Boost Calf Survival with Proper Colostrum Feeding

By Blake Jackson

Colostrum, the first milk produced by a cow after giving birth, is essential for newborn calves, often called “liquid gold” for its critical role in health and survival.

This thick, nutrient-dense fluid provides vital antibodies that jump-start the calf’s undeveloped immune system and help protect against disease in the first 24 hours of life.

At the University of Missouri’s Foremost Dairy Farm near Columbia, state dairy specialists Scott Poock and Stacey Hamilton emphasize the importance of colostrum, especially as calving peaks in the fall.

“Besides doing what is right for the welfare of the animal, the loss of an $800 calf or a future lactating cow and her productivity can be impacting cashflow and the checkbook,” says Poock.

Colostrum is rich in immunoglobulins (IgG), which shield the newborn from bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens until its own immune system develops. In addition to antibodies, colostrum contains fat, protein, calcium, and vitamins A and E to support early growth.

Poock and Hamilton recommend the “5Qs” of colostrum management to ensure calves receive maximum benefit:

• Quickly feed - Provide colostrum within 1-2 hours after birth, ideally no later than six hours. Follow with a second feeding 12 hours later. “The absorption rate of antibodies drops to roughly 30% by 12 hours post-birth, and the gut closes to large antibody molecules after 24 hours,” Poock explains.
• Quantity - Feed about 10% of the calf’s body weight in the first 12 hours, usually around 4 quarts for an 88-pound calf, followed by an additional 2 quarts in 8-12 hours.
• Quality - High-antibody colostrum from healthy, well-fed cows is best. Measure with a Brix refractometer (>22%) or a colostrometer in the green zone.
• sQueaky clean - Harvest with disinfected equipment and cool or freeze quickly to prevent bacterial contamination that can reduce antibody absorption.
• Quantifiable - Assess calf total proteins at 1-7 days old. Mizzou’s Foremost Dairy Farm exceeds goals with 57% of calves >6.2 g/dL and only 1.5% <5.1 g/dL, ensuring effective colostrum management.

By following these steps, dairy producers can safeguard calf health and enhance herd productivity.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-katie-ellement