Importance of colostrum for rsising newborn calves

摘要

Maintenance of health is a key to profitable livestock production. The most common health problem in calves up to one month of age is diarrhea caused by infectious organisms. Survey reports indicate that mortality in cattle and buffalo calves ranged from 29.1 % to 39.8% (Afzal et al, 1983). Martin and Wiggin (1973) estimated that 20 % calf mortality resulted in reduction of 38 % profit of a livestock farm. Therefore, keeping the newborn alive and healthy, is the greatest management challenge facing farm owners. An important strategy for meeting this challenge is making sure that the newborn receive adequate colostrum during the first two to three hours of life. The effect of colostrum on the health, survival and performance of the newborn cannot beoverrated.