Colostrum
Colostrum is vital for dairy calves because it provides energy and essential nutrients for digestive development, disease protection and long-term health. As a result, it’s crucial for calves to receive adequate, high-quality colostrum within hours following birth for a healthy start to life.
From gestation through the first weeks of life, small decisions build toward better calf health. Focusing on key risk points at each stage can improve survival and long-term performance.
Not all colostrum is equal, but simple on-farm tools can help you determine the best quality.
When tracked across calves and over time, serum total protein can provide insights into calf health, management consistency and future performance.
When it comes to colostrum, more isn’t always better.
Dr. Adam Beard shares new research evaluating short-term contact between cows and calves and its impact on early calf health and growth.
Colostrum supplies can often drop as temperatures cool and days shorten, but smart planning and management can help you beat the seasonal slump.
New research shows adding dry colostrum replacer powder directly to moderate-quality colostrum can safely boost its immune value.
Frozen colostrum is a valuable tool for calf health, but to preserve its quality and immune benefits, dairy farms should use it within eight months, store it in non-frost-free freezers and label it clearly.
More colostrum would be welcome on virtually every dairy farm, especially if it also had higher quality. A team of Cornell University researchers explored whether a dose of oxytocin could help fresh cows deliver either, or both.
Could increasing colostrum volume delivery help calves better navigate cold stress? Brazilian researcher Carla Bittar shares her insights on adjusting colostrum dosage for winter-born calves.