COLOSTRUM BASICS
The Importance of Maternal Colostrum
The consumption of colostrum within the first 24 hours of a calf’s life is essential for overall health, growth and productivity. Understanding the importance of colostrum can help give your calves the right start they need at birth. Read more to understand the significance of bovine colostrum and compare colostrum replacers and supplements here.
What is colostrum?
In animal production, colostrum is the first milk produced after a normal dry period. Or, the newborn’s first food source to provide passive immunity protection for a healthy calf.
Why is it important?
Colostrum provides the calf with it’s first line of defense because their own immune system is not fully functioning at birth. It is naturally rich in minerals, vitamins, energy and immunoglobulins; providing immunity against a wide variety of systemic infections and diseases. The quality, quantity and timing of colostrum feeding are also critical components affecting calf morbidity and mortality.
What is passive immunity?
Immunity from the dam to the calf through colostrum is called passive immunity. It helps protect the calf until its own immune system becomes fully functional. Within the first 24 hours of birth, the calf can absorb antibodies directly from the gut into the bloodstream without digesting them.
Importance of colostrum quality:
Colostrum is composed of primary antibodies – IgG, IgA and IgM. IgG integrates 80 to 85% immunoglobulins in colostrum. When measuring good quality maternal colostrum in terms of IgG’s, it should contain at least 50 grams of IgG per liter (g/L).
How much colostrum to feed:
There are 2 feeding methods which can be used in administering colostrum. Feed 2 to 3 quarts of undiluted colostrum as soon as possible after birth, and another 2 to 3 quarts within 8 hours. Or, feed 4 quarts of colostrum in a single feeding. An esophageal feeder may be used to feed all or part of the colostrum.
Timing of feeding: Administering colostrum as soon as possible after birth is crucial because the calf’s ability to absorb antibodies rapidly declines over the first 24 hours. In cattle, antibodies do not cross the placental wall and pass directly from the dam to the fetus. Alternatively, the calf receives immunity through consuming adequate amounts of colostrum within the first few hours of life.
Colostrum Supplements & Replacers
Colostrum supplements or replacements can play a vital role when high-quality colostrum is not available, or it is of poor quality.
Supplements are recommended for calves needing a boost or maternal colostrum when the quantity is unknown, limited or of questionable quality; or in cases when there is a twin or inclement weather conditions. Colostrum supplements usually contain about 50 grams of IgG protein or more.
Replacements are suggested for calves in situations where is it unlikely they will receive colostrum from the dam in the first 24 hours of life. Standard colostrum replacements contain 100 grams of IgG protein or more.
