Colostrum management for dairy calves

Colostrum is vital to the newborn calf because it contains antibodies (also known as immunoglobulins, or IgG), which provide immunity. It is also rich in energy and nutrients that are essential for growth.

For a good start in life, dairy calves need quality colostrum as their first feed. Contamination during collection, transfer or feeding puts the calf at risk by introducing harmful bacteria when it has no active immunity to fight infection. Here you will find information on feeding the right quantity and quality of colostrum at the right time, as well as good hygiene practices and how to test the quality.

To make sure dairy calves get the most out of colostrum, find out about the three Qs – quality, quantity and quickly. 

Collecting and storing colostrum in a hygienic way means it is less likely to be contaminated. 

It is important to test colostrum quality so you can decide whether it is good enough to feed to your calves. Find out how to use a Brix refractometer to test the quality of colostrum you have collected. 

It is important to test colostrum quality so you can decide whether it is good enough to feed to your calves. Find out how to use a colostrometer to test the quality of colostrum you have collected. 

A newborn calf must get the right quantity of colostrum within two hours of birth. If a calf can’t suck a bottle or drink the full amount, you will need to use a stomach tube. 

If you would like to order a hard copy of the Calf management guide, please contact publications@ahdb.org.uk or call 0247 799 0069.