Try to give the calf its first colostrum as soon as possible after calving. Colostrum-Feeding Suggestions Do not permit nursing. Feeding with a bottle lets you measure the amount of colostrum fed and allows you to check for antibody content. This can be done by using a relatively low-cost colostrometer. Calves should be given colostrum immediately after birth.
Tube feeding is recommended for calves unable to suck a bottle.
Since most cows produce more colostrum than their calves need, freeze the rest to save for the occasional calves that need higher quality colostrum than their dams can produce. Two-quart containers are convenient, and they should be labeled with the date and concentration of collection. Liquid Feeding Extra colostrum and discarded milk from antibiotic-treated cows can be used to feed calves. Many calves perform well when fed all their milk at one feeding a day. The label on milk replacer bags will display the information needed to assess ingredients and nutritional value.