By Trish Svoboda

Veterinarians at the Beef Cattle Institute of Kansas State University stress the importance of nursing calves after birth to ensure they receive colostrum, which provides passive immunity. On a recent Cattle Chat podcast, experts spoke about commercial colostrum replacements and associated risks. Colostrum, rich in nutrients and antibodies, is the first milk cows produce after birth.

“There are a couple options a producer has if a cow had a difficult birth and the calf isn’t getting up to vigorously suckle,” K-State veterinarian Bob Larson said. “The producer will have to give the calf colostrum; if not from the cow, then from somewhere else.”

Dr. Larson recommends purchasing colostrum replacers from stores to avoid the risk of disease transmission that can happen when obtaining colostrum from a dairy or outside herd.

While commercial replacements are not as effective as natural colostrum, they are preferable if the calf is unlikely to suckle shortly after birth. K-State veterinarian Brad White highlights the risks of not providing colostrum to calves, stressing correct administration.

Beginners should seek assistance and observe proper administration to avoid cross-contamination and to ensure colostrum reaches the stomach and not the lungs.

To hear the full discussion, listen to Cattle Chat podcast online or through your preferred streaming platform.