Colostrum Feeding in Calves

Which is true about colostrum feeding in calf?

Correct Answer: All the above

All three statements about colostrum feeding are correct:

1. Colostrum provides passive immunity: In ruminants (cow, buffalo), placental transfer of antibodies (immunoglobulins) does NOT occur due to the syndesmochorial type of placenta. So the calf is born with no antibodies and entirely depends on colostrum for passive immunity. Predominant Ig in bovine colostrum is IgG.
2. Fed @ 10% of body weight daily: Colostrum is fed at 10% of the calf's body weight (approximately 2–2.5 liters/day) for the first 3–4 days after birth.
3. Acts as laxative & clears meconium: Meconium is the first dark tarry faeces of the newborn calf. Colostrum has mild laxative properties due to high magnesium content, helping to expel meconium and establish normal gut function.

Additional Facts About Colostrum

• Contains trypsin inhibitor → protects immunoglobulins from digestion in GIT.
• Contains 5–15 times more Vitamin A than normal milk.
• Milk loses colostral properties within 72 hours (3 days) after calving.
• Colostrum specific gravity: 1.070 (much higher than normal milk at 1.028–1.032).