Building strong foundations in early life will pay off long-term

Colostrum management in calves is crucial for setting the foundations for a lifetime of performance and productivity within the herd, Mole Valley Farmers reports

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COLOSTRUM is the first and most important feed a calf will receive. It delivers essential nutrients and immune support that the calf can’t get anywhere else, especially in the first few hours of life.

To get colostrum management right, focus on the ‘3 Q's’: quality, quantity, and quickly. Calves should receive three to four litres of good-quality colostrum within the first six hours of life.

Testing colostrum quality using a Brix refractometer is now standard practice on many farms. A reading above 22% typically indicates good quality colostrum, though targets may vary. By identifying low-quality colostrum early, you can take proactive steps to support the calf with colostrum from another cow or a trusted supplement.

When colostrum supply falls short