389: AHDB Dairy: Giving calves the best start with colostrum

For the best possible start in life, dairy calves need quality colostrum as their first feed. This early management can affect how that calf will perform health wise, its time to first service, and future milk production.  A newborn calf's ability to absorb those vital colostrum antibodies through the intestinal wall decreases rapidly within the first 12 hours of life. Contamination during collection, transfer or feeding puts the calf at risk by introducing harmful bacteria when it has no active immunity to fight infection.  In this episode of the Food & Farming podcast, AHDB Dairy Knowledge Exchange Manager Laura Awdry is joined by Nottingham University Vet, Ginny Sherwin, to discuss colostrum management practise on farm and the 3 Q's of colostrum to ensure your dairy calves have the best possible start in life to become healthy productive members of the herd. Useful links Colostrum management for dairy calves 3 Qs of feeding colostrum factsheet Colostrum Is Gold: feeding colostrum to calves, lambs and piglets Dairy calf management Calf management guide Feedback We'd love to know what you think of our podcasts. If you'd like to give your feedback, please complete our short questionnaire, which will help us to improve the podcast on an ongoing basis, or email: [email protected].    This episode was produced and edited by Kate Herrick, Marcomms Executive (Dairy).