The importance of testing colostrum quality
As March rolls in, many farmers are gearing up for one of the busiest and most exciting times of the year, calving season. This period is crucial for livestock farmers, particularly those in dairy and beef production, as it marks the beginning of new life and the potential for increased productivity.
One of the most critical factors for ensuring the health and vitality of newborn calves is the quality of colostrum. Colostrum, the first milk produced by cows after giving birth, is packed with essential nutrients and antibodies that are vital for a calf’s immune system and overall development. However, not all colostrum is created equal, making it essential to test its quality before feeding it to newborns.
What is colostrum?
Colostrum (the first milk produced by a mother of a calf) contains immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies, which are essential for the passive transfer of immunity from the cow to calf. The concentration of IgG in colostrum can vary depending on several factors, such as the cow’s nutrition, breed, age, and time since calving. Generally colostrum from mature cows is better in quality when compared to that of first time calvers.
As a general guideline, good quality colostrum for calves should contain at least 50 grams of IgG per litre of colostrum. This concentration of IgG is necessary to ensure that the calf receives adequate protection against infectious diseases and other health problems.
Use the 1,2,3 rule of colostrum feeding as follows:
1. Give the first feed from the first milk
2. Feed within two hours of birth
3. Provide at least three litres of good quality colostrum.
Many farmers continue to feed colostrum for up to 24 hours after birth as the gut can still absorb immune-related proteins and cells across its surface. Once passive immunity has been complete calves can remain on transition milk or be transferred to milk replacer.
Colostrum used for calves should:
- Be free from bacterial contamination, as bacterial infections can interfere with the absorption of IgG in the calf’s gut.
- Be fresh, as colostrum can spoil quickly and lose its nutritional value.
- Be provided to the calf within the first 6 hours of life (ideally within 3), as the calf’s ability to absorb IgG declines rapidly after this time.
Why colostrum quality matters
Colostrum provides a newborn calf with its first source of immunity. In the first few hours of life, calves have an incredible ability to absorb immunoglobulins (IgG) from colostrum, which protect them from diseases. High-quality colostrum ensures that calves receive adequate antibodies, reducing the risk of illnesses and improving their chances for a healthy start.
The risks of poor quality colostrum
Feeding calves low-quality colostrum can lead to health issues, including scours, respiratory infections, and, in severe cases, increased mortality rates. Additionally, calves that do not receive sufficient antibodies are more likely to suffer from long-term growth and development issues, impacting future productivity.
Testing colostrum quality
To ensure your calves receive the best possible start, it’s crucial to test the quality of colostrum before feeding. An inexpensive and quick way to measure colostrum quality is by using a Brix Refractometer. A Brix refractometer is a handheld device that measures the sugar content of a liquid, which can be used to indirectly estimate the quality of colostrum. Here are the steps to measure colostrum quality using a Brix refractometer:
- Ensure that the colostrum sample is at room temperature (around 20-25°C) before testing. If the colostrum is cold, warm it up by placing it in a water bath or in a warm room for a few minutes.
- Mix the colostrum well to ensure that it is homogeneous.
- Place a few drops of the colostrum on the prism of the refractometer. Be careful not to overfill the prism or allow bubbles to form, as this can affect the accuracy of the reading.
- Close the cover of the refractometer and look through the eyepiece. The scale on the refractometer will show the Brix reading of the colostrum.
- To estimate the quality of colostrum, compare the Brix reading to the following guidelines:
- Poor quality colostrum: less than 22% Brix
- Good quality colostrum: 22-24% Brix
- Excellent quality colostrum: greater than 24% Brix
It is important to note that the Brix reading is only an estimate of colostrum quality and should be used in conjunction with other methods such as measuring IgG concentration to ensure that the colostrum is of good quality.
By prioritising colostrum quality testing and leveraging technology like Herdwatch, you can enhance the health and productivity of your calves. A strong start means a more resilient herd, setting the stage for a successful calving season and beyond. Make testing colostrum quality a key part of your calving strategy, and watch your herd thrive!