Colostrum

Calf Survival Tips For Before, During and After Birth

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 17:13:09 GMT

Most discussions around calf loss begin at calving. But by then, much of the outcome has already been set in motion.

Across veterinary perspectives from different production environments, a consistent picture emerges. Calf outcomes are shaped over time, influenced by a series of decisions and conditions that build on one another.

It is important to note these patterns may look different depending on region — whether driven by cold stress, heat, drought or mud. The underlying process, however, remains consistent across systems.

Before Birth: Build Resilience Early

Calf outcomes begin to take shape during gestation. Nutrition, stress and overall maternal management all contribute to how the calf develops before it is ever born.

“Poor nutrition of the cow is a stress on the fetus … any stress on the cow can affect the development of the placenta and also of the calf,” says Dr. Katie Waine, veterinary pathologist at the University of Calgary. “Maternal stress around breeding and pregnancy can also have much longer-term effects on calf health, production and reproductive performance way off into the future.”

This concept, known as fetal programming, highlights how early conditions influence organ development, immune function and long-term performance. Calves may appear normal at birth while still benefiting from stronger developmental foundations established during gestation.

Key risk factors before birth include:

Inadequate maternal nutrition or poor body condition
Environmental or physiological stress during gestation
Inconsistent feed quality
Health challenges
Gaps in vaccination or biosecurity planning

Nutritional management during gestation plays a central role in setting the foundation for calf health. Cows entering calving in appropriate body condition are better positioned to support both fetal growth and colostrum quality. Reducing stress during pregnancy further supports placental function and fetal development. Consistent feed quality, stable environments and proactive health management all contribute to a stronger starting point for the calf.

At Birth: Support a Strong Transition

Calving represents a key opportunity to support the calf’s transition into early life. While it can reveal existing vulnerabilities, it also provides a chance to reinforce resilience.

“The effects of a difficult calving don’t stop at birth — they carry forward into immunity, vigor and overall survivability,” says Dr. Lisa Freeze, field veterinarian supervisor with the Government of New Brunswick.

A smooth calving process helps calves stand, nurse and absorb colostrum more effectively. Timely intervention when needed can prevent minor challenges from becoming larger setbacks.

“When calves are delayed during calving or we have to intervene late, they’re already starting life at a disadvantage,” Freeze says.

Key risk factors at birth include:

Prolonged or difficult calving (dystocia)
Delayed standing or nursing
Inadequate or delayed colostrum intake
Early-life stress or trauma

Focusing on calving ease, monitoring progress and ensuring early colostrum intake all support a stronger start. These early actions directly influence immune transfer and overall vigor.

“What we see with the sickness and death of calves all depends on how much pathogen they get exposed to and how resistant they are to it,” says Dr. Van Mitchell of Metzger Veterinary Services.

Supporting resistance through colostrum and minimizing early stress helps calves respond effectively to their environment.

After Birth: Manage Exposure and Reinforcing Success

After birth, management focuses on maintaining the balance between exposure and resistance. Even well-prepared calves benefit from environments that support their continued development.

In practical settings, multiple factors often interact. Recognizing these interactions allows producers to stay ahead of potential challenges.

“It’s rarely just one thing. A calf that struggles at birth, doesn’t get enough colostrum, and then is exposed to a challenging environment — those risks stack on top of each other,” says Dr. Allison Pylypjuk of Beausejour Animal Hospital.

Dr. Lauren Wilson of Peterborough Veterinary Services agrees: “Those calves that don’t receive adequate colostrum are much more susceptible to disease, and when you combine that with environmental exposure, that’s when we start to see problems like scours and pneumonia.”

The same principle applies in a positive direction. When calves receive timely colostrum, experience minimal stress at birth and are raised in clean environments, those advantages build as well.

Key risk factors after birth include:

High pathogen load in calving or housing areas
Overcrowding or poor stocking density
Mixing age groups, especially older calves with newborns
Delayed identification and isolation of sick animals

Clean calving areas, appropriate stocking density and thoughtful grouping strategies help limit pathogen exposure. These practices support calves as they continue to develop immunity and resilience.

“We can eliminate a lot of exposure to the pathogens by keeping our calving areas clean, keeping the sick animals away,” Mitchell says.

Managing these factors helps maintain momentum established earlier, allowing calves to continue on a positive trajectory.

A Proactive Approach to Calf Survival

Viewing calf outcomes as a cumulative process creates more opportunities for intervention. Each stage — before birth, at calving and after birth — offers a chance to support the calf’s success.

Rather than focusing only on problems after they appear, this approach emphasizes building resilience early and reinforcing it over time. The goal is not to eliminate all challenges, but to create conditions where calves are better prepared to respond. Consistent management, early attention and thoughtful decision-making all contribute to improved outcomes.

