Colostrum is one of, if not the most critical thing for newborn calves. It lays the very foundation for their health and well-being throughout the remainder of their life. Through the dam, the calf takes in all the antibodies needed to fight off disease. But what if they are not able to get it from their mother?
Using a colostrum replacer or supplement can be a very confusing matter to figure out. There are many different choices to choose from, as well as different delivery styles. Ideally, every one of your new calves will get up and start nursing independently. Unfortunately, we don’t live in an ideal world.
There are some times that you will need to provide assistance to the newborn to get them on the right foot. This assistance can come in the form of delivering a colostrum replacer. No matter if it is natural or replacer, you only have a 4-hour window for it to be effective. If you find yourself in that situation, here are five tips that can help you get the most effective use out of it.
Truth #1: If needed, give a total dose
When it comes to bottle feeding a calf, it is not a good idea to “give them a little to hold them over.” The thing is that no matter how much you give, the walls of the stomach will begin to close, making it more difficult to absorb all of the antibodies and nutrients. When providing colostrum, you must feed the calf as much as possible. This amount will ensure it receives the number of antibodies it will need to survive.
If it is a situation where you are getting it from the momma cow, then you should milk out as much as you can. Researchers have found that 85% of colostrum samples will be of high enough quality to provide greater than 100g of IgG if the calves are fed 4 quarts in the first feeding. Since the typical calf-sized bottle is 2 quarts, you must provide two bottles. If it is possible, feed an additional 2 quarts 12 hours after birth.
When you are using a replacer, be sure to mix up the amount that is listed as a total dose. A full dose will provide 100-120 grams of antibodies, which is the recommended amount. It will be around two packages if you are not good with math.
Truth #2: Use Colostrum Replacer, not Colostrum Supplement
Now, there can be some confusion with this statement, but it is pretty easy to understand. You should use the replacer in a situation where the dam is not able to provide colostrum to the calf. In contrast, a producer should use a supplement in the case where the cow is not able to give enough.
Colostrum contains immunoglobins that are needed for the calf’s immune system to work correctly. Research suggests that a calf should consume at least 100g of IgG within 4 hours of birth. Now, how much does each supply, you may ask?
Colostrum supplements typically contain 40-60g of IgG per dose. They are meant to be fed in conjunction with the natural colostrum. A replacer provides at least 100g per dose. Another thing to know is that the replacer also includes digestible proteins, vitamins, and minerals. As I said, the supplement for supplementing what is already being provided.
In order to tell the difference then all you will have to do is look at the label. The label on a replacer should state that it contains dried colostrum.
Truth #3: Bottle feeding is best
It is better to use a bottle instead of a stomach tube when providing supplemental colostrum. The suckling motion that the calf is required to do for the bottle is better for it. The liquid tends to deposit into the rumen when using a tube, meaning the calf will absorb less.
When the calf goes through the suckling process, it fosters the rumen to close, allowing the liquid to pass straight onto the intestines. This process will let the calf absorb the nutrients better and faster.
Truth #4: Keep the momma in shape
Keeping cows in a BCS score of 5 or 6 before calving will result in fewer newborn problems in your herd. Cows in this condition will birth quicker as well as produce better colostrum.
The calf will also get up quicker and receive better antibody protection from the colostrum. Providing cows with proper nutrition before calving can put antibodies into the cow’s bloodstream. These antibodies will benefit the calf when it takes in the colostrum. In a previous post, “The calving nutrition article of your dreams,” I go into more detail about how to do this.
Several studies have shown that when cows have a good body condition score, they are less likely to have any calving difficulties. Speaking of calving difficulties…
Truth #5: Give special attention to calves that have been pulled
Hopefully, you won’t have to, but if you do, pay extra special attention to them. The process of pulling a calf can cause some severe problems for the calf.
The stress of being pulled can cause acidosis and/or depressed brain function in the calf. These complications can prevent the calf from getting up or even not taking in any colostrum.
One way to determine if the calf has a strong suckling ability is to put a finger in its mouth. If it starts sucking on your finger, then everything should be fine, and it will nurse on its own. If it doesn’t, then you may have some problems that you will have to deal with.
Bonus Truth: Make sure you feed the right amount
Providing a colostrum supplement or replacer will only do you a little good if the calf is getting the amount that it needs. If you use natural colostrum, it must be kept frozen to protect the integrity of the protein molecules in the immunoglobins. They can be stored in 1-quart doses by putting that much in 1-gallon-size Ziploc bags. Place the bag in warm water to thaw it out quickly.
It is recommended that a calf should take in 5% to 6% of its body weight within the first 6 hours of life. A second dose of another 5% to 6% should be consumed when the calf is 12 hours old or another 6 hours after it is born.
To put it in layperson’s terms, for an 80lb calf, that will equal about 4 quarts of colostrum per feeding. I should add that colostrum should be the first thing that goes into the calf’s mouth. Please do not give them stuff like probiotics until they have all they need.
