Bummer Calves does powdered colostrum work?

[Shelbycobra]

I may be getting a bummer calf from a local dairy. These calves have not always been allowed to nurse and get colostrum from their mothers. Has anyone had success with the powdered colostrum? I realize bummer calves have a high death rate.

Thanks

Renee

 

[Farmer Kitty]

The colostrum only works for a few hours after birth. Then their stomachs no longer will absorb the antibodies.

If the calves are in poor health, I would feed a good quality milk replacer several times a day. Mix in vitamins and electrolytes. Make them smaller feedings but, more frequent.

Why doesn't the farmer feed them the colostrum? He/she has to throw that milk away as it's not shipable.

 

[Farmer Kitty]

Also add a good probiotic. There is a product called Probios that comes in many forms that is good. A good natural yogurt has good probiotic properties too.

 

[wynedot55]

yes the powder clostrum works real good if you get it in the calf within 24hrs.i like getting clostrum in them as soon as possable.

 

[jhm47]

According to all the vets I've talked to, powdered colostrum is a waste of money. However, they all seem to sell it in their offices.

A better choice would be to try to find some fresh colostrum from a dairy somewhere. It can be frozen in ziplock bags, and keeps a long time. Do not warm it in a microwave. That breaks down the antibodies that the calf needs to develop immunity to diseases. Warm it slowly in warm water before feeding it to the calf. It's a waste of time to feed either powdered or natural if the calf is over 24 hours old.

I have had the best success by starting calves on whole milk for the first day, then 1/2 milk replacer and 1/2 whole milk the next day, and then milk replacer from then on. Cuts down on the scours a lot. Good luck!

 

[beefy]

i dont have much success with powdered colostrum either.

 

[kstaven]

We have never had good results from powder.

 

[wynedot55]

i never lost a calf that i had to use the powder on.

 

[Farmer Kitty]

I haven't lost one of them either but, they don't seem to do as well as the others either.

 

[kstaven]

We have always had better success having a gallon of first milk in the freezer just in case.