Code: ARK022SHOULD SIT ALONGSIDE AVIPRO IN THE MEDICINE CHEST! Critical Care Formula (CCF) is the ultimate product for enteral nutrition of birds. The product is a mixture of selected short chain maltodextrins (derived from corn starch) and a protein concentrate supplemented with amino acids. The protein source has been designed to match the constituents of whole egg protein. Birds off their food or with wasting problems can be helped during treatment by enteral feeding. This needs to be sufficiently often to be effective yet not too often that it compounds the problem due to stress. CCF was formulated with this in mind. Based on available papers and our own extensive trials with specialist veterinarians Vetark established a blend which achieved what they wanted. Each 100g contains 361 kcal of energy and 14.4g of protein, this aims to provide 4g protein/100kcal. Made up at 1: 2 it provides 1.4kcal/ml, the osmolality is carefully regulated to ensure absorption. The product should be made up freshly each time. It has great benefits over commonly used liquid formulations of easily digestible carbohydrates in that it is a powder and can be stored until a small amount is needed. The liquid formulations used previously generally only provided carbohydates and also had to be thrown away 24 hours after opening. CCF in powder form remains stable for months provided that the container is sealed and also provides a suitable protein source which counters the hypoproteinaemic states of catabolism, which in birds especially is a major problem. CCF is used at a dose rate of one scoop per 100g of animal per day, mixing one scoop of CCF with two scoops of water and administering by gavage tube - usually split into two or three feeds. CCF has also been used with great success by pigeon fanciers for pre- and post-race conditioning, here it can be simply added to the drinking water.150g
