Healthy Calf Conference
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All dairy farmers know the importance of the first meal of colostrum to ensuring a calf gets off to the best start in life. Feeding at least four litres of colostrum within six hours of birth is common practice on many farms. Following recommended practices for collecting and feeding colostrum will go a long way to ensuring calves are protected by maternal antibodies before they can develop their own immune systems. Having proof that your colostrum management is working can remind everyone why you feed colostrum the way you do. Having proof is now as easy as placing a drop of colostrum or blood serum on a simple testing device.
Brix refractometers have widely replaced traditional tests for colostrum quality and passive transfer status. Refractometers are able to offer immediate and accurate calf sideresults. Previously, passive transfer status would be tested by an expensive laboratory test that took up to 24 hours. Refractometers are very simple to use and become cost-effective after just a few uses.
Producers can purchase a refractometer from their local farm supply store or online. Optical refractometers are more subjective and can be misread. Digital refractometers are more expensive but extremely simple to use and don’t leave room for misreading results. Producers implementing a comprehensive colostrum testing protocol will see a return on investment on a digital refractometer quickly – calves fed good quality colostrum get sick less and require fewer treatments.
Test colostrum quality every time. Only feed colostrum that is high-quality.
Passive transfer status doesn’t need to be measured on every calf. Spot-checking will provide an indication of whether or not colostrum management is successful or needs to be re-evaluated. If a problem is found, work with your herd veterinarian to set up a more formal testing protocol and tweak colostrum management.
Calf Notes has a great conversion calculator that allows you to convert Brix readings from colostrum, serum, or whole milk into colostrum IgG (g/L), serum IgG (g/L), or whole milk percent solids. Work with your veterinarian to develop quality standards for your herd. Download the calculator here.
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The Codes of Practice are nationally developed guidelines for the care and handling of farm animals. They serve as our national understanding of animal care requirements and recommended practices.