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| Calf Concerns & Management |
Colostrum & Newborn Calves 02/25/09 12:29:04 PM
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Colostrum
What is it? The first milk produced immediately before and after giving birth. It's rich in antibodies and provides essential nutrients. Colostrum is essential to a calf's survival. Not only is colostrum the newborn's first source of food, it is the source of passive immune protection. Antibodies can not pass directly from the damn to the calf, the only way for the calf to aquire them is by consuming colostrum.
This is how the calf develops their immune system. The most important things to remember are quality, quantity & timing.
Colostrum vs. Whole milk? Good quality colostrum has twice as much dry matter, three times the minerals, and five times as much protein as whole milk. The low amount of lactose in colostrum also reduces the chance of diarrhea.
Colostrum Contaminants
Colostrum is most often contaminated from blood, mastitis, remnants of mastitis, manure and bacteria. The less the contaminants, the higher the quality. Make sure udders and teats are sanitized, well-cleaned and dried before milking/nursing.
Quantity
Feed 2-3 qts. within the first hour of birth
Repeat feeding in 6-8 hrs
Remember, feeding a large quantity CAN NOT overcome bacterial contamination or a low antibody count.
Timing
The time you feed colostrum is critical for two reasons;
- There is a time allowance of nutrient & anti-body concentration
- Prolonging this window opens the door to possible infection, disease & bacteria
Be advised
If bacteria enter the bloodstream before antibodies, the calf has an extremely high risk of death.
Keep the colostrum and the calf as clean as possible.
Storing Colostrum
Storing colostrum comes down to good management. Storage and handling will impact the overall quality.
Do not let colostrum sit at room temp. [Bacteria Doubles!]
As colostrum thaws, pour off the liquid part to limit bacteria
For long term storage, freeze colostrum (at -5°F)
Use 1 & 2 qt. bottles or gallon bags (zipped)
Use warm water to thaw (less than 120°F)
If thawing in a microwave,do this in short periods
When microwaving, pour off liquid parts right away
Keep enough colostrum on hand for several calves
Colostrum Replacement
Supplements can be used when there is not enough, or quality is lacking in colostrum
Antibodies in colostrum supplements are significantly less than actual colostrum
Feeding
Feed 2 - 3 qts to newborn calves, within the first hour of birth
Repeat feeding in 6 - 8 hours
Feed colostrum by hand
Use a bottle or pale to feed
If feeding directly from the damn, 75% of your calves will not get an adequate amount
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