Calf survival is not determined in a single moment. It develops step by step, shaped by a series of actions that build on one another from gestation through early life.

Better Colostrum Decisions Start with the Right Tools

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 19:39:55 GMT

Not all colostrum is created equal, and understanding its quality can influence how well calves get started. That’s why having the right tools to measure colostrum quality can help producers make better feeding decisions for newborn calves.

Immunoglobulin (IgG) levels in colostrum can vary widely, from less than 20 mg/mL to more than 100 mg/mL depending on factors like the cow’s breed, health history, season and how much colostrum she produces. In general, colostrum with at least 50 mg/mL of IgG is considered high quality and provides the antibodies calves need for a strong start.

Because of that variation, appearance alone is not a reliable way to judge colostrum quality. Many producers use on-farm tools to measure IgG levels and sort high-quality colostrum from the rest. Two common options are the colostrometer and the Brix refractometer, each with its own pros and cons, according to Jud Heinrichs, Professor Emeritus of Dairy Nutrition at Penn State University, and Coleen M. Jones, former research associate in dairy.

colostrumfeeding.jpg

Colostrometer

The colostrometer is a hydrometer that floats in a sample of colostrum and measures its specific gravity. The tool is placed in a cylinder of colostrum and allowed to float freely. A color-coded scale estimates the IgG concentration: green indicates more than 50 mg/mL and high-quality colostrum, yellow falls between 20 and 50 mg/mL, and red shows less than 20 mg/mL.

Because of the color scale, the colostrometer is best used to sort colostrum into general quality categories rather than to measure an exact IgG value. This makes it easier to identify which colostrum is ideal for the first feeding and which should be saved for later feedings or mixed with transition milk.

The Pros:

Simple and inexpensive, usually under $100.
Lets you quickly separate high-quality colostrum from lower-quality batches.
Can test several samples from the same milking.

The Cons:

Temperature matters. Room temperature (around 72°F) gives the most accurate reading. Colder colostrum will look better than it is, and warmer colostrum will look worse.
Other components in colostrum, like fat and protein, can affect readings. It’s better for sorting than for precise IgG numbers.
The colostrometer is made of glass, so it can break if it’s dropped or handled roughly.

Brix Refractometer

A Brix refractometer is normally used to measure sugar, but it can also give a good estimate of IgG in colostrum. To use it, just place a few drops of colostrum on the prism, lower the cover and the digital display gives a quick, easy-to-read Brix value.

A reading of 22% or higher usually means the colostrum contains 50 mg/mL of IgG or more, making it adequate for newborn calves. Research shows the Brix refractometer tends to match lab-tested IgG levels better than a colostrometer, and it’s less fragile., which makes it easier to handle day after day without worrying about breaking it.

The Pros:

More accurate than a colostrometer.
Sturdy, especially digital models.
Works well across a range of colostrum temperatures and even frozen or thawed samples.
Can also estimate total solids in milk or IgG in calf serum.

The Cons:

Optical models can be tricky with high-fat colostrum because the line can blur. Digital models read it more clearly.
Slightly higher cost for digital models, but farm-friendly options are available for under $100.
Needs regular cleaning and occasional calibration to keep it accurate.

Both tools give farmers a practical way to know which colostrum will help calves get a strong start. The colostrometer is simple and inexpensive, perfect for separating the best colostrum from the rest. The Brix refractometer is more accurate and easier to read with thick, fatty colostrum. Either tool can help make sure calves get enough IgG to grow healthy and stay well.

Serum Total Protein as a Benchmark for Calf Program Performance

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 15:34:29 GMT

Serum total protein (STP) testing has a relatively straightforward purpose in calf medicine: determining whether newborn calves successfully absorbed antibodies from colostrum.

But according to Bethany Dado-Senn, calf and heifer technical specialist with Vita Plus Corp, the metric is increasingly being used in a broader way. Rather than evaluating passive transfer in individual calves alone, many dairies now track STP results across groups of calves to assess how well their maternity and colostrum programs are working.

Few management decisions influence calf health more than what happens in the first hours after birth. Because STP reflects those early management decisions, it can provide rapid feedback about how well a calf program is functioning.

Why Serum Total Protein Matters

Serum total protein provides a practical proxy for immunoglobulin absorption after colostrum feeding. If calves receive adequate high-quality colostrum shortly after birth, STP values typically fall into higher ranges. If colostrum management is inconsistent or delayed, STP levels tend to drop.

The test is inexpensive and easy to perform using a refractometer, which has made it one of the most widely used field tools for evaluating passive transfer.

