The Start that sets the pace:

For years, farmers have been advised to feed the right quality colostrum with in time. There has been much research about the quality of colostrum and ways to determine it, early feeding and feeding the right quantities. All this progress has helped much in calf nutrition and a healthy start. Most of the focus has been on Immunoglobulins particularly IGg, which have been the bench mark of the colostrum quality measurement. No denying the fact that IGg is a very important part of early calf nutritional needs and is very vital for immunity development. This has lead to development of colostrum supplements and replacers in many world markets which mainly have IGgs and not other colostrum constituents most of the time. This has been the holy text till date for colostrum quality so far.

But recent work from Dr. Mike Van Amburgh and colleagues has been eye opening. Their recent presentations and publication on the topic have been really amazing. Following are some details and the recommendations from Dr. Van Amburgh for colostrum feeding.

Dr. Van Amburgh recently shared his thoughts with attendees at the 2016 Dairy Calf and Heifer Association annual conference, underscoring the value of colostrum to calves. “While a fetus is developing in-utero, the dam controls its environment entirely,” he said. “After her calf is born, she continues to share maternal influence throughout the first weeks of life via milk-borne factors. The benefits of mom’s milk, in promoting long-term health and optimal physiological development, do not end with the first feeding of colostrum.” "Colostrum contains many more substances beneficial to newborn calves, including steroids, hormones and growth factors such as relaxin, prolactin, insulin, IGF-1, IGF-2, and leptin,” said Dr. Van Amburgh. “Colostrum, even in its transition state at the second, third and fourth milking, also is richer in nutrients than standard cow’s milk.”
Dr. Van Amburgh presented results from a study that showed glucose absorption was markedly improved in calves fed colostrum for the first four days of life, compared to those fed milk replacer. He said enhanced glucose absorption appears to favor anabolic processes and improves growth and energy storage. He noted that, in fact, Olympic athletes consume colostrum as a legal means of developing muscle mass.

To capture the benefits of colostrum beyond the first feeding, Dr. Van Amburgh advised the following colostrum delivery regimen for the first four days of life:

(1) First-milking colostrum within 6 hours of birth. Administer 4 quarts in this feeding for large breeds, 3 quarts for smaller calves.

(2) An additional 2 quarts of first-milking colostrum at 12 hours of life.

(3) At least 4 quarts of second-milking colostrum on Day 2 of life (over at least two feeding periods).

(4) At least 4 quarts of third-milking colostrum on Day 3.

(5) At least 4 quarts of fourth-milking colostrum on Day 4.

“Colostrum is a readily available resource that represents our best chance to program calves for a lifetime of health and productivity,” said Dr. Mike Van Amburgh. “There is significant value in taking the extra measures to deliver it to newborns beyond their first day of life.”