Recent advances in the management of the first days of a calf’s life

Abstract

However, calf losses are still a major problem on cattle farms worldwide.Good colostrum management is still recognized as the single most important factor to preventing calf morbidity and mortality, however, it is now known that immunoglobulins are only one of many components of colostrum that are vital for the calf’s development. Other non-nutrient factors like leucocytes, hormones and growth factors, oligosaccharides as well as microRNAs have significant effects on the development and maturation of the intestinal and systemic immune functions. They also promote the maturation and function of the intestine, thus enabling the calf to digest and absorb the nutrients provided with colostrum and milk. The improved energetic status of colostrum- fed neonates is reflected by an accelerated maturation of the somatotropic axis, which stimulates body growth and organ development. Colostrum oligosaccharides play a major role in the development of a healthy intestinal flora.Early separation of the dairy calf from its mother is a contentious practice on dairy farms with potential to damage the public image of the industry. Two review articles on the topic found only reduced acute distress as a benefit of early separation. In the area of calf and cow health and calf behavior studies found mostly benefits or no effect for longer cow-calf contact.