Colostrum

Principles of Colostrum Managment

• Quality > 50 g/L IgG

• Quantity 4 qts (10% Bwt)

• Quickness < 6 hrs

• Cleanliness < 100,000 cfu/ml TPC

   Frequency

True colostrum contains twice as much dry matter; three times as many

minerals; and five times as much protein as whole milk. It is also higher in

energy and vitamins. The high content of vitamins A, D, and E and fat in

colostrum are especially important because the newborn calf has low

reserves of these nutrients. In addition, the relatively low lactose content of

true colostrum reduces the incidence of diarrhea.

Colostrum Feeding Recommendations

􀂄 ALWAYS test quality (>50 g/L)

􀂄 For calves over 100 pounds

– 4 quarts at birth, 2 quarts at 12 hours

􀂄 For calves between 50 and 100 pounds (Jersey breed)

– 3 quarts at birth, 2 quarts at 12 hours

􀂄 For calves under 50 pounds

– 2 quarts at birth, 2 quarts at 12 hours

Approaches to reduce pathogen

exposure through colostrum

• Avoid pathogens from infected glands, fecal contamination:

– Identify infected cows (Johne’s)

– Don’t let calf suckle dam

– Udder prep

– Don’t pool raw colostrum

• Reduce other sources of contamination:

– Sanitation of milking, storage and feeding equipment

• Prevent bacterial proliferation in stored colostrum

• Feed (<1-2 hrs), refrigerate (<48 hrs) or freeze ASAP

– Use of preservatives?

• Additional tools:

– Colostrum replacers (feed 150-200g IgG, efficacy tested)

– Pasteurize colostrum