So there is great advantage in storing excess colostrum for calf feeding. Refrigeration and freezing is the best method of storing colostrum but is also the most expensive. Many dairy producers find that colostrum can be allowed to sour, then be fed to calves from two to four days of age until weaning. Gains on sour colostrum have not been as good as on fresh or frozen colostrum nor on whole milk, but frequently have been better than from milk replacers. Many dairy producers report fewer cases of calf scours and digestive disturbances when sour colostrum is fed.
Every newborn calf needs colostrum.
It is important as the first feed to condition the digestive tract and to give the calf resistance to disease. Disease resistance is provided by the presence of immunoglobulins in the first milk of the dam and the ability of the calf to absorb these antibodies during the early hours of its life. This ability declines and disappears about 24 hours after birth. Consequently, the earlier the calf receives colostrum, the greater will be its benefit. A calf should receive colostrum in an amount equivalent to 3 to 5 percent of its body weight within four hours following birth.