Research shows STP and passive transfer status is closely linked to calf health. In a large cohort study of over 4,000 calves, passive transfer status was associated with differences in disease incidence, mortality risk and early growth performance.

Calves with higher STP concentrations experienced fewer health events during the preweaning period compared with calves in lower passive transfer categories. These findings suggest STP reflects more than antibody transfer alone. It may also capture the combined effects of colostrum quality, feeding timing and early calf care.

These relationships have led veterinarians to view STP as an early indicator of overall calf program success.

Understanding STP Benchmarks

Modern passive transfer benchmarks are largely based on research evaluating thousands of dairy calves. The Dairy Calf and Heifer Association classification system divides calves into four categories based on serum total protein levels.

Passive Transfer Category	Serum Total Protein
Poor	<5.1 g/dL
Fair	5.1–5.7 g/dL
Good	5.8–6.1 g/dL
Excellent	≥6.2 g/dL

Strong colostrum programs typically achieve:

At least 40% of calves in the “excellent” category
Fewer than 10% in the “poor” category

“Calves in that poor category have a four times increase in mortality risk and about a one and a half times increased risk of bovine respiratory disease and scours,” Dado-Senn says.

Tracking these proportions over time helps farms monitor the consistency of colostrum management.

Serum protein concentrations gradually decline as calves age. For that reason, sample calves between 2 and 4 days of age whenever possible. Maintaining a consistent sampling protocol is especially important when STP is used as a herd-level benchmark.

From Diagnostic Test to Management Benchmark

Rather than focusing only on individual calves, many dairy operations now track herd-level STP results over time. Some farms monitor average STP values by month or quarter, while others track the percentage of calves falling into different passive transfer categories.

In some cases, the metric is even used as a management tool to encourage employee performance.

“There are a number of dairies that I work with that utilize things like serum total proteins or average daily gains of their calves as kind of a performance benchmark for their staff. There might be a list on the door saying, ‘Hey, here’s our serum total protein goal. Here’s where everybody is relative to that,’” Dado-Senn says.

Using STP this way creates a direct feedback loop between colostrum management and measurable outcomes. When calf-care teams can see how their practices translate into herd metrics, it becomes easier to identify where protocols are working and where adjustments may be needed.

Tracking STP Trends Over Time

Evaluating STP results as trends rather than isolated measurements can be helpful for evaluating broader systems. Monitoring herd averages and passive transfer categories over time can reveal subtle changes in colostrum management before clinical problems appear.

In herds with strong maternity protocols, STP trends can remain consistently high. Dado-Senn describes one dairy client who tracks STP trends on a quarterly basis.

“Looking at serum total protein trends over quarters, they do an absolutely fantastic job. Their averages are well-above the excellent range and they typically don’t have much more than 1% or 2% in the poor category,” Dado-Senn says.

Tracking results this way gives farms a broader evaluation of calf program performance, allowing them to make system-wide improvements.

Detect Management Problems Early

Because STP reflects events that occur immediately after birth, shifts in herd averages can reveal management issues before disease outbreaks occur.

Declining STP values may signal:

delayed colostrum feeding
lower colostrum quality
changes in maternity staffing
inconsistent colostrum handling protocols

Spot testing calves periodically can identify these problems quickly.

A Simple Test with Growing Influence

Calf programs involve many moving parts, from maternity management to housing and nutrition. Yet the earliest decisions in a calf’s life often have the greatest impact. Serum total protein testing provides a simple way to measure the success of those decisions.

What began as a diagnostic test for passive transfer is increasingly becoming something more: a practical performance indicator for the entire calf system.

Does Every Calf Need a Gallon of Colostrum? Not Necessarily

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 22:04:44 GMT

For years, feeding a gallon of colostrum shortly after birth has been considered the gold standard for calf care. It’s simple, easy to remember and straightforward to train employees to follow. But today’s calves don’t all look the same. With more variation in size, some researchers are asking whether the same volume makes sense for every newborn.

During a recent “Dairy Health Blackbelt” podcast, Dr. Sabine Mann, associate professor at Cornell University, revisited the research behind that long-standing recommendation.

“One of the questions I have gotten frequently is, why are we feeding all calves a gallon of colostrum?” she says. “It’s a pretty widespread management strategy in the U.S. And if you try to dig into the literature of why that came about, there’s actually not that much evidence that that is the best approach for every calf.”

She notes that for an average 85- to 90-pound calf, four liters is probably appropriate. But not every calf falls into that range. When birthweights vary, feeding the same volume across the board may not always match what each individual calf truly needs.

Putting the Gallon Rule to the Test

To take a closer look at the gallon recommendation, Dr. Mann and her team conducted a study on a commercial dairy in collaboration with researchers at the University of Guelph.

