Practical rules and tools of colostrum management

Abstract

Colostrum management, from administration of dry cow vaccines to harvesting, feeding, and monitoring its success, is a significant opportunity for direct veterinary involvement and oversight on all dairy herds. It is well known there is a critical need for colostrum to provide calories and a source of immunoglobulins for transfer of immunity from dam to her naïve offspring. The purpose of this article is to review practical steps for helping dairy clients achieve these new guidelines, from the dry period to colostrum harvest, feeding, and monitoring colostrum programs.