Cornell’s groundbreaking 2024 study shows that feeding just 2.5 liters of today’s high-quality colostrum works better than four liters, improving absorption efficiency by 24 percent while eliminating painful colic symptoms in calves. The author says the colostrum modern cows produce today is fundamentally different than it was 20 years ago. We’ve improved the genetics, nutrition, and management, but not the feeding protocols. The whole biological system has upgraded.
Source: The Bullvine, November 5, 2025. Link.
Why isn’t everyone doing this? The science is clear: Testing colostrum takes 30 seconds. Saves $20/calf immediately. Adds $350 lifetime . . . Less is really more when you’re feeding modern colostrum.”
INSIGHTS: Sharing challenges of changing behaviors, the author says every dairy should own a refractometer. It’s a $200 device that pays for itself within hours. This article and the study are effective tools every animal health pro serving dairies needs to understand and share with their clients.
Image: Link.