They began by pooling colostrum to keep quality consistent across calves. From each pool, four calves were assigned different feeding levels based on a percentage of their body weight.

“We made a big pool of colostrum, and then we assigned four calves to that pool, and one calf got 6% and one calf got 8% and one calf got 10% and one calf got 12% so that was our range, six to 12,” Mann explains.

Rather than giving every calf the same fixed volume, the team adjusted how much colostrum each calf received relative to its size.

The intent was not to create a complicated system requiring producers to weigh every calf and calculate exact doses.

“This is not meant for people to weigh each and every single one of the calves and then figure out the milliliters,” Mann says. “But it’s for us to understand, is there an effect on the calf’s ability to take up IgG into circulation. And if there is, how would we translate this into actionable recommendations on farm.”

Ultimately, the study focused on whether feeding different amounts based on body weight would influence how well calves absorb the antibodies they need early in life.

More Isn’t Always Better

The study looked at how different colostrum volumes (as a percent of body weight) affected IgG in the blood, absorption efficiency, stomach emptying and calf comfort. As expected, bigger feeds gave calves more total IgG

“We found that the more volume they got within a certain quality of colostrum, the more IgG they had in their blood, which makes sense, right? The more you give, the more you get,” Mann says.

But the benefit slowed at the highest volume, 12% of the calf’s body weight.

“There was a declining return on investment, so to say, with increasing volumes,” Mann says. “There was a steep increase from 6% to 8% to 10% of body weight, but only a very small improvement in blood IgG concentration at 12% of body weight.”

This happened because calves absorbed a smaller proportion of the IgG when fed very large amounts.

“The proportion of the IgG in colostrum that actually appears in the blood was declining, meaning that the more volume you put into them, the less proportion the calf can actually take up into that in that window of time.”

When calves get a large meal, their stomach empties more slowly, so less colostrum reaches the intestine while the gut is still “open” to IgG absorption.

“We wanted to see if different volumes affect how the stomach empties colostrum into the intestine, and timing matters because the gut is only open for IgG absorption for a limited period.”

She compared it humans overeating during a holiday meal.

“We do this around Thanksgiving and Christmas, and we sit there and our belly hurts, right? Our systems know to slow down the gastric output in those situations, and that’s the same that happens in calves.”

Calf Comfort and Behavior

Dr. Mann’s team also looked at calf behavior, since small calves fed four liters often appear bloated or uncomfortable.

“We were interested in this notion from the field, and we did observe that the more volume we fed, the more we saw behavior associated with colic, like kicking the abdomen,” she says.

While lying time wasn’t significantly affected, higher volumes tended to reduce relaxed resting.

“We didn’t find a statistical effect in lying time, but those calves fed higher volumes tended to lie less in a relaxed position, similar to us at Thanksgiving,” she joked.

The “Goldilocks” Approach

When it comes to determining how much colostrum a calf truly needs, Mann describes the “Goldilocks” approach as the best option.

“I think we’re getting back to a Goldilocks approach where you want to have enough, but you don’t have to give too much,” she says. “Just the right amount is most beneficial to the calf.”

Based on this research, around 10% of a calf’s body weight is a solid target for an initial feeding. That amount provides enough immunoglobulins to support immunity without overwhelming the stomach, and it can be adjusted for smaller or larger calves.

Mann adds that while colostrum is packed with nutrients, extra benefits might be better delivered through multiple feedings rather than one very large meal.

“The nutritive value of colostrum should not be underestimated, but we also have to keep in mind the comfort of the calf,” she says. “Maybe it’s better given in separate feedings. A lot of farms have gone to feeding second feedings or even third feedings of colostrum.”

Practical Takeaways

While colostrum is essential for newborn calf health, Mann emphasizes that the goal isn’t to hit a fixed volume, but to give calves the right start while keeping them comfortable. She provides the following tips to use on the farm:

1. Know your herd’s average birth weight. “A good first step is to know the average birth weight of calves in your herd, since that can vary,” Mann says. “Once you know that, you can adjust the colostrum volume to match your average calf.”

2. Use a couple of standard volumes rather than one fixed size, “Many herds now use two standard volumes, like three liters and four liters. That way, even without a scale, you can look at a calf and decide: this one won’t be over 85 pounds, so it gets the smaller amount,” she says.

3. Consider second or third colostrum feedings. “Instead of giving all the colostrum at once, it can help to split it into two or three feedings if your farm can manage it,” Mann says. “Many people see benefits from this, though we could always use a bit more research to confirm.”

