Study finds that colostrum is key to saving beef calves from trouble

In a pair of recent studies, researchers examined risk factors that contribute to insufficient antibody transfer to newborn beef calves, as well as the subsequent negative health effects. They found that the mother's parity (in "heifers" or first-time cow moms vs. older cows) and the need for colostrum intervention were the risk factors most likely to result in insufficient antibody protection. Further, they found that calves with low or failed antibody transfer that do survive have increased medical treatment needs, higher mortality rates and lower body weights.