Colostrum Feeding in Calf Management

The first few hours of a calf's life are crucial for its 

health and well-being, and one of the most critical 

aspects during this period is colostrum feeding. 

Colostrum, the first milk produced by a cow 

after calving, plays a vital role in providing 

essential nutrients, antibodies, and growth 

factors necessary for the calf's health, immunity, 

and overall development. In this article, we delve 

into the importance of colostrum feeding in calf 

management and highlight key considerations for ensuring optimal colostrum intake.

One of the primary functions of colostrum is to provide passive immunity to the newborn calf. Colostrum is rich in antibodies (immunoglobulins) that help protect the calf from various diseases until its own immune system becomes fully functional. The timely intake of colostrum is crucial as the calf's ability to absorb antibodies from colostrum is at its peak within the first few hours of birth.

Colostrum is not only rich in antibodies but also higher in protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals compared to regular milk. It provides essential nutrients and energy needed for the calf's growth, body temperature regulation, and overall health. Additionally, colostrum contains growth factors that help stimulate the development of the calf's gastrointestinal tract, promoting better absorption of nutrients from subsequent feedings.

Timely feeding of colostrum is essential, ideally within the first few hours of birth. Delaying colostrum feeding can significantly reduce the absorption of crucial antibodies, leaving the calf vulnerable to infections. Moreover, colostrum quality can vary depending on factors such as the cow's health, nutrition, and colostrum management practices. It is important to ensure that colostrum fed to calves is of high quality, with adequate levels of antibodies.

A calf should receive approximately 10% of its body weight in colostrum within the first 6 hours of life, ideally divided into multiple feedings. After the initial colostrum feeding, the calf should continue to receive milk or milk replacer at regular intervals to meet its nutritional needs. Proper colostrum management involves collecting colostrum from healthy cows, storing it properly, and ensuring timely feeding to new-born calves.

IATM