Ensuring optimal colostrum transfer to newborn dairy calves

Ensuring adequate colostrum intake is a beneficial first step to rearing healthy calves. This article reviews best practice recommendations. Microorganisms multiply quickly, so colostrum must be collected hygienically and fed promptly (<1h) or stored using refrigeration, potassium sorbate as preservative, freezing and/or pasteurisation. All equipment must be scrupulously cleaned. A volume of 3-4L colostrum (approximately 10% body weight) should be fed within 2h and no later than 6h of birth. This should contain >50g/L immunoglobulin (Ig) with a bacterial count of <100,000 colony forming units/ml. Adequate intake cannot be assumed when calves suckle their dam. Pooling of colostrum between cows reduces quality and increases the risk of disease transfer. Feeding with a nipple bottle promotes oesophageal groove closure but if calves fail to suck then colostrum should be administered via oesophageal tube. Calves not receiving adequate IgG (<10g/L of IgG or <50g/L total protein measured in blood) have a reduced ability to fight disease. Risk of death and disease are also increased by facilities which are unhygienic, cold stress and/or inadequate feed intake. Mortality rates and disease incidence should be documented to enable early detection of problems and assist their future prevention.