For a healthy start, calves need to begin nursing soon after birth. “It’s important that they get that colostrum to them within that first six hours and no later than 12 hours,” explained Beth Doran, field beef specialist, Iowa State Univesity Extension. “For every hour passes after six hours, their immunity could be compromised.” If colostrum is not available from the mother, Doran suggests going to other cows within the herd. “Right now, we’re looking at the bovine avian influenza viruses out, I don’t recommend going to another herd to get it.” If that scenario is not possible, the nod goes to a colostrum replacer from the local farm supply store.
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