A Closer Look at Delayed Cow-Calf Separation

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 15:50:51 GMT

Delayed cow-calf separation is a topic that usually gets people talking — whether they are focusing on animal welfare, public perception or personal experience. However, we rarely see the conversation anchored in controlled data. New, yet-to-be-published research from Dr. Adam Beard and his team at Cornell University is changing that, providing a clearer picture of how short-term contact and transition milk feeding affect a calf’s early life.

The study focused on the perinatal period: the final two months of pregnancy through the first two months after birth. This is a time of developmental plasticity, meaning management decisions can have a long-term impact on growth and future performance.

“We were interested in the physiologic impacts of transition milk feeding, as well as the societal components of cow-calf contact — if it’s something that’s feasible, could be implemented and what challenges might there be,” Beard explains.

While we know how much prenatal care matters, the big question remains: Does staying with the mother after birth continue to have a meaningful biological effect?

To find out, researchers set up a controlled study where delayed separation was defined as unrestricted contact for the first five days of life. Calves in this group stayed with their dams, had full social contact and nursed freely.

They were compared to two other groups that were separated immediately: one fed the dam’s transition milk and another fed bulk tank whole milk. To ensure the results weren’t skewed by a poor start, every calf in the study met strict criteria for high-quality colostrum intake and birth vigor.

Does Delayed Separation Affect Passive Transfer of Immunity?

A common worry is that delayed separation might interfere with a calf’s immune system. In this study, it didn’t. All calves received high-quality colostrum (>22% Brix) shortly after birth, and their antibody levels (serum IgG) were the same regardless of whether they stayed with the cow or were moved. This reinforces that the timing and quality of colostrum are the real drivers of immunity, not the housing method.

Impact of Nursing on Calf Growth and Health Risks

For those first five days, nursing calves did appear heavier. However, the researchers found this difference disappeared quickly after separation. The early weight gain was likely just gut fill — a result of nursing frequency — rather than actual tissue growth. By day seven, after all calves had transitioned to a standard feeding schedule, the weights converged and no lasting differences remained.

Health risks are often seen as a major barrier to keeping cows and calves together. However, this data showed no link between delayed separation and a higher frequency of fever or diarrhea.

“Some people might suspect that this would make calves more vulnerable to health challenges,” Beard says. “We just don’t see that here.”

While scours occurred across all groups, the patterns were consistent with what is typically seen in newborns, regardless of the feeding system.

The team followed replacement heifers through nine weeks of age. Across the board, there were no differences in:

Average daily gain
Final body weight
Hip and withers height
Solid feed intake before weaning

How Suckling Affects Cow Milk Yield and Udder Health

While the calves were nursing, there was a predictable drop in salable milk yield. However, production rebounded within 24 hours of separation, and there were no lasting penalties in early lactation.

Interestingly, preliminary findings suggested cows being suckled had higher cure rates for intramammary infections, though that analysis is ongoing. Notably, the study reported no calf injuries or human safety incidents during the contact period.

Is Short-Term Cow-Calf Contact Practical?

“We don’t have any results that are remarkably different between the transition milk, whole milk or transition milk with cow-calf contact, but the outcomes also weren’t any worse for having the calf in the environment with the cow,” Beard says.

This research doesn’t suggest that delayed cow-calf separation is a performance-enhancing tool. When calves already receive great colostrum and consistent management, the growth and health outcomes are largely neutral.

The real takeaway is short-term contact can be implemented without negative effects under controlled conditions. Proving this practice isn’t inherently risky will allow the industry to move past anecdotal fears and look deeper into the biology of transition milk and long-term development.

Prep for the Seasonal Colostrum Slump: Expert Tips to Keep Your Freezers Full

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 18:36:09 GMT

Right now, it might feel like colostrum is in no short supply. Cows are calving, freezers are full and you might think you’re sitting pretty when it comes to inventory for the remainder of the year. But as the days get shorter and temperatures begin to cool, many operations will start to experience a perplexing challenge when it comes to feeding calves – lower colostrum yields.

“Many farms experience a common issue that leaves farmers and calf managers scratching their heads: declines in colostrum production during the fall and winter months,” says Katelyn Goldsmith, dairy outreach specialist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. “This problem can make it difficult to quickly feed calves high-quality colostrum in adequate quantities.”

While this seasonal slump is common, it doesn’t have to catch you off guard. With the right planning and management, you can stay ahead of the dip and maintain control over your colostrum supply.

Why Does it Happen?

While there’s no sure answer as to why colostrum production takes a dip during the fall and winter, research points to two key factors: shorter daylight hours and lower temperature-humidity index (THI).

As days shorten after June, cows receive less light, and cooler, drier conditions set in. Both have been linked to lower colostrum yield. Goldsmith notes that in one Texas study, average colostrum production fell from 14.5 lb. in June to just 5.5 lb. in December. Older cows were especially affected.

