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The delayed feeding of colostrum is a widespread problem and all too often new born calves fail to suckle immediately
form of colostrum and, therefore, has significant nutritional value. Calf milk replacer can be introduced, but whole cows’ milk is superior, particularly when it comes to its fat and protein content. The delayed feeding of colostrum is a widespread problem and all too often new born calves fail to suckle immediately. Sometimes they may have to wait until after the dam is milked for another opportunity to drink.
If this is a frequent occurrence, due to the management system, then it may be worth purchasing a machine which will allow the cow to be milked in the pen. At several hundred pounds, this equipment is not cheap, but it can be justified at this crucial stage in the calf’s development.
Milk – to heat or not to heat There are differences of opinion about whether calves will perform as well on cold milk compared to heated milk, but there is no doubt calves will benefit from being fed warm milk.
The aim should be for every animal to receive milk which has been heated to as close to 39C as possible. Warm milk has greater calorific value and another bonus is that the calf’s body recognises warm liquid as feed and sends it to the
abomasum.
This will protect calves from
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ruminal drinking, which may lead to health problems. It happens when the oesophageal groove fails to close and can be caused by feeding cold liquid. Other ways to avoid ruminal drinking include positioning milk buckets at a raised level of around 35cms (12 inches) and using teated feeders.
Colostrum and milk pasteurisation
The pasteurisation of colostrum and milk for calves is standard practice in North America and is becoming more popular among milk producers in the UK.
It makes colostrum and milk for young calves safe to drink by killing
off the micro-organisms responsible for diseases such as Johne’s, TB, rotavirus, salmonella and mycoplasma. While pasteurising greatly reduces the chance of disease being passed from adult cows to their calves, herd health plans should be drawn up in conjunction with the farm’s vet.
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