As the dog days of summer slowly come to an end, the importance of colostrum management does not. Managing colostrum consistently is one of the staple tasks on a farm to ensure success down the pipeline. In an I-29 Moo University webinar, Sandra Godden D.V.M., of the University of Minnesota defined some colostrum management tips that could make or break a calf rearing program.
The colostrum drum has been beaten religiously for years because of its significance to the calf and future of the herd. It is singlehandedly the most important component throughout the first weeks and months of life due to the protection the immunoglobins provide the calf with. But there is more to this milk, too. “It is important to recognize that colostrum just isn’t about only those antibodies, there are hundreds of bioactive compounds, non-specific immune factors, hormones, and growth factors all of which work to drive development,” said Godden.
To maximize immunity, begin with the minimization of infectious diseases. To do so, be considerate of housing, bedding, ventilation, and sanitation areas. The successful transfer of passive immunity also sets the calf up for success by lowering mortality and treatment rates and age at first calving while improving growth rates, feed efficiency, and first and second lactation milk yields. Staying up to date on passive transfer recommendations is key.
Godden highlighted other management factors such as monitoring serum total protein levels and using a Brix refractometer as a herd monitoring tool. Using Brix results allows the farmer to answer questions on the calf based on quality. Should you feed the colostrum to a heifer or a bull? Should you use it for the first or second feeding? Or should you pair it with a supplement?
Other strategies to enhance colostrum yield focused on dry cows. Godden suggested incorporating a booster one week prior to a pen move and feeding a balanced dry cow ration. The entire dry period should be between 60 and 65 days, with three to four weeks spent in a close-up pen.
Mitigate stressors for dry cows such as heat with the use of fans, soakers, water, and shade. Colostrum yields also tend to go into a deficit throughout the winter months. It has been noted that some farmers may notice up to a 30% reduction in colostrum yields produced throughout the winter. The veterinarian recommended creating a frozen colostrum inventory for winter using 30% of summer colostrum harvest. “Colostrum yield is highly variable depending on cow, breed, parity, herd, environment, month of calving and management,” cited Godden. Become an expert at the colostrum factors you can manage to ensure the success of your herd.
