Tri-State Neighbor: South Dakota Farm Newspaper

Winter continues to chill us as we begin our calving season. We understand that a calf needs colostrum to gain initial immunity to pathogens in a producer's herd. Poor colostrum management can result in high post-weaning mortality and other health losses.

We routinely treat about 800 calves yearly in our “intensive care” calf unit. We check calves five days of age or less for failure of passive transfer. Over 75 percent of the young calves that we treat have lower than normal levels of immuglobulins in their circulatory system. This indicates the calf was unable to absorb enough antibodies from the colostrum as consumed to give the immunity needed to prevent infection and disease.

The major factors affecting the calf's immune response include:

1. Colostrum quality;

2. Colostrual quality;

3. First feeding;

4. Environmental interactions.

With careful planning and preparation, producers can increase their calf's colostrual uptake.

The quality of the colostrum is greatly affected by the nutrition of the herd's females. Be sure that cow's rations are balanced and contain adequate protein to allow the formation of antibodies by the cow. Vaccinating cows to pathogens on the ranch about six weeks before calving will assure high levels of antibody in the colostrum. Cows exposed to high temperatures, (early fall calves) will have poorer colostrum composition. Don't automatically assume that the colostrum from heifers is of lesser quality than from cows.

The quality of colostrum consumed affects the immunity level of the calf. Dairy producers try to feed the calf 10 percent of its weight in colostrum. For a 90-pound calf, that would be about 4 quarts. In beef herds, we are unable to insure that kind of volume in practical situations. The calf must suckle every few hours to insure adequate intake. Research conducted on several purebred Angus herds utilizing individual penning of cow and calf to assure pairing, found that more than 40 percent of the calves did not receive adequate colostrum.

The calf should suckle colostrum within an hour after birth. If the calf has not sucked, producers must milk the cow and feed the calf. I realize producers cannot get the total quantity needed, but it is important to get as much colostrum into the calf as soon as possible. The gut is able to absorb antibodies for 24 hours. Don't give electrolyte or supplements for the first 24 hours of the calf's life. Give only colostrum. I prefer using a bottle, but a drenching bag will also work.

The environment affects the calf's ability to absorb colostrum. Cold temperatures and wind may result in the calf not wanting to nurse. A calf with below normal body temperature will also not absorb colostrum as well when administered as one with a normal temperature. Keep all feeding equipment and pens clean to avoid exposure to bacterial pathogens.

Natural colostrum is the best for the herd. If adequate amounts are not available, producers may purchase products to improve passive immunity. Colostral supplements are only intended to supplement and not replace existing colostrum. Colostral replacements contain a higher level of IgG per dose and may be fed in the absence of maternal colostrum.

A little extra time at calving will assure producers' adequately prepared cows pass an adequate amount of quality colostrum to the calf as soon as possible after birth. This will minimize pre-weaning problems and produce healthier calves.

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