Similar seasonal declines have been observed in studies across New York, Michigan and Europe. While genetics, nutrition and lactation history play a significant role, the consistent pattern suggests that reduced light and lower THI are major drivers of the slump.

How to Prepare

To minimize the impact of seasonal dips, Goldsmith recommends focusing on what you can control. She provides the following strategies to help you get ahead of the slump:

Pay Attention to Dry Period Length: Ensuring cows have an adequate dry period length is crucial. Cows with short dry periods tend to produce lower yields of colostrum. Goldsmith notes a 45- to- 60-day dry period is considered ideal.
Minimize Environmental Stress: Dry cows should have consistent and adequate access to feed and water, especially during the summer months. Limited or restricted feed and water access can reduce dry matter intakes, negatively affecting colostrum production.
Encourage Colostrum Let Down: During milking, maintain a calm and low-stress environment. Ensure cows are properly prepped prior to attaching milking units and that they are completely milked out before unit removal.

“Colostrum quality decreases when harvest is delayed,” she adds. “For best quality, harvesting colostrum less than 8 hours post-calving is recommended.”
Consider Oxytocin for First-lactation Cows: Administering oxytocin has been shown to promote colostrum let down and increase yield in first-lactation cows. Recent research found first-lactation cows produced 3.5 lb. more colostrum when administered an appropriate dose of oxytocin compared to untreated cows. If considering this route, farmers should discuss with their veterinarian whether or not using oxytocin fits with their operation.
Assess Feed Additives: Recent studies have found feed additives such as choline or calcidiol in dry cow diets have improved colostrum yields. When evaluating feed additives, ensure they are research-backed products that have been assessed for their impact on colostrum production.

Managing Supply When Yields Are Low

Even with the best preparation, there may be times when colostrum is in short supply. That’s where smart inventory management comes in.

“A well-stocked colostrum bank can be a lifesaver during periods of low production,” Goldsmith says. “Use a tool such as a Brix refractometer to assess colostrum quality and store it accordingly.”

And when stored colostrum isn’t available, be ready with a replacer. Goldsmith recommends selecting a replacer — not supplement — that will provide newborn calves with 300 grams of immunoglobulin G (IgG).

“Since providing extra daylight is not possible for many farms, the potential adverse effects of the colostrum shortage must be addressed through well-planned banking of high-quality colostrum and the use of colostrum replacement strategies when necessary,” Goldsmith says.

And as always, be sure to follow proper storage practices.

“Colostrum should be refrigerated for no more than one day or frozen for up to a year to maintain quality,” she says. “Properly label colostrum and store it in a clean environment to prevent contamination.”

Stay Ahead of the Slump

Seasonal drops in colostrum can be frustrating but it helps to know why they happen and how to prepare. Shorter days and cooler temps can lower yields in fall and winter, but good management can make a difference. Focus on a proper dry period, build a strong colostrum bank and keep quality replacers ready to protect calves when inventories get low. With planning, you can keep freezers stocked with high-quality colostrum to ensure calves stay well nourished.

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Don't Settle for Mediocre: How to Make Moderate Quality Colostrum Work

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 16:08:18 GMT

As all calf feeders know, not all colostrum is created equal. Some fresh colostrum is rich in immunoglobulin G (IgG) and ideal for newborn calves. Some is poor in quality and unsuitable for feeding. And then there’s the “Goldilocks” kind that falls somewhere in the middle. It’s not too bad but not quite good enough either.

This in-between category often leaves producers in a bind. Do you feed it as-is and risk inadequate passive transfer? Do you discard it and rely on frozen reserves or replacer? Or is there a better way to make moderate-quality colostrum just right?

A recent study, conducted by the University of Minnesota and published in the Journal of Dairy Science, explored a practical solution: enriching moderate-quality maternal colostrum with commercial colostrum replacer (CR) powder. Specifically, researchers asked whether the powder could be added directly to the colostrum without being reconstituted in water first and still deliver strong immunity to calves, without negative effects on health or digestion. Their findings suggest a straightforward way to make colostrum feedings more consistent when top-quality colostrum isn’t on hand.

A Practical and Safe Option
The researchers found that adding dry CR powder straight into moderate-quality maternal colostrum is an effective way to enhance its immune benefits. Calves fed the enriched colostrum reached blood IgG levels that were statistically similar to those fed naturally high-quality colostrum. And importantly, these calves did not experience digestive upset, poor appetite or abnormal behavior.

The researchers compared this method to one where the CR was first mixed with water and then added to the colostrum. While both methods improved IgG levels over unenriched colostrum, the direct-mix approach performed slightly better. In addition, it avoided the added liquid volume, which can make feeding more difficult, especially when tubing calves.

