Nutrient Needs of the Pre-Ruminant Calf

Abstract

Perhaps the most important nutrient to maintain the life of a calf is the first colostrum. The passive immunity imparted to the calf through colostral immunoglobulins (Ig) are absolutely necessary for survival. It is imperative that colostrum enter the digestive tract before any other material. Calves born in loose housing on wet, unsanitary bedding (or in the muck) are infected with pathogenic organisms before colostrum is ingested. There is evidence to suggest that prior consumption of any material will markedly decrease the efficiency of immunoglobulin absorption into the blood.