Why Offer a Post-Calving Drink?

  • Healthy Life

Did you know?

Our recent farmer survey found that 56% of farmers still don't use a post-calving drink.

The first few hours after calving are one of the easiest opportunities to support hydration, feed intake and recovery. Could you be getting more from your fresh cow routine?

13/08/2026
Cow drinking Reviva

Why the first few hours after calving matter

If you've ever watched a cow after calving, you'll know she has a lot to recover from.

She has lost a significant amount of fluid, her calcium requirements increase rapidly as milk production begins, and she's expected to start eating, drinking and milking almost immediately. At the same time, appetite can often be reduced, making it harder for her to get the nutrients she needs.

By the time she calves, she may have lost 50-80kg of fluid, be low on energy and need encouragement to start eating and drinking again.
 
The sooner a fresh cow starts eating and drinking the better placed she is to make a smooth transition into lactation. That's where a post-calving drink can help.
 

A well-formulated post-calving drink provides fluids, electrolytes, energy and key nutrients in one easy-to-consume solution, helping cows rehydrate, refuel and return to normal feeding sooner.

Isn't water enough?

Water is important, but after calving cows have lost both fluids and electrolytes. Simply replacing water doesn't address the changes occurring in the body after calving. Providing a drink that includes electrolytes and energy helps support rehydration while also encouraging cows to get back onto feed sooner.

Cows need to drink it to benefit from it  

The most effective post-calving drink is the one the cow will actually consume.

Farm-O-San Reviva has been formulated for exceptional palatability, encouraging rapid voluntary intake when cows need support most. Trial work showed 93.5% acceptance compared with 66.9% for a competitor post-calving drink. This helps ensure nutrients are delivered quickly without the need for repeat administration.

What does this mean for fresh cows?

Fresh cows need three key things after calving: hydration, energy and minerals.

Farm-O-San Reviva combines these in one highly palatable drink, helping cows recover after calving and get back onto feed and water more quickly.

 

Helps encourage appetite after calving

Highly palatable, helping cows consume the full dose

Easy to prepare and administer on farm

Fast recovery after calving

Supports calcium metabolism

Simple to Use

For best results:

  • Mix 1kg of Reviva with 10 litres of hot water (40-45°C)
  • Once dissolved, add 10 litres of cold water
  • Offer approximately 20 litres at 25-30°C
  • Provide within 30 minutes of calving, or as soon as possible after calving before access to other water  
  • A second dose can be offered after 24 hours where appetite is poor or additional support is required

 

Give Fresh Cows the Best Start

Every dairy farmer wants cows to get up, drink, eat and settle into lactation as quickly as possible after calving.

By providing hydration, electrolytes, calcium and energy in one highly palatable drink, Reviva helps support cows through this critical period and encourages a stronger start to lactation.