08/10/2026
Why does a Thriver Calf Teat smell like vanilla?
The vanilla scent isn't a coating or a scented spray. It's embedded directly into the rubber formulation during manufacturing, meaning it's designed to last for the life of the teat.
There's science behind the decision. Calves have an incredibly powerful sense of smell, and research has indicated that vanilla scent is associated with increased average daily weight gain, particularly during the pre-weaning period. That's why we incorporated a subtle vanilla fragrance into Thriver, helping calves identify, accept and latch onto the teat more readily during those critical early feeds.
The feedback from calf rearers in the first year has been overwhelmingly positive. Many found calves settled onto the teat faster, making feeding easier with less handling and frustration. An added benefit was hearing how much better calf rearers felt at the end of the day, simply because feeding was less physically demanding.
Sometimes innovation isn't about adding complexity. It's about understanding animal behaviour and designing around it.
Available at Russell and Sons
18a Goggs Street, Toowoomba
07 4688 9222