In the dairy world monitoring newborn calves for Ig (immunoglobulins or antibodies) absorption from colostrum is very common. Calves that do not receive adequate levels of Ig from colostrum can experience increased sickness and mortality. It has also been researched that Ig absorption from colostrum is crucial to being a healthier adult with enhanced feed efficiency and milk production. It is reasonable to assume the same holds true for beef cattle.

Read more about the benefits of colostrum and the recommended timing of first nursing.


Colostrum and Calf Productivity in our Cow/Calf Operations (pdf; 216KB)