By Ben Bennett, DVM
Topic: Calf Care: Colostrum Selection
As we approach calving season, I figured it appropriate to cover the topic of proper colostrum selection and use. With all of the different products on the market, it is easy to get lost in the selection. The number one thing to remember: NOT ALL COLOSTRUM REPLACEMENTS ARE CREATED EQUAL!
As I am sure all of you know, the first 24 hours of life for a calf are EXTREMELY important. Ideally, within 30 minutes of birth in a bed of clean straw, a calf has risen to their feet, found their dam’s teat, and consumed an adequate amount of antibody rich colostrum. But what happens if the calf is slow to rise? Or the cow rejects the calf? Or there are twins? What if we do everything right and the calf still gets sick? These, and many more, are all scenarios in which it may be required that we intervene to give that calf the best chance of starting off life on the right path. [READ MORE]