Newborn calves have little to no immune system when they are born. One of the keys to starting a calf out on the right “hoof” following birth is ensuring that it has received colostrum in a timely manner. Colostrum is the first milk produced from a dam and is packed full of nutrients and antibodies. These antibodies are known as immunoglobins and are imperative for future calf health and survival. While in-utero, little to no placental transfer of immunoglobins occurs. Immunoglobin G (known as IgG) is the antibody that most people are familiar with, and it is extremely important in protecting the newborn calf. Figure 1 depicts the percent survival in calves with varying levels of circulating IgG. Calves that had greater than 10 grams of IgG per liter had increased survival rates compared to counterparts with levels lower than 10 grams of IgG per liter. Colostrum provides a safety net for the calf to utilize while jumpstarting their immune system.
Natural Versus Commercial Sources
Natural colostrum taken from the cow should be a thick and creamy consistency with a yellowish color. Thin or pale colostrum may be of lower quality and not provide the calf with enough nutrients and antibodies for success. The best source of colostrum for a newborn calf is directly from its dam, but that is not always possible. Commercially made colostrum replacements and supplements are available to use when poor maternal instincts or a stressful birth prevent timely nursing.
Cow’s Impact on Colostrum Quality
Overall colostrum quality depends heavily on the cow and her nutrition, stress levels, and overall health. Proper nutrition of your cow herd is extremely important when looking at colostrum quality. Late gestation nutrition has a large impact on quality of colostrum, as colostrum development begins 4 to 5 weeks prior to calving. This being said, following and implementing sound nutrition and vitamin and mineral plans that meet cattle requirements year-round is extremely important to prevent playing catch up or compromising herd health and performance.
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Categories: South Dakota, Livestock, Beef Cattle