Testimonials
Bushlea Farms, South Gippsland, Vic
I have used the MIRoTEC Calf Coats for a number of years now and they are a normal part of my calf rearing procedures. I rear some 200 Jersey and Friesian calves each year. When the calves are first bought in from the calving paddock to the calf shed, a coat is put on any calf that feels cold and it is left on overnight. This is not unusual as we calve in the winter time and I find that if I can get the calf warm quickly they are more likely to drink their first feeds of colostrum, which of course is so vital for their well-being.
White scours isn’t a big problem for us, as we have well set up calf sheds, but even so, it is unavoidable when rearing calves. My routine treatment for any sick calf is to put on a coat, give them lots of electrolytes, some feeds of milk and appropriate calf scour products. I have no doubt that, when the climate is cold, low body temperature is an important stress factor for sick calves and they recover much quicker if they are warm. The MIRoTEC Calf Coat is an easy and very effective way of warming them up.
Mrs Pat Kuhne, Bushlea Farms, South Gippsland Highway Leongatha, Vic.
(Bushlea has been one of Australia’s leading Jersey Studs since 1946. They have been very successful in the major show rings over a long time. They have sold quality cattle throughout Australia and around the world. They have many bulls producing commercial semen for Artificial Insemination. In recent years they have also started breeding Friesian stud cattle. Many of the cattle are classified MN2 under the National Johne’s Disease Market Assurance Program (JDMAP). They have a range of frozen embryos for sale also. They can be contacted on bushleafarms@bigpond.com
Background to the MIRoTEC Calf Coat
I was first introduced to the MIRoTEC material in 2004 when Colin Gill, its Australian licensee, was showing me the Foal Survival Kit. This involved a fitted coat to cover the foal’s body and wraps for the legs. This kit was being used around the world at many of the leading horse studs. They were finding that sick foals recovered much faster when they are adequately kept warm and the MIRoTEC Foal Survival Kit was the best way to do this. Whilst Colin was telling me this, I had placed my arm on a piece of the material and folded it over to cover my arm. Within 5 minutes I was amazed at how much heat had been generated. The “sales pitch” he was giving me made perfect sense: they say, “seeing is believing” well so too is “feeling”!
Colin went on to show me his dog coats, cage mats and the full range of medical wraps. My main area of work is as a cattle veterinarian and I was excited about the prospect of using the coats for sick calves. Colin told me he didn’t have such a coat and left it to me to develop one.
The aim was to develop a waterproof, fitted coat that is durable, washable, easy to apply and comfortable for the calves to wear. It had to be suitable for both heifer and bull calves and be adjustable to fit calves of variable sizes, up to about one month of age. Several prototypes later, I am very happy that these aims have been achieved. The coats come in three sizes: the extra-small one fits calves of 15 - 20 kg and is ideal for small “Jersey-sized” calves. The small size is designed for calves between 20 - 40 kg, whereas the large size is for 35 - 70 kg calves, making it suitable for Friesian or beef calves. The belly flap keeps it tightly fitted around the body without interfering with the bull calf’s sheath and the two leg straps keeps it secure at the back, similar to a horse rug.
But would it help sick calves? The first prototype was given to a farmer having trouble with scours in their week old calves. Calving time in South Gippsland is often cold, wet and windy and even in sheds the calves still feel the cold. The calves were sick with white scours from Rotavirus, Cryptosporidia and various bacteria and all had some degree of dehydration. Treatment with fluids, plus or minus antibiotics usually resulted in a successful outcome.
The calves that stayed stronger and drank more readily always recovered better. The coats were applied to a number of the calves and within a short time one could easily feel the warmth under the coat. They were left on for one or two days, depending on need and these calves were definitely more vigorous, drank more and recovered faster than the ones without the coats. It all made sense, if you are sick, warmth is a vital part of your recovery.
In the beef situation, where the calves are usually outside and subjected to the cold the coats are even more beneficial. The durable canvas outer of the coat keeps the calf dry and prevents the wind-chill factor. The MIRoTEC foil inside the coat reflects the calves’ natural body heat and protects its core temperature. It is this foil which sets this coat apart from it’s competitors: there are plenty of coats available to keep the rain and wind off the calves but none of them have unique MIRoTEC foil, which generates so much heat under it.
Since then, many of our farmers have used the coats and continue to do so because it really does help. It is a normal part of our treatment regime for sick calves. If the coat is soiled, it can be washed and scrubbed in warm soapy water. It is advisable not to put it in the washing machine, as this will damage the foil’s structure over time. The original coats are still going strong after 4 years and represent good value for money.
The coats can be ordered on-line, by following the prompts, above. They will be posted to you in the mail.
Please note; only the MIRoTEC Calf Coat can be purchased from this site. If you are interested in any of the other MIRoTEC products, please follow this link : gillgroupinternational.com.
Dr. Phil Poulton B.V.Sc. (Hons.)
Tarwin Veterinary Group,
Leongatha, Victoria, Australia