Colostrum Replacements
If a calf is unable to nurse its mother for some reason, it needs colostrum soon after birth. Robert Callan, Colorado State University, says the best situation is to use colostrum from the calf’s own mother, if possible. If not, fresh or frozen colostrum from another cow in your own herd is next best, since she’ll have the appropriate antibodies to the pathogens in your environment. Choose a mature cow — she’ll have higher-quality colostrum than a first-calf heifer.
“Colostrum can be frozen for use in emergencies, and it keeps very well in freezer bags without losing quality for at least 6 months or longer,” he says. You could collect some at the start of calving season, and it would be fine for use that season, or even the next year.
“Even if it’s a year old, it will still be better than anything you can buy. When thawing, don’t destroy the antibody proteins with hot temperatures. It’s best to defrost the package in a pan of warm water, but it can be done carefully in a microwave if you make sure you don’t overheat it,” he explains.
Commercial products can also be used, but they vary in the amount of immunoglobulin (antibodies) they contain. Understanding this difference is crucial in choosing which product to use.
“A beef calf should receive at least 100 grams of immunoglobulin within the first 6 to 12 hours, but preferably within the first 2 hours. Recent research shows that 130 to 200 grams of immunoglobulin is optimum. When you compare colostrum supplements and replacements, look at the label to determine what you are buying. The deciding factor should be how much IgG (immunoglobulin G) the product contains,” says Callan.
In general, products with less than 100 grams immunoglobulin per dose are marketed as supplements, and products with 100 grams or greater are marketed as colostrum replacers.
“In general, the products with a greater amount of IgG cost more, but their value to the calf is worth the extra cost,” he says.
Usually, the dried/powdered product is mixed with 1.5 to 2 liters of warm water. “One downside is that when you give that much to a beef calf, he will then be full and this may decrease his drive to nurse and bond with the dam; he may not want to nurse again for about 12 hours,” says Callan.
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