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Colostrum
is the best source of nutrients for the
calf, and most importantly, it provides antibodies for
building immunity to disease and infection. (The
chart below compares colostrum to normal milk.)
The
amount of colostrum fed should vary with the size of
the calf. A good rule to follow is 4-5%
of the calf's body weight within one hour of
birth or 12-15% of total body weight fed in 3
feedings, in the first 24 hours.
Timing
of colostrum feeding is important for 2 reasons:
-
The
calf's ability to absorb the maximum amount of
immunoglobulins occurs within the first 4 hours of
life. After 24 hours, the calf loses this
absorption ability.
-
The
immunoglobulin level in colostrum is the highest
immediately after birth. True colostrum is
obtained only from the first milking. The
immunoglobulins in good quality colostrum provide
passive immunity against disease for up to 2
months.
Comparison
of Colostrum and Normal Milk
| Constituents |
Colostrum
% |
Normal
Milk % |
| Total Solids |
28.30 |
12.86 |
| Ash |
1.58 |
0.72 |
| Fat |
0.15-12.0 |
4.0 |
| Lactose |
2.50 |
4.8 |
| Casein |
4.76 |
2.8 |
| Albumin |
1.50 |
{0.54 |
| Globulin |
15.06 |
| Total Protein |
21.32 |
3.8 |
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