Importance of colostrum to newborn calves

With my last article on calving season preparations, let us continue this week with the importance of colostrum to newborn calves. Northwest Area Livestock SpecialistSandy Johnson provided the summary from past calving management schools.

Research has shown passive immunity obtained from colostrum is an important factor in determining the health of calves both pre- and post-weaning and indirectly influences calf growth rate during those same periods. If for any reason the calf is unable to get colostrum directly from its dam, steps should be taken to ensure it does receive colostrum within 12 hours of birth.

If no colostrum is available from the dam, the next best source is from mature cows within the same herd. These cows have developed antibodies to the pathogens already present in that environment.

Colostrum from dairies is undesirable because of the risk of introducing diseases such as salmonella or Johne's Disease. In addition, due to their volume of milk production, dairy colostrum has a relatively low concentration of immunoglobulins, making it difficult to deliver enough antibodies in a reasonable volume of milk. Many commercial colostrum substitutes often suffer from the same low concentration problem. A calf requires 80 to 150 grams of immunoglobulins, which might require multiple bags of some products if the calf will get nothing from the dam. Check labels and visit with your veterinarian when considering options.

Look for opportunities to collect colostrum from within the herd to save for future use. Quart-sized plastic bags work well for freezer storage since they can be laid flat in the freezer to optimize surface area to speed both freezing and thawing. When thawing, a low or defrost setting on the microwave can be used. Avoid over-heating, which can damage the protein. A warm water bath works well for thawing provided it is not too warm to hold your bare hand in the water. Before milking a cow, be sure to clean the udder and teats. This is a good habit to acquire which will reduce pathogens the calf might ingest. For calves that must be given colostrum, remember that you would still like to encourage the calf to nurse its own dam, so don't over feed. In many situations a quart and a half in one feeding would provide a healthy dose yet leave the calf hungry enough to try nursing on its own.

Producers should have more than one esophageal tube feeder and clean them regularly. The tube feeder you use on sick calves should not be used on otherwise healthy newborns. Likewise, clothes or other equipment used for sick calves can transfer pathogens to healthy calves. Disease resistance is lowered in calves that require assistance at calving, so avoid compounding the problem by exposing them to pathogens.

Timely intake of high quality colostrum and reduced exposure to environmental pathogens will help get calves off to a healthy start in life.

Ag Stewardship Conference

Farmers and ranchers in southeast Kansas counties are encouraged to attend the Ag Stewardship Conference on Friday, Feb. 24, at Tony's Function Junction, 59 and 47 Junction, in Erie.

Topics to be covered include the ABC's of Agriculture including crops, soils, map reading, leasing issues and estate and tax planning. A panel of agriculture experts will discuss the hot issues at the time of the conference.

The conference is free to all attendees, and lunch will be provided; however, to arrange for conference materials and the meal, pre-registration is required by Feb. 17 by contacting the Southwind Extension District -- Erie office at (620) 244-3826.