Colostrum: The Calf’s Single Source of Antibodies

Originally Published in Gulf Coast Cattleman

Colostrum isn’t just the “first milk” a cow produces after calving. Colostrum not only provides a nutrient and fat rich meal, but also vital antibodies to help establish the calf’s immune system.

“In cattle, during pregnancy there is no transfer of antibodies from the dam to the offspring,” said Dr. Soren Rodning, professor and extension veterinarian with the with Auburn University Department of Animal Sciences and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. “The dam’s antibodies don't cross the placenta. So, when that calf is born, it has no immunity from the dam and its own immune system has not become fully functional yet. Therefore, it’s extremely important they get colostrum, specifically the antibodies that are present in the colostrum. Colostrum provides some initial immunity until their own immune system starts working.”

In order to absorb those vital antibodies, calves need colostrum as soon as possible after birth, at least within the first three to four hours of life. Dr. Carla Huston, DVM at Mississippi State University explained why calves must receive colostrum within a specific timeframe.

“Antibodies, which help confer immunity, do not transfer from the dam to the calf in utero, or before birth,” Huston said. “So the calf needs to obtain antibodies, or immunoglobulins after birth by ingesting colostrum.  Calves that do not receive colostrum within a few hours of birth are more likely to get failure of passive transfer (FPT) and die from disease-causing pathogens such as E. coli.

“The gut of the calf has specific pores that absorb immunoglobulins. Those pores will start closing shortly after birth and be closed completely within the first eight to 12 hours. After those pores close, the calf won’t be able to absorb the immunoglobulins,” Huston said.

Rodning echoed Huston’s emphasis on the importance of ensuring calves receive colostrum as soon as possible.

“Ideally the calf needs to consume about two quarts of colostrum or at least five percent of its body weight no later than three to four hours after birth,” Rodning said. “The sooner the better! If they can get it within the first 30 minutes that’s the best scenario. Then they will need another two quarts within the first 12 to 18 hours of life. By the time they start getting out to 24 hours after birth, their ability to absorb those antibodies in tact greatly diminishes. That’s why it’s so key that they get the colostrum soon after calving.”

In an ideal situation, a calf will nurse on its own soon after birth, but unfortunately that’s not always the case. When a calf is unable to nurse the dam, but the dam is healthy and producing colostrum there are a few ways to intervene and ensure the calf receives the nutrients and immune support it needs. If the dam will not allow the calf to nurse and working facilities are readily available, putting the dam in a chute and allowing the calf to nurse from the outside of the chute may be a good starting place. If the calf is unable to nurse due to another reason such a structural issue with the bag/teats, it may be necessary to milk the dam and feed colostrum via bottle.

“There are going to be situations, either problems with the cow or problems with the calf that prevent the calf from nursing,” Rodning said. “I would encourage everyone to have a plan of action for when that does happen. Plan ahead, have supplies on hand, and know what you’re going to do if you have a calf who can’t nurse.

“If nursing colostrum directly from the cow is the best-case scenario, the second-best scenario would be to consume the dam’s colostrum through a bottle and a nipple. This allows the calf to still have that cycling effect. Then if that doesn't work, using an esophageal tube feeder would be a last resort in a situation where the dam is healthy and producing colostrum.”

In a situation where the calf is unable to nurse because the dam has died due to calving complications, it is still a good idea to try to collect the colostrum from the dam if possible. Note, if the dam died due to disease colostrum should be provided from another source. When collecting colostrum, especially from a deceased dam, be as clean as possible. Wipe down teats with a disinfectant and use a clean container for collection. Collected colostrum should be fed or frozen as soon as possible. Collected colostrum may then be fed via bottle or esophageal tube. Note, use caution when placing an esophageal tube as improper placement can result in flooding the lungs, pneumonia, and the death of the calf.

“It is best to have a veterinarian or experienced animal care worker show you how to place a tube before attempting it on your own,” Huston said. “When placing an esophageal tube, the calf should be standing or laying straight so that the neck can be stretched out. Measure the length of the tube from the throat to the edge of the shoulder. Gently put the end of the feeder tube towards the back of the mouth. The calf should then swallow it over the tongue. Insert the tube to the level as determined. The esophagus is soft so you should be able to both see and feel the tube on the left side of the calf’s neck. If the tube is improperly placed in the trachea, you will not be able to feel the tube as the trachea is firm. Keep the mouth of the tube pinched/sealed closed until you are certain the tube has been placed properly. Once, the tube has been properly placed and colostrum has been administered, seal/pinch the tube again before gently removing it from the calf’s mouth. The big thing is to be careful because even with the best intentions if you're not comfortable doing it and you accidentally get some fluid down into the trachea, you could end up doing more harm than good.”

Rodning recommends collecting and storing colostrum, when possible, for future use.

“It’s not a bad idea to store some colostrum for situations where you are unable to milk the dam,” Rodning said. “Colostrum that is produced by cows on the ranch is going to be the best quality colostrum for your calves. This is because it will contain antibodies specific to diseases that are present on that operation. So any time you have a situation where the calf doesn’t survive for some reason, it’s still an opportunity to bring the dam up and collect her colostrum.

“If you have the option to collect colostrum from a mature cow or a heifer, colostrum from the mature cow will be higher quality than colostrum from a heifer. Collected colostrum can be stored in gallon freezer bags with two quarts in each bag. Lay the bags flat in the freezer and save it for potential use down the road. It’s very important to thaw the colostrum in a way that doesn’t damage those antibodies. Never thaw colostrum in a microwave because you may cook the antibodies. Instead, thaw out the bag in a warm water bath roughly 120 degrees Fahrenheit to get it up to about up to body temperature of 102 degrees Fahrenheit,” Rodning said.

Huston recommends contacting local dairies as they often have extra colostrum. If using colostrum from an outside operation it is important to confirm the health status of that herd as disease like Johne’s and leukosis can be transmitted through colostrum. When colostrum cannot be collected from the dam and no stored colostrum is available, colostrum replacer may be used instead.

“They make colostrum replacers and colostrum supplements,” Rodning said. “They do exactly what the names suggest. A colostrum supplement would be what you might administer to the calf that has received some colostrum, but you want to provide some added protection. Colostrum replacer is made to completely replace colostrum that was never consumed.”

Huston said colostrum supplements are products made to supplement poor or moderate-quality colostrum and colostrum replacers have a higher quality and quantity of immunoglobulins.

“Colostrum supplements are usually made from dried colostrum or egg proteins,” Huston said. “Used on their own, a colostrum supplement will not provide sufficient immunoglobulins to protect a calf from getting FPT. Colostrum replacers of higher quality may be able to provide enough immunoglobulins to prevent a calf from getting FPT.

“Bottom line, they’re not going to get those antibodies in any other way. It’s absolutely essential that calves receive colostrum soon after birth,” Huston said.