You may think that we don’t need to discuss colostrum ever again. Phil Durst shares five reasons to routinely check test colostrum to better understand the variances in quality. Colostrum quality is the first step in making sure calves are protected and set up for success in life.
Source: Dairy Herd Management, April 5, 2017.
Why test colostrum quality? Here are some reasons to consider:
It’s not all good.
- Concentration X volume = amount
- Dairymen may be discounting heifer colostrum needlessly.
- Enable quality change detection
- Better understand what impacts quality
INSIGHTS: Whether you are a sales rep, veterinarian or retailer, consider the changes in your client and customer makeup over the last five years. Then you can see why what is old to us might be valuable to someone who is just getting started or taking a more significant management role in a dairy.