It is vitally important to feed unlimited colostrum within the first 20 minutes of birth.
This will maximise the calf's resistance and allow it to further develop into a strong animal.
The four Fs rule applies to colostrum:
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Fast
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directly after birth
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Frequently
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distributed over several feeds
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Fresh
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colostrum taken freshly from the mother (can also be frozen beforehand)
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Formula
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feed at least 4 - 6 litres on the firs day
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Antibodies in colostrum
At birth, the calf has no antibodies to fight pathogens. The calf can develop antibodies only if good colostrum is fed as quickly as possible. This means colostrum from a cow that has been present on the farm for some time and has thus built up antibodies against specific farm-related pathogens.
Colostrum on the first milking day contains most of the antibodies needed. If colostrum is to be frozen, it is therefore best to take colostrum from this first day. Sometimes, this colostrum is preferable to the mother’s own colostrum, especially with newly purchased cows and heifers because it has specific stable antibodies.
Colostrum contains:
- antibodies
- materials that stimulate excretion of the first manure
- easily digestible nutrients, minerals and vitamins
The large protein molecules albumin/globulin are carriers of the antibodies. The calf is only able to ingest these entirely intact antibodies from milk during the first 24 hours of birth. This is for two reasons:
- the pH value in the abomasum is still so high that antibodies cannot be broken down in this environment;
- the intestinal wall is pervious to antibodies: after ± 24 hours this same intestinal wall will become impervious to antibodies.
Feeding colostrum
The Four Fs apply everywhere: fast, frequently, fresh and formula.
Colostrum schedule:
- unlimited quantities at the first feeding
- total quantity on day 1: 4 – 6 litres
- day 2: 3 x 1.5 litres
- day 3: 2 x 1.5 litres ( + 1 to 1.5 litres of lukewarm water)
There are different methods of feeding colostrum:
Weaning bucket
- give the first 1.5 – 2 litres of colostrum within 30 minutes of birth using a bottle or weaning bucket
- immediately thereafter, make colostrum available in unlimited quantities via the weaning bucket
- refresh colostrum twice a day; feed the calf with colostrum that is cooled down to ambient temperature to prevent over feeding.
- colostrum intake differs from calf to calf and can reach 6 – 8 litres a day
- if a calf drinks a lot on one day, intake may be reduced the next day
- clean weaning bucket daily
- the weaning bucket should stand 70 cm high
In the first few days especially, the calf’s suckling action has a positive effect on milk digestion, activation of the oesophageal reflex and enzyme production through the generation of extra saliva.
Bucket
- day 1: feed 4 – 6 litres of colostrum at cow body temperature; see colostrum feeding schedule
- days 2 & 3: feed 2 x 1.5 litres ( + 1 to 1.5 litres lukewarm water)
Directly from the cow
- this method is not ideal, because it demands a great deal of attention
- there is hardly any control over intake; many calves drink very little or nothing at all.
- there Is a possibility that infectious diseases (different kinds of diarrhoea) will be passed on
Use of an oesophageal tube
- weak calves have the greatest need for antibodies and energy. Using a oesophageal tube could be a solution for newborn calves that refuse to drink.
Ensure no more than 2.5 litres is fed each time.
Transfer to Sprayfo
Following colostrum, Sprayfo should next be fed. The transfer from cow’s milk to Sprayfo can take place at once, after two to three days of feeding colostrum. If a calf has received cow’s milk for more than four days, one or two feeds of cow’s milk can be mixed with Sprayfo to ensure a smooth transition.
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