OsmoFit – smarter hydration for stronger calves

Diarrhoea: A hidden challenge for growing calves

Calf diarrhoea is a common challenge on farms, but the real risk is often hidden. Diarrhoea causes calves to lose water, electrolytes, and energy rapidly, leading to dehydration and a drop in blood pH (metabolic acidosis). This can weaken calves, slow growth, and affect future performance. By recognizing the signs early and responding quickly with proper hydration and nutrition, you can help them recover faster and stay strong.

Not all ORS are equal

Many oral rehydration solutions (ORS) on the market contain too much salt and sugar, which can make diarrhea worse by drawing more water into the gut. These products are often poorly absorbed and don’t fully correct the calf’s acid-base balance. Even when they include glucose for energy, they still fall short of providing the vital nutrients and milk-based nutrition calves need to recover and stay strong.

Fast recovery for stronger calves

OsmoFit is a next-generation oral rehydration solution that helps calves recover faster and stay strong during digestive upsets. Its formula supports full metabolic recovery—not just rehydration.

Proven in controlled studies, OsmoFit helps calves recover faster and stay active. Calves treated with OsmoFit maintain or restore normal blood pH, retain more water and electrolytes, and continue feeding on milk—reducing labor while improving overall outcomes. 

The key benefits of OsmoFit include:

  • Hypotonic formula (260–280 mOsm/kg): Ensures fast absorption without worsening diarrhoea.
  • Optimized electrolyte balance (SID > 60): Restores blood pH and promotes full recovery.
  • Reduces fecal sodium and water losses: Keeps calves better hydrated.
  • Supports continued milk feeding: Maintains energy intake and growth.
  • Proven performance: Calves stay active, recover faster, and save you time and effort.

Comparison between OsmoFit and traditional ORS solutions:

Not all oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are created equal. OsmoFit has a lower osmolality for rapid absorption, helping calves rehydrate quickly without worsening diarrhoea.

Traditional ORS products often have higher osmolality and slower absorption, which can delay recovery and reduce effectiveness.

What is osmolality and why does it matter for calf health?

The term osmolality is simply a way to describe how concentrated a liquid is — in other words, how much salt and sugar it contains. A healthy calf’s body fluids naturally have a balanced concentration of around 300 mOsm/kg. When a calf becomes dehydrated, it’s important that the rehydration drink you offer is slightly hypotonic; just below 300mOsm/kg.

If the solution is too strong (too much salt or sugar), it can pull water out of the calf’s body into the gut, making dehydration worse. If it’s too weak, it won’t replace the lost fluids and minerals effectively.

The most effective electrolyte solutions are isotonic or slightly hypotonic, meaning they closely match the calf’s natural fluid balance. This allows water and nutrients to be absorbed quickly, helping the calf rehydrate, recover, and get back to feeding sooner. Choosing the right osmolality ensures your electrolyte drink supports fast, effective recovery and keeps calves hydrated, healthy, and thriving.

Easy on farm application

Start OsmoFit at the first signs of diarrhea or dehydration. Continue feeding milk to provide calves with the energy they need to recover. Administer OsmoFit between milk meals—not mixed with milk.

  • Mix 1 sachet (60 g) in 2 L of lukewarm water (25–35 °C).
  • Feed twice daily for 3–4 days, or until signs of dehydration disappear.
  • Always provide access to clean drinking water.
"As soon as a calf does not look fit, we administer Sprayfo OsmoFit. That works perfectly, especially against dehydration and therefore also against diarrhea. Sooner or later you will see this reflected in your results. We always have it in stock for a reason. One of the great advantages is that the product is very tasty. Our calves drink it well and like it!

Practical feeding scenarios

OsmoFit keeps calves active and on milk, allowing faster recovery while maintaining their weight.

Scenario When to use OsmoFit administration Milk feeding
A Calf doesn’t drink milk at AM feed and is scouring  
  •  2 L OsmoFit in AM & lunch/lunch & PM (in a teated bottle/bucket or drenched if no suck reflex  
Offer milk at PM feed
B Calf drinks milk at AM feed but doesn’t finish  
  • 2 L OsmoFit after AM feed (in a teated bottle/bucket or drenched if no suck relflex)
Offer milk at PM feed
C Calf drinks milk at AM feed, then stressor occurs (heat, dehorning, illness)  
  • 2L OsmoFit between AM/PM milk feeds (in a teated bottle/bucket)
Offer milk at PM feed 

The smart way to support calf health

Diarrhoea may be common, but serious health problems it causes don’t have to be. OsmoFit helps calves recover faster, stay stronger, and grow into productive dairy cows. It’s backed by science and proven on farms — giving you confidence in every dose.

B2F: Contact your local Trouw Nutrition Representative to learn more about how OsmoFit can help your herd today.

B2B: Boost your business with Sprayfo OsmoFit contact your local sales representative for more information.

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Osmofit packaging