X-Zelit answers for transition cow management.

X-Zelit is a pre-calving transition cow feed product used to support calcium balance around calving. It is fed during the close-up period before the cow freshens.

X-Zelit binds dietary phosphorus and calcium in the close-up diet. This temporary reduction in mineral availability helps stimulate the cow’s own calcium mobilisation response before calving.

At calving, the cow is better prepared for the sudden calcium demand that comes with colostrum and milk production.

X-Zelit is used before calving. It belongs in the close-up dry cow period, not the fresh cow ration.

Once the cow has calved, access to X-Zelit should be stopped and the cow should move onto the appropriate fresh cow feeding program.

No. X-Zelit is a pre-calving transition strategy. It is not a treatment for cows that are already down or clinically unwell.

If a cow is showing signs of milk fever or illness, follow veterinary advice and the farm’s animal health protocols.

Farmers often use 'down cow' and 'downer cow' interchangeably to describe a cow that is unable to rise. Veterinarians may use 'downer cow' more specifically for a cow that remains recumbent after the original cause has been treated. Milk fever is one possible cause around calving, but injury, calving trauma and other metabolic or toxic conditions may also be involved.

X-Zelit is used in the close-up dry period before calving. International X-Zelit guidance commonly describes the feeding window as the last 14–21 days before calving, or around 2–3 weeks pre-calving.

Use the current Australian label and advice from your nutritionist or supplier for your farm’s specific feeding setup.

Follow the current Australian product label, supplier guidance and ration advice for the correct feeding rate.

The feeding rate should be matched to the approved product directions and the farm’s close-up ration. Do not rely on website information alone for final feeding decisions.

X-Zelit can be included as part of the close-up cow feeding program. Depending on the farm system, it may be incorporated through a TMR, mixer wagon, grain mix, pellet or prepared blend.

Consistent intake matters, so the product should be delivered in a way that gives close-up cows reliable access to the intended ration.

X-Zelit should be stopped at calving. After calving, the cow has a high requirement for calcium and phosphorus, so X-Zelit should no longer be part of her ration.

No. X-Zelit should sit inside a well-managed close-up program. Grouping, bunk space, consistent feeding, ration balance, comfort, monitoring and fresh cow follow-up still matter.

DCAD programs rely on acidifying the pre-calving diet. X-Zelit uses a different approach by binding dietary minerals before calving and supporting the cow’s own calcium mobilisation response.

Vilofoss guidance states that X-Zelit has different management practices from anionic supplements, including no urine pH measurements and no low-potassium forage requirement.

X-Zelit’s mode of action is different from DCAD/CAB diets. The dietary cation-anion balance is not the primary driver of how X-Zelit works.

The full close-up ration still needs to be balanced properly, especially energy, protein, minerals and vitamins.

X-Zelit is designed to fit into practical close-up cow feeding systems. It can be added into many close-up rations, but the ration should be reviewed by a nutrition adviser to make sure the full diet remains balanced.

Dry cows still need appropriate minerals and vitamins. However, mineral phosphorus should be managed carefully because X-Zelit relies on reducing available dietary phosphorus before calving.

Review the full mineral program with your nutritionist or adviser before changing the close-up ration.

X-Zelit works mainly through binding dietary phosphorus. Vilofoss FAQ material notes that, when used correctly, X-Zelit may also bind a small amount of dietary calcium and magnesium.

Dietary calcium, phosphorus and magnesium should be reviewed as part of the full close-up ration.

X-Zelit is used to support calcium balance around calving. Stronger calcium status can influence fresh cow outcomes such as milk fever pressure, early lactation performance, feed intake, rumination, colostrum quality and reproductive recovery.

X-Zelit is used as a milk fever prevention strategy before calving. Outcomes can vary by herd, ration, management, calving conditions and correct use.

For best results, use X-Zelit as part of a complete close-up cow program and follow the product label and adviser guidance.

Yes. Australian trial material is available and reports higher post-calving blood calcium. That single trial also reported higher milk yield and rumination, but independent reviews of zeolite A studies have not shown a consistent effect on milk yield, fertility or immunity (Dairy Australia, 2021).

View Australian results

Useful indicators include clinical milk fever cases, fresh cow starts, rumination, appetite, retained membranes, ketosis pressure, mastitis, early lactation performance and blood calcium where testing is being used.

Yes. Farm outcomes can vary depending on herd risk, ration design, timing, intake, forage, minerals, cow comfort, stocking pressure, calving management and overall transition cow management.

Handle X-Zelit like a dry feed supplement. Pour steadily, mix carefully, keep dust low where practical, and avoid breathing airborne dust.

Always refer to the current Safety Data Sheet and product label for formal safety, storage and first-aid information.

For routine handling in a well-ventilated feed area, normal farm workwear is generally appropriate. If handling creates visible airborne dust, or if the area is poorly ventilated, follow the Safety Data Sheet and use suitable dust protection.

Download the X-Zelit Safety Data Sheet.

Store X-Zelit according to the current product label and Safety Data Sheet. Keep product dry, sealed where practical, and protected from contamination.

Use the stockist locator or contact X-Zelit Australia to find a supplier near you.

Find a stockist

Speak with the X-Zelit Australia team, your stockist, nutritionist, veterinarian or transition cow adviser. The right approach depends on your herd history, ration, calving pattern and current transition cow issues.

Yes. X-Zelit should be fitted into the full close-up ration with appropriate nutrition advice. Your adviser can review minerals, energy, protein, forage and delivery method.

X-Zelit Australia is supplied through Quadrant Farming Solutions and its Australian stockist network.

Contact X-Zelit Australia