Bovine Colostrum: Help Calves Survive and Thrive

Key Takeaways

• The first 24 hours are critical for calf survival. Colostrum provides nearly all the antibodies a calf will ever receive, and absorption is only possible shortly after birth.
• Colostrum jumpstarts immunity and energy. Newborn calves are born without protective antibodies, making colostrum essential for disease resistance, strength and early vigor. 
• Failure of passive transfer has long-term consequences. Calves that do not receive enough high-quality colostrum face higher risks of scours, death loss, poor growth, delayed calving and reduced lifetime productivity. 
• Maternal colostrum is often inconsistent or risky. Quality and quantity vary widely between cows, and colostrum can carry pathogens like Johne’s, BVD and Salmonella.
• Colostrum replacers provide reliable protection. High-quality replacers deliver consistent IgG levels, energy and nutrients, improving survivability and giving producers peace of mind during calving season.

The first 24 hours are the most crucial for calves’ survivability. Colostrum intake plays a vital role in keeping them alive, helping calves develop an immune response to combat diseases.

What is colostrum?

Colostrum is the first milk produced by the cow, providing 95% of the antibodies a calf obtains, plus a rich source of minerals, vitamins and energy.

What is the importance of colostrum for calf health?

Colostrum intake helps protect newborn calves against infectious agents during the first few months of life. Calves are born agammaglobulinemic, meaning they have almost no antibodies to protect them against disease. Because antibodies are very large molecules, the calf’s intestine is only capable of absorbing this protection immediately after birth, with essentially no absorption possible after the first 24 hours.

A calf’s strength and immunity are acquired through colostrum, in either the form of maternal colostrum, a combination of maternal colostrum along with a colostrum supplement, or through a colostrum replacer product.

It is crucial for calves to receive adequate amounts of high-quality colostrum to eliminate risk. By not achieving passive transfer of immunity through colostrum, calves can experience lasting effects. These calves will be at increased risk for:

• • Disease, such as calf scours
  • Death loss
  • Reduced long-term productivity
  • Decreased average daily gain
  • Delayed calving

What are the reasons one would use a colostrum supplement or colostrum replacer?

• • Colostrum supplements or replacers increase safety, as maternal cow colostrum can potentially contain infectious organisms, such as Johne’s, BVD virus and Salmonella, infecting the calf.
  • A study revealed that nearly 60 percent of maternal colostrum is inadequate in its delivery of IgG proteins (antibodies), putting calves at risk of failure of passive transfer (FPT) -- the passage of the mother’s immunity to its calf. Some 45% of samples tested contained pathogens that could put calves’ health at risk.
  • The available colostrum from the dam can be deficient in quantity and/or quality.
  • Attempting to collect, freeze, store and then thaw cow’s colostrum is time consuming and tedious. Using reliable, quality colostrum replacer is usually much more expedient.
  • High quality colostrum replacer enhances the calf’s survivability and longer-term profitability when administered soon after birth. The calf benefits from the IgG antibodies and from the energy to become an active suckling baby calf, destined for success.

Are there benefits to providing calves a colostrum replacer, even when maternal colostrum is of good quality?

Yes, one concern with maternal colostrum is the variability of both quality and quantity among cows. Colostrum replacers or supplements deliver a consistent amount of IgG, growth factors and required nutrients, like energy. This offers producers peace of mind that their calves are receiving consistent calf serum IgG levels for their survival and wellness.

Help calves survive and thrive by incorporating colostrum supplements and replacers, which aid in the treatment of FPT and aid in the prevention of death associated with E-coli K99. Look to trusted colostrum replacers, such as:

• • Calf’s Choice Total Bronze HiCal
  • Colostrx CS

Continue reading with these articles about calf health:

Eliminating Scours Outbreaks

Rough Winters Can Cause Weak Calf Syndrome

Preventing Summer Pneumonia and Pink Eye

Busting The Myths About Implanted Calves

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