Research implications of calf rehydration and calcium homeostasis at calving
A growing body of research is highlighting that some of the physiological challenges seen in early life calves and freshly calved cows are not always fully addressed by standard on farm protocols. As more data from controlled trials and research centre studies becomes available, it is becoming clearer that these moments of physiological change may benefit from approaches more closely aligned with the underlying science.
This CPD webinar brings together research on two such critical points
- fluid balance in diarrhoeic calves
- calcium regulation immediately post calving
Drawing on controlled trials and research centre studies, our team will share updated insights that help explain why animals respond the way they do and where there may be opportunities to refine decision making using more precisely aligned, evidence based methods.
Content Overview:
The session focuses on translating physiology into practical, evidence based decisions for real-world farm situations.
- Calf rehydration science: fluid compartment shifts, osmolality, and metabolic acidosis in diarrhoeic calves, and how these principles inform selection and timing of oral rehydration alongside milk.
- Calcium homeostasis at calving: the physiology driving postpartum calcium instability, energy–calcium interactions, and insights on the role of oral calcium solutions immediately after calving.
- Research signals from controlled trials explaining why different interventions lead to different outcomes on farm.
- Clinical application: integrating updated evidence into decision-making frameworks to support faster, more stable recovery in calves and fresh cows.
Don't miss out!
Speakers
Dr. Juliette Wilms
Researcher at Trouw Nutrition Global R&D Innovation Centre
Juliette Wilms obtained an MSc in Animal Science at AgroParisTech in France in 2014. She joined Nutreco in 2015 as a researcher at the Ruminant Research Centre located in the Netherlands. In 2020, she became a PhD candidate in a joint project between Nutreco and the University of Guelph in Canada. Her PhD topic focuses on the amount of fat and the fat composition in milk replacers for calves. Her research projects include oral rehydration therapy for diarrheic calves, milk replacer composition, and calcium supplementation strategies at calving.
Dr. Jean-Baptiste Daniel
Researcher at Trouw Nutrition Global R&D Innovation Centre
Dr. Jean-Baptiste Daniel is originally from Bretagne (France), where he grew up in a dairy farm. Jean-Baptiste completed a double MSc study in Animal Sciences with the Agriculture University of Angers (France) and Wageningen University (the Netherlands). The last MSc thesis in 2012 was conducted within the Ruminant R&D team of Trouw Nutrition and marked a first step in his young scientific career. This gave him the opportunity to go on with a PhD with AgroParisTech-INRA and Trouw Nutrition. The PhD focused on the quantification of milk yield and composition responses to dietary change in dairy cows, a critical component for improving nutrient efficiency at farm level.
Chairing the webinar
Dr. Javier Martin-Tereso
Head of Trouw Nutrition Global R&D Innovation Centre
Dr. Javier Martín-Tereso is an internationally recognized ruminant nutritionist specializing in dairy cattle nutrition, rumen function, and mineral metabolism. He holds a PhD in dairy cattle nutrition from Wageningen University (The Netherlands) and an Agricultural Engineering degree with a specialization in Animal Science from Madrid.
Since 2012, Dr. Martín-Tereso has led the Ruminant Research Centre at Trouw Nutrition R&D, where he directs both applied and fundamental research programs aimed at improving nutrient efficiency, animal health, and sustainable livestock production. His work combines physiological understanding with practical feeding strategies to support performance, welfare, and environmental sustainability in dairy and beef systems.
His main areas of expertise include rumen health and digestive efficiency, mineral and trace element nutrition, and early-life nutrition of calves and youngstock. He has conducted extensive research on how dietary composition influences rumen microbial activity, nutrient utilization, and metabolic health. A significant part of his work focuses Dron mineral homeostasis in ruminants, including calcium metabolism and trace element supplementation, contributing to improved prevention and management of metabolic disorders around calving. He is also actively involved in advancing nutritional strategies for calves, emphasizing early metabolic programming and long-term productivity.
Dr. Martín-Tereso has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed scientific publications and is a frequent invited speaker at international scientific and industry conferences. His research bridges science and practice by translating complex nutritional and physiological insights into practical feeding solutions used by producers worldwide. Through close collaboration with academic institutions and industry partners, he contributes to innovation and knowledge transfer in modern ruminant nutrition and sustainable animal production.
FAQ's
How can I claim CPD hours?
There will be a QR code provided by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons at the end of the webinar that you can scan to log your CPD hours. We are working with the Veterinary Council of Ireland on eligability for CPD hours in Ireland.
How long is the webinar
The webinar will be an hour with 2 x 20 minute presentations.
What language will it be in?
The webinar will be in English