Colostrum is important to all mammal newborns. It is essential for the final development and maturation of the gastrointestinal tract and immune system. Calves that receive high-quality colostrum have higher survival rates, lower age at conception, and will yield more milk through the second lactation.
Michael Steele shares information on colostrum supplementation, the importance of consistency and excitement about additional benefits of colostrum being discovered.
Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, February 17, 2020. Link. Over 26% of calves receive antibiotics – a number far too high for Steele’s liking. Nearly half of this administration is for digestive disorders, which he believes can be minimized with proper colostrum and transition milk protocols.
Also see: Search results for: colostrum, Animal Health Digest. Link.
Image from: https://homestead-honey.com/homestead-calf/