Inadequate colostrum feeding has huge implications on
culling rates and future milk production, said Stephen Acres of the
Saskatoon Colostrum
Company, Canada, speaking at the recent Large Herd Seminar,
Devon.
Failure of passive transfer of immunity to calves via colostrum
has short and long-term effects, he said.
"Long-term losses associated with poor colostrum feeding are 3.5
times worse than short term."
Long-term production losses are about $922calf, with a 21%
increase in death losses in the first lactation and an average
reduction in milk production of 2.2lb/day over two lactations.
"This equates to a total loss of over $1000/affected calf."
Feeding higher levels of colostrum in the first two hours of
life can significantly improve yield and culling rates.
"Research had shown, calves fed four litres of colostrum
produced 550kg more milk over the first two lactations than calves
fed two litres. This was valued at $160."
And, feeding higher levels of colostrum within two hours of
birth can significantly reduce culling rates through two
lactations.
"Calves fed four litres of colostrum within two hours of birth
had reduced culling rate of 14.9% through two lactations compared
to 21.5% in calves receiving two litres."