One concern with enriching colostrum is how the added ingredients might change the colostrum’s physical properties, particularly its concentration. Osmolality, or the concentration of dissolved particles in colostrum, can affect how easily a calf digests its first feeding. In this study, however, adding dry colostrum replacer powder directly into maternal colostrum did not appear to cause any digestive issues or affect calf performance.

Not All Powders Are Created Equal
While the results are encouraging, the researchers say it is important to note this study evaluated only one commercial colostrum replacer product. Replacers can vary widely in their ingredients, solubility and osmolality. Thus, a method that proves effective with one product might not produce the same results with another. For that reason, any adjustments to colostrum feeding protocols should be made in consultation with a veterinarian or nutritionist.

Still, this method offers flexibility. On days when your colostrum supply is good but not great, enrichment with dry powder might be a simple and cost-effective way to ensure every calf gets the strong start it needs.

Use Frozen Colostrum Within 8 Months for Best Results

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 21:36:59 GMT

Keeping frozen colostrum on hand is a practical part of calf care. It helps ensure newborns get what they need when fresh supply is limited or timing isn’t ideal. But as that freezer fills up, it’s worth asking: How long can colostrum sit before its quality starts to decline?

“Saving excess colostrum is a great way to make sure calves get what they need, even when fresh supply is tight,” says Sarah Morrison, research scientist at the William H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute. “But it’s not just about having it on hand, it’s about protecting its quality. And that starts with how we freeze, store, label and thaw it.”

Historically, it was commonly accepted and promoted that colostrum could be stored in a non-frost-free freezer for up to a year. But new research from Cornell University (JDS Communications, 2025, Vol. 6:406–410) has taken a closer look at frozen colostrum over time. Researchers evaluated samples stored at -20°C (-4°F) for up to one year and analyzed key indicators including Brix %, immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM), insulin and total plate count.

They found that IgM, IgA and bacteria counts held steady, but IgG, insulin and Brix % decreased as freezer time increased. After 32 weeks, about eight months, IgG had declined by roughly 8% compared to fresh colostrum.

“That tells us that colostrum is still usable after eight months in the freezer, but it might not be your best option for a first feeding,” Morrison explains. “The first feeding is your one chance to really nail passive transfer, so you want that IgG level to be as strong as possible.”

Instead, colostrum older than eight months might be better suited for second feedings or backup scenarios while newer, high-IgG colostrum should be prioritized for a calf’s first meal.

Not All Freezers Are Equal
The freezer itself plays a key role in maintaining colostrum quality. Many farms rely on chest freezers, but Morrison warns against using frost-free models.

“Frost-free freezers go through cycles to prevent ice buildup, and those temperature changes also affect the colostrum,” she says. “If there’s any bacterial contamination, that fluctuation can give it a chance to grow. And the proteins we’re trying to preserve, especially IgG, can degrade when frozen and thawed repeatedly.”

Instead, use a non-frost-free freezer set at -20°C (-4°F). Label each colostrum container with the cow ID, date of collection and Brix % reading if available. While Brix will decline over time, it’s still a reliable quality indicator when taken at the time of collection.

“When considering the lower Brix %, I would encourage the use of this at the time of colostrum collection and not worry about measuring this after it’s been frozen,” she says.

Smart Thawing and One-Time Use
Thawing colostrum correctly is just as important as storing it. Labeling might seem like a small step, but it’s crucial for inventory management and quality control. Without it, producers might unknowingly feed colostrum that’s aged past its optimal window.

“On the label, include cow identification number and date of collection,” Morrison advises. “Furthermore, if your farm is measuring colostrum quality with a Brix, include the number on the label.”

Just as important as how colostrum is frozen is how it’s thawed. Mishandling during this phase can reduce the effectiveness of even the best-quality colostrum.

“When thawing, use a hot water bath of 40°C (104°F),” she says. “Warmer temperatures >60°C (140°F) should not be used as this can denature the proteins in the colostrum.”

And once it’s thawed, don’t plan to refreeze it.

While the Cornell study used high-quality colostrum, more research is needed to understand how lower-quality samples respond to long-term freezing. Even so, the key takeaway is to label clearly, manage by collection date, and protect frozen colostrum as a valuable part of your calf care program.

“Colostrum isn’t something we can afford to take chances with,” Morrison says. “It’s worth asking: Do you know how old the colostrum is in your freezer? Are you using the oldest first? Maybe it’s time to add a ‘Best By’ date on your bags.”

Can Oxytocin Boost Colostrum?

Mon, 05 May 2025 18:30:33 GMT

The value of colostrum continues to rise, as both a calf-health enhancement, and possibly an additional source of farm revenue.

