Teagasc Calf Care Week - 123 of Colostrum Management

Calves are born without antibodies. They depend on the absorption of antibodies from colostrum which protects the calf until their own immunity at 3 to 4 weeks of age. The correct amount of high quality colostrum is vital for healthy calves.
Calves that get enough colostrum are less likely to get sick and will thrive better. A dairy calf should be fed 1) milk first; 2) within two hours of life & 3) 3 x litres of colostrum. Beef cows have better colostrum with higher antibodies than dairy cows. Beef calves normally suckle on their own or with assistance within 2 hours.