11/16/2009 12:23PM
Cow calf producers are aware that natural colostrum must be ingested by baby calves within 6 hours of birth to acquire satisfactory passive immunity.
11/13/2009 03:32PM
Although February and March are still several months away, looking
ahead to the spring calving season requires that producers be prepared
for those situations where mother-nature needs a little boost.
10/13/2009 11:11AM
When a calf is born it is virtually unprotected against infectious
diseases until it absorbs an adequate supply of colostrum. Generally,
we must rely on good management and a sanitary environment to help
protect the calf from immediate infection.
06/25/2009 02:18PM
Getting a calf off to a good start by ensuring colostrum intake is one of the most important steps for overall calf health. Calves are born "agammaglobulinemic", which means they have no antibodies in circulation when they're born. Colostrum is their only protection from disease until their own immune
06/18/2009 03:56PM
Most dairymen are aware of the health benefits of feeding colostrum to their calves soon after birth. This is a practice that is carried out on most dairies even though the results are seldom measured. However, with written records, calf health and treatment results can easily be monitored and measured
05/28/2009 11:53AM
Despite efforts by many dairy producers to refine their management practices for newborn calves there is still room for improvement. The most critical factor is feeding colostrums. This important management practice continues to be a constant challenge to attain consistent colostral passive immunity
05/26/2009 01:24PM
The minimum amount is 2 quarts immediately after birth. Colostrum quality should be checked with a colostrometer to determine its specific gravity which is related to antibody levels. Some veterinarians and nutritionists recommend one gallon (large-breed calf) to be fed immediately after birth to get
05/20/2009 02:21PM
Over the last several years, colostrum supplements, and replacement products have been marketed and tried by dairy managers and veterinarians. Colostrum supplements were developed to boost or complement on-farm colostrums that may be low in quality and/or quantity. Colostrum replacement products were
05/08/2009 12:00PM
In the dairyman’s busy day, many times the management of newborn calves gets pushed to the back burner. Unfortunately, this can mean calves are not receiving adequate amounts of high quality colostrum. This can lead to higher levels of sickness and death in these young animals, since colostrum is the