"Central to this window is the delivery of colostrum, which provides essential antibodies and energy. To ensure success, she recommends following a "two by four" rule. "...getting colostrum in within those first four hours is really critical to getting the best absorption," says Fowler, specifying that calves should receive two litres by four hours of age and an additional two litres by 12 hours. She points out that failure of passive transfer can lead to a 10-kilogram decrease in weaning weight."
"Fowler says that scours pathogens are often amplified by older calves in the group, making it essential to move cows to clean ground as the season progresses. She advocates for a strategy where "the solution to pollution is dilution," suggesting that thoughtful planning and hygiene are just as important as vaccination. As Fowler says, "...proactive planning is really important and key." By focusing on cow body condition and timely intervention, producers can lower mortality rates and ensure a healthy start for the whole herd."
Calf survival and long-term performance hinge on management beginning before calving. The first 24 hours are most critical for passive immunity and energy through colostrum. Calves should receive two litres within four hours and an additional two litres by 12 hours to maximize absorption; failure of passive transfer can reduce weaning weight by about 10 kilograms. Maintaining a clean calving environment and moving cows to fresh ground reduces amplification of scours pathogens. Dilution of contamination, good hygiene, vaccination, maintaining cow body condition, and timely interventions lower mortality and set the herd up for healthier calves.
Read at Realagriculture
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