The genetic and physical demands on a freshly calved cow will often see the ‘colostrum’ cow being underfed. This inability to match energy input with demand is often exaggerated for a number of reasons.

“Colostrum is energy dense and requires large energy inputs to produce. If we allow a cow to lose too much body condition, this can affect the integrity of the liver and predispose her to ketosis, fatty liver, reduced appetite, poor feed conversion efficiency, reduced fertility, and depressed immune system.” says Ken Winter, Technical Feed Partner at GrainCorp Animal Nutrition New Zealand.

Reduced appetite and rumen function are primarily brought about by inadequate dry cow, pre-calving, and transition diets as well as not feeding her well enough post-calving. A cow’s maternal instinct is to protect her offspring and put her calf’s needs ahead of her own. To this end, cows will mobilise their own body reserves to feed their calf.

Ken explains “We recommend increasing the energy density of the diet for a freshly calved cow. The aim is to get cows up to 4.2% of live weight in DM kgs as quickly as possible. Our absolute focus therefore needs to be on limiting any adverse conditions and giving her the best opportunity to excel.”

“If we allow a cow to lose too much body condition, this can affect the integrity of the liver and predispose her to ketosis, fatty liver, reduced appetite, poor feed conversion efficiency, reduced fertility, and depressed immune system, just to mention a few.”

Ken’s helpful Colostrum cow tips:

• by giving a Vitamin B12 jab at calving and for cows at risk, a “starter dose” and/or Calcium bolus to ensure cows get the required amount of magnesium and trace minerals
• your calcium target is a minimum of 150 to 200grams of lime flour with the first dose as close to calving as possible
• offering concentrated supplements in the way of meals and molasses, monensin and live yeast are all ways of filling a shortfall while also helping to kick start the rumen
• consider having a rumen buffer in the feed to limit rumen instability risks
• an ad-lib supplement in the paddock like PRO COW™ 30 which contains molasses and extra calcium
• access to silage or hay with no restrictions on access to grass
• ideally move the colostrum’s ahead of the milkers to ensure they are never restricted or in paddocks with muddy gateways
• OAD milking for 4 to 5 days is recommended irrelevant of production targets
• if DM intakes or energy inputs aren’t optimum after addressing all the above, consider Bypass Fats in the shortfall

Ken suggests “Rumen fill, and appetite will determine when the cows go onto TAD milking. It is important to take note to do enough milkings before putting milk in the vat if dry cow penicillin has been used. Identify any cows with health issues at calving and get these cows vet-checked as soon as possible. Pay good attention to checking each quarter at calving for mastitis – practice good teat hygiene.”

Disclaimer

The information, advice, and recommendations provided by Graincorp Animal Nutrition New Zealand are intended to be general in nature and are provided for informational purposes only. As such, GrainCorp makes no warranties, expressed or implied, regarding the completeness, accuracy, or applicability of any information, advice, or recommendations provided. Please always seek advice from your nutritionist or veterinarian if you are unsure this is relevant to your situation.