Page 13 - MWC 9-14-2023s

The Midwest Cattleman · September 14, 2023 · P13
5 Calf Health Considerations

to Maximize Immunity, Decrease Disease

By Lacey Fahrmeier - DVM
I grew up in the cow/calf about 60 days before calv-
sector, and the topic of calf ing, so ideally, we would like
health is very near and dear to have the dam in at least a
to my heart. We want to give body condition score of 6 at
calves the best chance pos- that point.
sible to thrive and of course, 2. Colostrum intake is
survive, through the really the single most important
critical neonatal calf period. preventative factor in assur-
Ranchers have so much in- ing healthy calves. Calves
vested in the genetics, and are born with essentially no
in the long process of getting immunity of their own, so
that live calf on the ground, they're extremely vulnerable
that we want to do everything to infections when they hit
we can to protect that invest- the ground. Colostrum in-
ment. take is of critical importance
Let’s look at how to give our for young calves – providing
young calves the best possible some 95% of the antibod-
start this fall. ies a calf obtains, plus a rich
1. The foundation for source of minerals, vitamins,
a strong, healthy calf real- and energy. The colostrum re- We only have a short win- best absorption of those an-
ly starts with the dam. Her ceived at birth protects new- dow where they can absorb tibodies from the dam. If you
nutritional status is incredi- born calves against infectious the antibodies from their dam are unsure about the calf’s
bly important. If cows are not agents during the first few right through that gut wall colostrum intake being ad-
in the body condition that we months of life. The benefits of and then after that, we have equate for some reason (dif-
would like going into calving good quality colostrum from gut closure at about 24 hours. ficult birth, harsh weather,
that can affect the colostrum the dam and getting it into The first six hours of life are heifer with poor maternal
quality. Cows begin the co- the calf in a timely manner, is especially important because instincts), it’s a good idea to
lostrum production process super important. that's when you can get the continued on page 15