1. THE QUALITY OF MATERNAL COLOSTRUM ON MANY NEW ZEALAND DAIRY FARMS IS POOR
In a 2015 study by Dairy NZ, only 10 percent of 298 colostrum samples collected at multiple times during the calving season had immunoglobulin concentrations over the recommended levels, and only 11 percent of samples had acceptable (low) bacterial contamination levels¹.
2. IgG = IMMUNITY
Feeding colostrum with inadequate levels of immunoglobulin, specifically IgG, will likely result in failure of passive transfer, compromising calf health and performance.
3. EVERY CALF NEEDS A MINIMUM OF 100G IgG IN THE FIRST FEED
For passive transfer of immunity to occur, the global standard recommendation is to feed every calf a minimum of 2L colostrum containing 22% milk solids (MS) so that the calf gets 100g IgG.
4. IT IS SIMPLE TO MEASURE COLOSTRUM QUALITY ON FARM
Colostrum quality can be tested on farm using a Brix refractometer. If it is less than 22% milk solids (MS), it is not good enough quality and calf health will be compromised due to failure of passive transfer.
5. ONE FEED OF LAUNCHPAD18 GIVES A CALF 108G IgG
Launchpad18 colostrum powder offers guaranteed quality and quantity of transfer. Feed a calf 2L reconstituted Launchpad18 in one feed to ensure the animal receives 108g IgG in the first 12 hours of life. Note: you should feed Launchpad18 for the first feed only, then revert to maternal colostrum.
Alternatively, you can boost the IgG content of maternal colostrum by fortifying it with Launchpad18 colostrum powder. See agrivantage.co.nz, or the Dairy Exporter AgriVantage wrap-around cover for more details on colostrum enrichment.
For more information on passive transfer of immunity, see agrivantage.co.nz.
- https://www.dairynz.co.nz/news/latest-news/colostrum-management-giving-calves-a-great-start-to-life/
