Colostrum; managing the first vital feed Colostrum; managing the first vital feed

Colostrum: managing the first vital feed

The first two days of any calf’s life are crucial in determining the animal’s resilience and productivity. We strongly encourage farmers to give their calves a healthy start and build immunity by feeding them ample quantities of good quality colostrum.

How colostrum benefits calves:

1) Calves are born without antibodies to pathogens, making them vulnerable to disease. Providing calves with sufficient amounts of good quality colostrum as soon as possible after birth is a highly effective way to ensure they receive the necessary antibodies.

2) Calves are born with a low energy reserve compared to other mammals (see graph) and benefit greatly from a high-protein super fuel like colostrum, provided promptly after birth.

3) Colostrum provides calves with vital ingredients such as hormones, intestinal growth factors and insulin to support digestion of milk solids in the early days of life and develop a healthy gut.

The easiest way to measure colostrum quality

We recommend using a BRIX-refractometer, a simple, inexpensive and accurate tool for measuring the level of milk solids and determining the quality of the colostrum. Every farmer should have one!

Our offering for managing colostrum for calves

Sprayfo calf rearing solutions, for the best LifeStart
Colostrum management in the early days of life can make or break the metabolic potential of a calf.
Eile van der Gaast, Product Manager Calf Milk Replacers at Trouw Nutrition

Downloads

Settle for the best colostrum
Sprayfo Colostrum Protocol
Download our colostrum protocol poster Download our colostrum protocol poster

Download our colostrum protocol poster

Six easy steps to feed your calves colostrum

Download here