Frequently asked questions about Premier Select products.
Q) What are the Premier Select products?
A) La Belle has led the industry in creating calf-rearing colostrum products to meet the unique needs of dairy farmers for over 2 decades. Now, following years of research and development, La Belle’s expertise and investment has resulted in a series of colostrum-based products for specialty animals and pets. The Premier Select line consists of 7 species-specific, retail-ready enriched formulas for goats, sheep, alpacas/llamas, pigs, dogs, cats and horses. These products are intended for use in supplemental colostrum feedings for baby animals, as well as excellent sources of protein and added nutrients to keep aging animals healthy and vibrant.
Q) Why bovine colostrum? Is bovine sourced colostrum beneficial to feed to our small animals?
A) All of the growth factors and immune components produced by the cow are consistent with those produced by all mammalian mothers. As a result, excess bovine colostrum is an abundant nutritional resource for animals of any size. Bovine colostrum is an appropriate replacement for colostrum in other neonate mammals, and adult animals can also benefit from the protein and growth and immune factors in colostrum.
Q) Is the colostrum tested?
A) Yes. All La Belle colostrum is collected from US Grade A dairies according to strict HAACP guidelines. Each lot of colostrum undergoes exhaustive laboratory testing, including at least 18 different tests to assure both quality and bioavailability. Premier Select products are free from microbes like Salmonella, and contain no agents implicated in diseases like BSE and Johnes.
Q) What makes Premier Select products so special?
A) First of all, the quality of colostrum used in these products is only available from La Belle. The benefit, however, does not end with colostrum. Premier Select products are also tailored to each individual species by selecting appropriate antibody profiles and including vitamins and minerals to meet the unique needs of each animal.
Q) Can I use one of these products for different types of animals (such as cat and dog)?
A) Although these products are natural and similar in colostrum content, it is not recommended that you use one Premier Select product for another type of animal. La Belle has spent a lot of time formulating the products for each individual species. Egg proteins, vitamins and minerals, along with flavorings, have been specialized for each animal, and levels of specific components such as copper, selenium, and probiotics might not be optimized for a species other than the one indicated on the label.
Q) What exactly is in these products?
A) In addition to colostrum, which supplies protein, immune and growth factors, lactoferrin, calcium and more, all products contain supplemental vitamins and minerals suitable for each animal. Some products contain additional Avi-PRO egg protein, selenium, or probiotics. Probiotics are the healthy bacteria that help maintain digestive health. All-natural flavorings have been added to most formulas.
Q) Why is there egg protein in some of the products?
A) Egg is an excellent source of protein and a good complement to colostrum. Egg protein has been well-researched and put into practice as a supplemental source of protein for a number of animal species with great success. Premier Select products were also developed with egg powder to produce a shinier, healthier coat for show animals and breeders. The Avi-PRO egg powders in Premier Select products are made by La Belle using eggs collected from hens fed organic diets enriched with healthy omega-3 fats.
Q) Colostrum is known as an immune support product, what types of things are in it that might suggest such a claim?
A) Colostrum is a mother’s most important tool in helping her infant survive the early stages of life. Termed “passive immunity,” immunoglobulins (antibodies) fed by mother to baby in the form of colostrum provide the baby animal with immunity against pathogens over those first few days, helping to establish a functioning immune system that will protect the animal throughout life. Colostrum also provides protein and growth factors that contribute to intestinal development in the newborn, another important aspect of establishing a barrier to disease.
Q) Are Premier Select products better than a mother’s colostrum?
A) No. Colostrum from the mother is always preferred over any supplement. La Belle adamantly encourages proper nutrition and care of animals to ensure that the mother’s colostrum is of best quality. However, in the case in which a mother’s colostrum is in shortage or of poor quality, supplemental colostrum is absolutely recommended. These products should also be used when newborns are not sucking.
Q) How long will a tub last? WIll it spoil?
A) Tub sizes are consistent at 560 grams, although serving size varies by species: horse (1), kid and lamb (35), alpaca/llama (22/17), porcine and feline (80) and dog (40 to 80). The large tub size makes it convenient to feed multiple neonates or a mix of both young and mature animals. If stored correctly (cool and dry), Premier Select products can be held for as much as 3 years.
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