How X-Zelit fits into the close-up cow program.
X-Zelit is fed before calving to support the cow’s calcium response before the sudden calcium demand of lactation. It belongs in the close-up period, alongside a balanced ration and good transition cow management.
Close-up feeding made practical
X-Zelit is included before calving, when the cow is preparing for the calcium pressure of freshening. It can fit into close-up feeding systems with support from the farm’s nutrition adviser.
See X-Zelit fed to close-up cows.
A short walkthrough of how X-Zelit is measured, mixed through the close-up ration and fed consistently in the weeks before calving.
Video: Quadrant Farming Solutions — feeding X-Zelit to transition cows.
Start before the calcium pressure point.
X-Zelit is used in the close-up dry period before calving. This gives the cow time to activate her calcium mobilisation response before milk production creates the highest calcium demand.
Identify the close-up cows
Use X-Zelit with cows entering the pre-fresh transition period, based on expected calving date and the farm’s close-up group management.
Feed for the close-up period
The typical feeding window is 14–21 days before calving, or around 2–3 weeks pre-calving.
Include in the ration
Add X-Zelit into the close-up feeding program at the recommended rate on the current product label or as advised by the farm nutritionist.
Stop at calving
Remove access to X-Zelit once the cow has calved. X-Zelit is a pre-calving strategy, not a post-calving feed.
Designed for close-up cow feeding systems.
X-Zelit works by binding available dietary phosphorus before calving, helping trigger the cow’s natural calcium mobilisation response. It is a different approach from acidified DCAD programs and does not rely on urine pH testing or low-potassium forage.
Close-up TMR
X-Zelit can be included in a close-up TMR where that suits the farm’s feeding system.
Mixer wagon feeding
Where mixer wagons are used, X-Zelit can be added as part of the close-up ration according to the product label and ration advice.
Grain, pellet or blended feed
Some systems include X-Zelit through a grain mix, pellet or prepared blend. Confirm the correct setup with the supplier or nutrition adviser.
Advisor support
Use X-Zelit within a balanced transition diet, with nutritionist, veterinarian or adviser support where required.
Make the close-up period consistent.
Transition cow programs work best when cows receive the right ration consistently, have enough bunk space, and move through the close-up period with minimal disruption.
Keep the close-up group clear
Match X-Zelit use to the close-up group so cows receive the product before calving, not after freshening.
Avoid missed feeds
Consistent intake matters. Review feeding routines so close-up cows receive the intended ration each day.
Distribute evenly through the feed
Mix carefully and follow label or adviser instructions so the product is presented consistently across the close-up ration.
Remove access after calving
X-Zelit is used before calving. Once the cow has calved, move her onto the appropriate fresh cow ration.
Balance the full diet
Review the full dry cow mineral program with the farm’s nutrition adviser, particularly phosphorus and magnesium settings.
Watch fresh cow outcomes
Track milk fever cases, fresh cow starts, rumination, appetite, retained membranes, ketosis pressure and early lactation performance.
Use accurate expected calving dates
Early pregnancy testing keeps cows in the close-up group for the right window and helps avoid feeding X-Zelit for too long.
Test representative forage
A wet-chemistry mineral analysis of your forages helps your adviser balance calcium, phosphorus and magnesium correctly in the close-up ration.
Why removal at calving matters
Blood phosphorus recovers within about two days once feeding stops. Removing X-Zelit lets the fresh-cow ration restore normal mineral supply.
X-Zelit is a pre-calving strategy.
The product is used before the cow freshens, so the calcium response is active when calving and early milk production create the highest demand.
Build the response early
Use X-Zelit in the close-up period so the cow is prepared before the calcium pressure point.
Remove X-Zelit access
Once the cow has calved, X-Zelit should no longer be part of her ration.
Move to fresh cow management
Fresh cow management should focus on recovery, appetite, rumination, calcium status and early lactation performance.
Close-up feeding summary.
Use the current product label and ration advice for the exact feeding rate and setup on your farm.
| Area | Guidance | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Timing | Use in the close-up dry period, typically 14–21 days before calving. | The cow needs time to prepare before calcium demand rises sharply at calving. |
| Feeding system | Include through the close-up ration, mixer wagon, grain mix, pellet or suitable blended feed system. | Consistent delivery helps cows receive the intended daily intake. |
| Rate | Use the current Australian product label or farm-specific nutrition advice. | The correct rate depends on the approved product directions and ration setup. |
| At calving | Stop feeding X-Zelit once the cow has calved. | X-Zelit is designed for the pre-calving period, not the fresh cow ration. |
| Program support | Review the full transition diet with the farm’s nutritionist, veterinarian or adviser. | X-Zelit works best as part of a complete close-up cow program. |
Support for your transition cow program.
Review the research, Australian trial results, fresh cow outcome information and safety document before adding X-Zelit to your close-up program.
X-Zelit research
Learn how X-Zelit supports calcium mobilisation through the phosphorus pathway before calving.
View researchAustralian results
See local trial results comparing X-Zelit with a DCAD transition feeding approach.
View Australian resultsFresh cow outcomes
Understand how better calcium support before calving can influence fresh cow performance.
View outcomesSafety Data Sheet
Download the current X-Zelit SDS for safe handling, storage and first-aid information.
Download SDSWant help fitting X-Zelit into your close-up program?
Talk to the X-Zelit Australia team or your nutrition adviser about timing, ration fit and practical use before calving.