Expert guide on getting colostrum feeding right

Colostrum is the all-important first feed that provides the calf with not only nutrients but, most importantly, maternal antibodies that will protect it from disease in the first few weeks of life before its own active immune system kicks in.

Jud Heinrichs, professor of dairy science from Pennsylvania State University, and Bob Kendal, ruminant manager from Alltech, answer our top questions on colostrum management in dairy herds.

1. Which cows should I select colostrum from?

“Colostrum varies greatly according to many factors including a cow’s age, breed and disease status. The quantity produced and its appearance [ideally thick and creamy] are no failsafe indication of quality,” says Prof Heinrichs.

“It is immunoglobulin [IgG] levels that really matter and high-quality colostrum should contain at least 50g/litre. As a rule, older cows will have a greater diversity of antibodies in their colostrum – and therefore a higher IgG concentration – but may produce so much that the concentration will be diluted.”

See also: Top housing tips for calf welfare

“The belief that heifers have poorer colostrum than older cows is no longer automatically true,” adds Mr Kendal. “Better heifer management, including improved mineral nutrition, has meant heifer colostrum should not be discarded. The only certain way to select the best cows is to test their colostrum.”

The dam’s colostrum may not nexcessarily be best. © Mint Images/Rex/Shutterstock

2. How do I test the quality of the colostrum?

Colostrum quality can be measured using a colostrometer.

“Colostrum can be measured on farm using a colostrometer or Brix refractometer,” explains Prof Heinrichs.

He adds: “ A colostrometer is a hydrometer that converts specific gravity to Ig concentration using a colour coded scale: green for good-quality colostrum (pictured right), orange for average and red for poor quality that should be discarded or fed to older animals.

Brix refractometers are perhaps easier to use – placing a few drops of colostrum on the prism will provide an Ig value.”

3. How do I ensure colostrum is free from bugs?

“Bacteria in colostrum can both cause diseases and block the absorption of IgGs by the calf.

Heat-treating the colostrum using pasteurisation will reduce the bacterial load without having too great an effect on its viscosity and IgG levels, says Prof Heinrich.

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He says trials show heat-treated colostrum is more efficiently absorbed by calves. He adds colostrum should be heated to a target temperature of 60C for 30 minutes, not the usual 63C used for milk pasteurisation, before being rapidly cooled.

4. How should colostrum be stored?

Prof Heinrichs says storing good-quality colostrum for use when fresh colostrum is not available is good practice, but he warns that leftover colostrum must be either used within the hour or stored as below:

• Zipper plastic bags are easy to store and defrost.
• Label with the date of collection and the colostrum quality.
• Include the cow number in case the animal later tests positive for Johne’s disease and colostrum needs to be discarded.
• Store in a fridge (1C-2C) for up to 24 hours.
• Store in a freezer (‑20C) for up to a year.
• Thaw in warm (not hot) water or defrost gently in a microwave.

5. When should colostrum be fed, and how much?

Prof Heinrichs says speed is vital when feeding colostrum.

“The sooner the better. The ability of the calf’s gut to absorb IgGs declines over time and after 24 hours is limited. Feeding colostrum quickly is important as it provides calves with a level of immunity before they can ingest bacteria from their environment.”

He says farmers should aim to feed:

• 2-3 litres of good-quality (>60 g/L) colostrum within two hours of birth.
• Followed by another 2-3 litres as soon as possible, certainly within the first eight hours.

Calves should be fed 2-3 litres of colostrum with two hours of birth.

6. When should calves be tube fed?

Tubes should be considered for weak calves or those that fail to drink on their own with three hours of birth, says Prof Heinrich.

“Trials have shown 30-40% of calves left to suckle their dam fail to consume sufficient colostrum. Esophageal feeders or tubes ensure calves receive the necessary amount of colostrum within the required time.”

7. How long should colostrum be fed for?

“The ability of the gut wall to absorb immunoglobulins decreases within six hours of birth by about one-third. After 24 hours the gut walls absorb less than 10% of what could originally be absorbed.

After this point, rumen development is the next key stage, and starchy concentrates and roughages should be offered along with milk or milk replacer,” says Mr Kendal.