Antibodies in the colostrum provide immunity for the calf against disease. These antibodies can only be absorbed from the gut of the calf in the first 24 hours, the maximum absorption taking place in the first 6 hours, and declining after that. The majority of the sick calves we see coming into our clinic have received little or no colostrum. Remember, heifers and older cows may not be able to provide a large enough volume of colostrum. If the mother of a calf cannot provide enough colostrum, some form of substitute is needed.
Frozen colostrum is second only to fresh colostrum in the level of antibodies provided.
A new powdered product has recently come on to the market which appears to carry a higher level of antibodies than its commercial counterparts. Check with your veterinarian. My choice is frozen colostrum. Care must be taken to thaw the frozen product slowly, so as not to damage the proteins which make up the antibodies. If you have access to fresh colostrum, fill one-liter freezer bags, place them on a cookie sheet and put them in the freezer.