The secretions after the first milking for 4-5 days after calving are transitional milk. The cost of colostrum, particularly when it is fed for more than a few days, may be calculated according to the value of milk or milk replacer which it replaces. Values are calculated on a dry matter basis. Generally, 5.6 lbs. of colostrum can replace 1 lb. of high-quality milk replacer. Bedding required varies with the type of facility.
Some calves require considerable treatment, others very little.
These costs vary depending on distances to marketing facilities, number of animals trucked, method of trucking, local marketing costs, etc. Labor cost is usually the major item. Each calf usually requires at least 15 minutes of labor. Include this cost if money must be borrowed to raise calves or if money could have been invested elsewhere. Multiplying the appropriate depreciation and interest factor from Table 3 by the cost of facilities determines the annual cost per calf.