Researchers at Cornell University recently completed a study to evaluate whether supplemental oxytocin at the first milking could improve colostrum volume, quality, or both.

Working with a commercial dairy with more than 5,000 cows, fresh cows were treated intramuscularly with either 40 international units (IU) of oxytocin, 20 IU of oxytocin, or no oxytocin. The cows were milked in a rotary parlor, and treated approximately 45 seconds before attachment of the milker until.

Colostrum yield was measured via weight, and quality was evaluated for total immunoglobulin G (IgG) using radial immunodiffusion. Dry-matter percentage was determined via oven drying.

After evaluating a total of 636 fresh cows, including 201 first-calf heifers, the researchers found:

The median colostrum yield, encompassing all cows in all treatment groups, was 13.2 lb./cow. This number ranged from 0-45.4 lb.
The median IgG content was 98.5 g/L.
First-calf heifers responded favorably to the highest dose of oxytocin (40 IU). The average production of the 40-IU group was 11.9 lb./cow, compared to 9.0 lb./cow for the 20-IU group, and 8.4 lb./cow for the untreated control group.
Multiparous cows did not show the same production response to oxytocin, with no significant difference in colostrum yield between treatments.
There were, however, sub-groups of cows in the multiparous population that did show a significant production response to the highest dose of oxytocin. They included second-calf cows; cows giving birth to male calves; cows with the highest milk production at week 4 of lactation; and cows with a dry period longer than 65 days.
In terms of quality, oxytocin use had no influence on IgG levels in either first-calf or multiparous cows. As a whole, and independent of oxytocin dosage, IgG concentration was significantly higher for 4th-lactation and older cows, and cows with dry periods of longer than 65 days.

The Cornell researchers concluded that the supplemental oxytocin was valuable in helping first-calf heifers achieve milk let-down as they navigated the novel stressors of being milked for the first time in a rotary parlor. The treatment had little appreciable effect, however, on the colostrum yield of older cows, or the quality of colostrum produced by any animals in the study.

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Winter-Born Calves May Benefit From a Colostrum Boost

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 21:30:50 GMT

When Old Man Winter moves in, he brings with him harsher conditions that leave newborn calves fighting harder for survival compared to their herd mates born in more temperate seasons.

“We have seen a lot of problems with calves that are born during the winter and somehow are not housed as well,” said Dr. Carla Maris Machodo Bittar, associate professor at the University of Sao Paulo, Brazile. Whether it’s due to their being born wet in cold conditions, wind, or simply needing more energy to maintain their core body temperature, Bittar said winter-born calves have more demands on their resources.

On a recent episode of the Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt podcast , Bittar shared the results of a study in which colostrum feeding volume was increased incrementally, then the impacts of a cold challenge were measured.

Thirty male Holstein calves were divided into 3 feeding groups, with colostrum delivered at 10, 15, and 20% of bodyweight (BW). In all groups, the feedings were divided, with the first dose administered by 2 hours of age, and the second 6 hours later.

At 24 hours of age, calves were placed in a walk-in cooler set at 10°C (50°F) for 150 minutes. Skin and rectal temperature, heart and respiratory rates, and shivering were measured every 15 minutes. Blood samples were taken every 30 minutes. Afterward, all calves were raised on a consistent nutrition program and housed in identical conditions, including ambient temperature.

Feed intake, fecal scores, and rectal temperature were recorded daily until 56 days of age. Blood samples, bodyweight, and body measurements were taken weekly. Findings included:

During the cold challenge, prescapular temperature and total serum protein were greater for calves fed colostrum at 15% or 20% of BW.
Leukocytes increased preweaning, presenting higher values for calves fed colostrum at 20% of BW.
Shivering incidence during the cold challenge was lowest for the calves fed colostrum at 20% BW, followed linearly by the 15% group and then the 10% group, which demonstrated the greatest amount of shivering.
There was no difference among treatments for heart rate during the cold challenge, but respiratory rate was highest among calves fed the lowest amount of colostrum (10%).
Feeding higher volumes of colostrum resulted in no difference in performance during the rest of preweaned phase.
The calves fed the highest amount of colostrum (20% of BW) showed increased immune response – measured via serum total proteins and immunoglobulins -- during the preweaned phase.

“We may have the opportunity to increase colostrum feeding from the current recommendation of 15% of bodyweight to 20%,” Bittar observed.

Podcast host Bill Weis asked Bittar whether she thought to boost in colostrum dose could be beneficial to immunity even under thermoneutral conditions.

“Yes, for sure,” she stated. “We have data showing that the more immunoglobulins, nutrients, and bioactive compounds that are present in colostrum are consumed and absorbed, the better the health and performance of the calves.

Bittar’s full study, published in the journal Animals, can be accessed here .