Colostrum: The Most Important Meal
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Newborn animals are vulnerable to infection and disease. Immunoglobulins (Ig’s) are the first defence against disease and necessary for stimulation of the immune system.
Young ruminants (calves, lambs, kids) are born with negligible circulating concentrations of immunoglobulins (antibodies). Ig’s do not pass across the placenta prior to birth. Since there is no maternal sharing, ensuring that calves receive these Ig’s at birth is the only way to protect a newborn from environmental and disease… Continue reading
Colostrum Facts
What is colostrum?
Colostrum is the first milk produced after calving. It contains immunoglobulins (antibodies) to the diseases in the cow’s environment. Newborn calves have no immunoglobulins of their own; they rely upon receiving the colostral immunoglobulins from their mother for disease protection in the first weeks of life.
Colostrum absorption by the newborn calf.
The gastrointestinal tract of the newborn calf allows absorption of the colostral immunoglobulins into the blood stream only for the first 12-24 hours of life.… Continue reading