Quality of colostrum and immunity of calves

Colostrum quality is reflected by the ig density/content. Although not full proof, an excellent way to evaluate the ig content of a specific colostrum sample is to measure the specific gravity of the sample. The heavier the specific gravity, the greater the ig content. Feeding of colostrum as soon as possible following birth (within 1 hr) is recommended. Feed a minimum of 3L for first feeding, using an esophageal tube feeder if required, and repeat feeding 12 hours later. Finally, many producers today are adding supplemental ig products to enhance or bump up the total ig content of their colostrum. Concentration of ig, combined with early presentation to ensure efficient absorption (absorption of ig decreases significantly after +-6 hours of age.

Why not use Colostrometer available from States, which can grade Colostrum to 3 grades of Good , average and poor. Keep the top quality excess one preserved in Freezer and give the same to all new born cales as the 1st feeding . The second feeding can be from the lower grades. This is practiced more in larger farms. You can order Colostrometer through Semen suppliers from US who will ship the same in the Semen consignment . Colostrometer can be used in the same way as the Lactometer.

Two more things; a) nutrition of the dry cow during the close up and B) a good vaccination program. The first one ensures the second one to produce a good response to those vaccines that are applied when the cow enters the dry-off period and the passage of these to the mammary gland and the first colostrum. Lets no forget also, dry-off treatment, since cows who come down with mastitis at calving will not produce good colostrum. Umberto Francesa, DVM.

this will be the question which quarter is affected by mastitis, in this case only affected quarter could give enough and good colostrum, if it's general acute mastitis with swelling this will affect all the colostrum, this case is mostly some dangerous leads to necrosis due to high pressure on vessels and hypoxia, it is important to save the cow. a week before calving the checking of teats and take out the wax from the teats is important. thanks . Dr. Abdul Qader Samsor, DVM, and animal production/ extension expert.

sorry, only the affected quarter could not give enough and good colostrum. apology Dr. Abdul Qader Samsor

The colostrum is important for calves. The management and feeding during DRY period and geneics of the cow both affect the colostrum quality. The quality can be checked by testing the passive immunity in any lab. The Sp garavity has nothing to do with it. It is only ratio between weight of two equal volumes. .