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Why Is Colostrum Important?

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Colostrum in calf management May seem of little importance, but it packs a big punch in helping keep calves healthy. Colostrum is the first milk that is given by the cow, after giving birth. Colostrum from one cow is specifically designed to deliver much-needed nutrients to its newborn calf. Since calves are born hypoglobulinemic and have an immature immune system, colostrum helps develop their immune system. There are many steps that need to be taken in order to ensure that each calf is getting the full potential benefit from colostrum. But trust me, these steps could mean the world for your calves. Now, what makes colostrum so important? Colostrum contains fourteen percent protein, vitamins A, D, and E, selenium, zinc, hormone and growth …show more content…

The age of the cow can play many roles in the quality. The amount of colostrum and the number of antibodies present are lower in first and second time calving cows than in older cows. Older cows have larger udders, more equipped milk secretion capabilities, and a more efficient antibody transport mechanism. Heat stress or stress in general during the dry period (period of time after each lactation) can also be a factor in determining health benefits in colostrum. If an animal is stressed they tend to lack the needed nutrition and, therefore, their first milk may also lack these nutrients. Milk leaking from the udder or time delay in collection of milk may also result in poor quality colostrum. The colostrum will get diluted with regular milk if it is not collected or if leaking occurs. The last main thing that will affect the quality is storage. Colostrum should be collected in a clean container and then either fed immediately to the calf, stored in the refrigerator for less than seven days, or froze for less than a year. When preparing colostrum out of the freezer or refrigerator, it should be heated at a slow rate to prevent denaturing. Colostrum should also not be pooled or mixed colostrum from other cows. Mixing of colostrum puts calves at a higher risk for contracting Johne’s disease (wasting disease). The nutritional benefit that could possibly be passed on to the

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