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Colostrum Supplements
First Day Formula A colostrum supplement and replacement product for dairy and beef calves that contains dried, natural bovine colostrum safe for newborn calves. First Day Formula is fortified with essential vitamins and chelated trace minerals. This products unique and healthy combination of proteins, vitamins and minerals make it an ideal supplement for poor quality colostrum or fed as the only source of beneficial nutrients for colostrum-deprived calves. Should be fed within the first few hours of life 30247 10 oz. 30248 5 lb.	First Life Formula A calf product to be added to milk replacer or whole milk. It should be used during periods of stress to promote calf health and vigor. First Life Formula includes porcine plasma and porcine serum, chelated minerals, essential oils, vitamins and other key nutraceuticals which have been shown to improve calf health and performance especially during high stress situations such as shipping, weather, or other environmental conditions. Should be fed during the first few weeks of life. 30273 5 lb. 30274 25 lb. 30275 50 lb.
Calf Tube Feeder An ideal tool for feeding colostrum or re-hydration products to young calves. The stainless steel tube is specifically designed for young calves and the bulb-end helps facilitate placement in the esophagus. The waist and shoulder straps allow the person feeding to comfortably wear the device allowing for hands free feeding. A clamp on the rubber hose can be released allowing the calf to be fed only when you want it to be. All parts including the one-gallon reservoir can be disassembled for cleaning ease. 30123

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Five Simple Rules For Feeding Colostrum

1. Say Good-Bye to Mom: Remove the calf from the dam before it has a chance to be exposed to pathogens from nursing or from the calving environment.
2. Feed A Gallon and Feed It Early: Passive transfer-the measurement of the calfs absorption of the protective antibodies in colostrum (lgGs) - is affected by the quality and amount of colostrum fed and the size and age of the calf. For Holstein calves, feed 4 quarts of colostrum within the first hour (Jersey calves and small Holstein should be fed less).
3. Its OK to Force the Issue: Few calves will freely drink 4 quarts of colostrum. Use an esophageal feeder if necessary.
4. Not All Milk Is Created Equal: Colostrum is the secretion from the mammary for the first 24 hours after calving. Transition milk is the secretion beginning at 24 hours and after 72 hours transition milk becomes milk. Colostrum differs from transition milk and milk in concentration of protein, fat, lactose, vitamins and most importantly, lgGs. Only colostrum from disease-free dams and which is free from blood, mastitis, manure or other contaminates should be fed. A colostrometer can be used to measure colostrum quality.
5. Fresh Is Best: High quality, fresh colostrum is best. However, unused colostrum can be refrigerated for up to one week or frozen for up to one year. Store colostrum in 2 quart of smaller bottles or plastic zip-lock bags. Containers should be marked with the date collected and the ID of the dam. Refrigerators should be set for under 40 degrees F. "Frost-free" freezers, which go through a freeze-thaw cycle, are not ideal for long-term storage. Thaw colostrum in a warm water bath (110 degrees to 120 degrees F). Thawing in a microwave is not recommended.