Reducing the number of days to first calving, thereby reducing both feed costs in the nonproductive period and the total number of replacement heifers needed can decrease the total expenses and keep herd numbers at a desirable level. The Newborn Getting calves started correctly is the first step toward raising healthy replacements. Colostrum management, good nutrition, and keeping young calves clean, dry and comfortable are the keys to healthy replacements. Colostrum quality and quantity is the first step in this important foundation, as calves are born without essential protection. All colostrum is not created equally.
Colostrum can vary considerably from cow to cow.
Based on research at the Virginia Tech dairy facility, individual cows have varying concentrations of immunoglobulin in their colostrum, some with levels too low to provide adequate protection in the calf. 1 Keeping check on colostrum quality with a colostrometer insures that adequate levels of immunoglobulins are present. However, for an accurate reading, colostrum should be at room temperature and not cold or warm. The colostrometer measures the colostrum s specific gravity and will subjectively grade its quality as either good, fair, or poor. Colostrum from older cows should be utilized and fed to calves born from first calf heifers.