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Colostrum Management and the New Born Calf

A new born calf has a poorly developed immune system. This results in it having no protective antibodies to resist disease challenges. True colostrum is the first milk which is rich with the antibodies that provide the calf protection from disease in early life, until the calf’s own system becomes functional. Colostrum management is one of the most important factors in determining calf health and survival. Unfortunately, a significant proportion of UK calves do not suckle sufficient colostrum when they are born to deliver enough antibodies into their system. This contributes to excessively high pre-weaning mortality rates and other short and long-term losses associated with animal health, welfare, and productivity. 

 

The three golden rules for successful colostrum management

1.    Timing

Timing is critical to a successful colostrum management programme. The ability of the small intestine of the calf to absorb antibodies and nutrients drops to being nearly nonexistent within the first few hours of life. A calf should receive its first feed of colostrum within an hour of birth. Continuing to feed colostrum for the first three days encourages rapid gut development, providing a solid foundation for fast healthy growth.

2.    Quality

The quality of the colostrum varies from cow to cow. Cows having had two or more lactations usually contain more antibodies in the colostrum they produce.  Calves born from heifers should be fed colostrum from a mature cow which has been stored from a previous calving. 

3. Quantity

A calf requires approximately 10 minutes of continuous sucking to consume 1½ litres of colostrum from a cow. A minimum of 3 litres over two feeds should be fed within the first six hours of birth.

Written by Louise Murphy, Calf Specialist

 

 


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