Let’s be honest—calving doesn’t always go smoothly. Ideally, every calf would pop up, latch onto mom, and get all the colostrum they need within hours of birth. Unfortunately, we don’t live in a perfect world. Some calves are slow to nurse, others might be born to a cow with little or no milk, and sometimes you’ve got to step in to help. This situation is where colostrum replacers or supplements come into play. Still, with so many options and methods, figuring out what to do can feel overwhelming.
If you need to intervene, time is of the essence. A calf’s ability to absorb antibodies from colostrum drops quickly, and you have about 4 hours to ensure they get what they need. Whether you’re using natural colostrum or a replacer, delivering it effectively during this window is critical. The good news? With some know-how and preparation, you can help your calves get off to the right start, even in less-than-ideal situations. Here are five practical tips to guide you when it’s time to roll up your sleeves and assist.
Truth #1: Don’t Skimp on the Dose
Regarding bottle feeding a calf, it’s not about ‘giving them a little to hold them over.’ Regardless of the quantity, the stomach walls will start to close, making it more challenging for the calf to absorb all the antibodies and nutrients. When providing colostrum, feeding the calf as much as possible is crucial. This full dose ensures the calf receives the necessary antibodies for survival, making you an attentive and thorough caregiver.
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: Know the Difference Between a Replacer and a Supplement
Here’s the deal: a replacer and a supplement aren’t the same.
- Use a replacer when the mother can’t provide colostrum at all.
- Use a supplement if the mother’s colostrum isn’t enough to meet the calf’s needs.
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.
You will only have to look at the label to tell the difference. The label on a replacement should state that it contains dried colostrum.
Truth #3: Use a Bottle, Not a Stomach Tube
Regarding feeding supplemental colostrum, a bottle is always better than a stomach tube. Why? The suckling motion required with a bottle is a natural process that’s beneficial for the calf. Not only does it encourage the calf’s instincts, but it also helps ensure the colostrum gets to the right place for proper absorption. In contrast, using a stomach tube can cause the liquid to deposit into the rumen instead of the intestines, meaning the calf won’t absorb as many of the vital antibodies and nutrients.
The act of suckling triggers the calf’s rumen to close, which allows the colostrum to bypass this compartment and flow directly into the intestines. This flow is where the magic happens—nutrients are absorbed quickly and effectively, giving the calf the best possible start. It’s not just about getting the colostrum into the calf; it’s about making sure it’s processed in a way that sets them up for strong immunity and long-term health.
Of course, there may be situations where bottle feeding is challenging, such as with a weak or unresponsive calf. A stomach tube might be necessary as a last resort in those cases. But stick to a bottle whenever possible to support your calf’s natural feeding process. It’s a simple choice that can significantly affect how well your calf thrives.
Truth #4: Keep Momma Cow in Tip-Top Shape
Maintaining your cows with a body condition score (BCS) of 5 or 6 before calving is one of the best things you can do for your herd. Cows in this condition tend to have fewer problems during labor and deliver their calves more quickly. Moreover, they produce higher-quality colostrum, the first and most vital meal for their newborn calves. Strong, nutrient-packed colostrum lays the groundwork for a calf’s immune system and overall health.
When a cow is in good condition, her calf is more likely to get up quickly after birth and start nursing. This nursing ensures the calf absorbs essential antibodies that boost its immunity against disease. Proper pre-calving nutrition also helps prepare the cow’s bloodstream with these critical antibodies, which are transferred to the calf through colostrum. If you’re curious about optimizing nutrition during this crucial time, check out my previous post, “The Calving Nutrition Article of Your Dreams,” where I go into all the details.
It’s not just about calving ease and colostrum quality—healthy cows also mean fewer complications overall. Studies consistently show that cows with a solid BCS of 5 or 6 are less likely to experience calving difficulties or require assistance. Keeping your cows well-fed and in good shape before calving isn’t just a recommendation—it’s an investment in your herd’s future. Speaking of calving difficulties, there are some additional things you can do to prepare for those rare but challenging moments…
Truth #5: Handle Pulled Calves with Extra Care
No one likes to find themselves in a situation where they must pull a calf, but it happens. When it does, those calves will need some extra TLC. The process of pulling can be incredibly stressful for a newborn calf. That stress can lead to problems like acidosis or impaired brain function. These issues can slow the calf’s recovery, making it harder for it to get up and nurse as it should.
Stress from pulling doesn’t just stop at delivery—it can impact whether the calf gets the colostrum it desperately needs. Without that first meal, the calf won’t receive the antibodies and nutrients essential to its survival. That’s why checking on pulled calves quickly and thoroughly is so important. Keep an eye on whether they can stand, move around, and attempt to suckle. Time is critical; the sooner you identify a problem, the better you can address it.
One quick way to test if a calf is ready to nurse is to place your finger in its mouth. A healthy calf with a strong suckling instinct will latch on and start sucking almost immediately. If the calf doesn’t respond, it may need further intervention, such as bottle feeding or tube feeding, to get the colostrum into its system. Pulled calves are more vulnerable, but with a little extra effort and care, you can help set them on the path to recovery.
Bonus Truth: Feed the Right Amount at the Right Time
Providing a colostrum supplement or replacer will only do you a little good if the calf is getting the amount it needs. If you use natural colostrum, it must be kept frozen to protect the integrity of the protein molecules in the immunoglobins. You can store it in one-quart doses by putting that much in one-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. This is 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.