Severe winter conditions are commonplace in many geographical areas where beef is produced and this can lead to some less than desirable calving conditions.
The first hours of a calf's life set the course of that calf's health for the remainder of its life. It's always critical to handle and feed colostrum properly, but because calves are under extra stres
Calves born after a prolonged, difficult birth are at a high risk of failing to receive adequate colostrum by natural suckling because of greatly decreased colostrum intake.
Cow-calf operators should start locating, obtaining and storing several doses of colostrum or colostrum replacer sure to come in handy before the first heifers start to go into labor this spring.
It is not too soon to begin to prepare for the spring calving season. Locating, obtaining, and storing several doses of colostrum or colostrum replacer will come in handy before the first heifers start to go into labor.
The best defense against failure of passive transfer (FPT) is good colostrum management, ensuring that each calf receives an adequate amount of good quality colostrum shortly after birth.
