in to just before the mark (70 to 80cm) gives the optimum results. However, if the feeding tube is not inserted sufficiently, there is a risk that the olive will obstruct the gullet, causing the milk to back up towards the calf’s mouth. 

The red mark gives you a good idea that the tube is inserted enough..

The positive news is that the soft material virtually eliminates injuries to the gullet. Nevertheless, it is recommended to proceed with care. 

PET bottles are fine, too

At the opposite end of the tube, a spout allows for tool-free attachment to the 1-Click milk bottle. The spout is also designed to fit standard PET water bottle caps, making it compatible with PET bottles for the storing of colostrum. A useful detail: the manufacturer has incorporated a recessed marking on the spout, which farmers can then drill open if needed. This modification allows air to enter as the bottle empties, ensuring a smooth, uninterrupted milk flow.

The Soft Drencher can be used with Hiko’s 1-Click milk bottle.
The 1-Click bottle system screw-on cap can be fitted with either a teat or a tube.

The field test

Together with the animal husbandry school at the Triesdorf Agricultural Training Centre (LLA), we used the new Hiko Soft Drencher on a newborn calf. The animal had been offered colostrum an hour earlier, when it drank only 1 litre. The second attempt was carried out again with a drinking bottle and teat. After the calf again refused to accept the milk voluntarily, we replaced the cap by the Soft Drencher cap. The calf, still visibly exhausted from the birth, was allowed to lie for drenching.

As the calf may be exhausted after birth, it can be fed while lying down.

The stability of the 1-Click milk bottle with its wide base ensures it doesn’t fall over when placed on straw. This allows the user to keep both hands free and focus entirely on the calf and the tube. 

Due to the ‘olive’ of the tube at the end, the user has to overcome a physical resistance when inserting it into the calf’s gullet. This admittedly requires some practice. The good news here is that there is no milk in the tube at this point, so there is generally no risk of choking. So, you never need to rush when using the Soft Drencher. 

We found it a little difficult to push the tube in, presumably because it was brand new. The calf responded with slight restlessness. However, it calmed down immediately after the tube reached its stomach. Tip: Dipping the Soft Drencher in some fat-rich colostrum beforehand allows the tube to slide in more smoothly. Tip 2: Tube made of soft silicone is very sensitive to sharp parts including the teeth of newborn calves. So, beware the risk of the calf biting through the tube. To avoid this, grip the tube with one hand.

Better than stainless steel

To start feeding, raise the milk bottle and turn it upside down. If the tube is inserted until just before the mark, the milk will then flow into the animal’s stomach. 

The air inlet valve integrated in the screw cap ensures a steady flow of milk, so that you just have to hold the bottle and stop the tube from being bitten through. 

What are the advantages of using the new Soft Drencher from Hiko? All of our users agree that the flexible tube is much better than a rigid drenching tube that is made of plastic or stainless steel. The calf is calmer and the tube itself is simpler to use. Most importantly, there is pretty much no risk of injuries to the gullet. 

For many years, rigid hard plastic or stainless steel rods were the only choice for tube feeding.

By comparison, plastic lances show the marks of sharp teeth after only a few applications; and it is these marks that cause injuries in the gullet. These may go unnoticed but will cause long-term ailments. 

About the price

Hiko offers its new Soft Drencher for €41.50. The matching Hiko 1-Click feeding bottle is €34. A cap with an integral teat currently costs €20. And for the sake of completeness, a stainless steel drenching probe is also offered by Hiko: prices for this start at €41. There are Hiko retailers in the UK such as Shropshire firm Dairy Spares.

Summary

The prompt supply of colostrum to newborn calves is extremely important. The German Animal Welfare Farming Ordinance stipulates that the administration of colostrum within the first four hours is mandatory. Hiko has developed the Soft Drencher unit for calves that don’t drink enough after birth. We were certainly convinced by the silicone tube, especially as it’s more comfortable to use. You are also free to choose between using the Soft Drencher with a PET water bottle or Hiko’s 1-Click drinking bottle. 

Martin Zäh

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