Not every calf that drops in the coming months will have what it needs to thrive, according to Jason Smith. He discusses the importance of early preparation and colostrum.
The importance and value of colostrum to a newborn calf cannot be overstated. Most calves that don’t receive adequate colostrum in a timely manner will not survive. It’s as simple as that.” – Jason Smith, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Source: Progressive Cattle, January 3, 2022. Link.
Also see: Colostrum helps calves fuel their furnaces, Dairy Herd Management, October 5, 2021. Link. Researchers in a study conducted in Brazil concluded that feeding more colostrum had a positive effect on newborn calves’ thermoregulatory responses during the cold challenge. Calves fed the highest volume of colostrum also showed improved immune responses during the preweaning phase.
INSIGHTS: Focusing on preparation is a good theme for veterinary teams and sales representatives during these first weeks of the new year. Prepared cattle producers are less likely to need help in the wee hours when calving begins.