Colostrum management:Animal Health Ireland Calf Care Technical Working Group (TWG)

摘要

Colostrum has a higher energy and protein content than ordinary whole milk. This means that an early feed (within the first two hours after birth) of colostrum gives calves a vital source of food to ensure survival. However, the most significant feature of colostrum is that it contains high levels of immunoglobulins, cytokines and growth factors. Ingestion of sufficient colostrum is the principal way to ensure calves get maximum exposure to these immunity-inducing factors. This is essential, as due to the structure of the bovine placenta, calves are born without protective immunoglobulins (Ig) and therefore depend on the successful passive transfer of maternal Ig from colostrum.