Quick Tips: Calves Require Immediate Care for Proper Immunity
When it comes to immunity for a wide variety of diseases, calves essentially come into the world unprotected, because their immune system is not fully developed yet. The colostrum they receive from mother’s milk immediately after birth protects calves from disease by conferring passive immunity. It does this by supplying antibodies against common calf diseases until the young animal’s immune system is fully developed and can fight off disease on its own.
“Because dairy cows and calves are usually separated immediately after birth, it’s up to humans to make sure that calves receive these crucial disease fighters. If that doesn’t happen, the calves will not have good immunity for the first weeks of life and will therefore be more susceptible to bacterial and viral infections, such as E. coli, Salmonella and rota and corona viruses,” according to Kerry Rood, DVM, extension veterinarian at Utah State University.
Here are a few quick tips and reminders about administering colostrum.
Quick facts:
• The calf’s intestinal lining starts to close within the first 60 minutes after birth.
• Nine hours after birth, 50 percent of the gut’s absorption capability is gone.
• Colostrum quality also diminishes rapidly after the cow gives birth.
• When refrigerated immediately, colostrum will keep for two - three days.
• Common diseases can be transmitted from cow to calf in colostrum that is not handled properly.
Things to do:
• Provide colostrum as soon as possible after birth, preferably within one hour.
• Give at least one gallon for a normal size Holstein calf.
• Make sure colostrum is fresh.
• Observe sanitary practices in collecting, storing and feeding colostrum.
• Refrigerate or freeze leftover colostrum quickly.
• Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the colostrometer or brix refractometer you are using.
• To assure quality colostrum, test colostrum using a brix refractometer or colostrometer. An IgG concentration of at least 50 mg/ml is recommended.
• Use only colostrum from animals that are known to be free of Johne’s Disease. Test the animals, not the colostrum.
• Utilize colostrum replacers when colostrum isn’t feasible or a breakdown in colostrum management occurs.
Colostrx CR® is a complete colostrum replacer containing 130 grams of bovine globulin proteins from the same source that enriches natural colostrum. It also contains energy, protein, vitamins and minerals designed to replace the nutrients in maternal colostrum.