The first thing every baby needs is colostrum. This is the immunity against the world.
In humans this is passed on through the placenta, since there is only one layer between mother’s blood and babies’ blood. In animals we will have as much as four layers between mother’s blood and babies’ blood. These huge immunity proteins (immunoglobulins) cannot get through those layers. So, we have pores open in the babies’ G.I. system that will let these immunity proteins in. These pores stay open for about 12 hours and then start closing. At about 24 hours of age the pores are totally closed. From then on these immunity proteins are digested as regular protein and not used for immunity.
It was figured out back in the 1990s that an 80 pound calf needs one gallon of good quality colostrum in the first 24 hours. To extrapolate that would mean babies need 10 percent of their body weight in good quality colostrum the first 24 hours. Now if we figure their weight in the metric system, then it makes it even easier. For example, if we have a puppy born weighing only 100 grams, then 10 percent of that puppies weight is 10 grams. These 10 grams equates to 10 milliliters. Now in English for the calf, if a calf weighs 80 pounds, and 1 pint is a pound world round. Ten percent of 80 pounds is 8 pounds or 8 pints, this equals 1 gallon.
In horses we normally take it a step further and figure that they need at least 100 grams of immunity proteins the first 24 hours.
Now, how do we know if momma is producing good quality colostrum? Well we have to check it. You can buy a colostrameter, but they are around $50 and very fragile. Or you can use an antifreeze tester. You just have to remember that a bull has to have two balls to be good, but a cow must float three balls and we only feed four-ball colostrum to newborns. This is a good way to remember it.
Now, what about all of those colostrum packages on the market that we see at the store? Most of them have immunity proteins against E. coli only. To my knowledge there are only two artificial, dehydrated colostral products on the market that have enough immunity proteins to work properly as a replacement. These others might help as a supplement, but there is a big difference between replacement and supplement. To give a supplement, means that momma is still giving the baby the bulk of the colostrum and/or immunity. To give a replacement means that we are taking over and giving full immunity to the baby. Still the best is actually from another mother or frozen four ball colostrum.
Dr. Tim E. O’Neill, DVM, owns Country Veterinary Service in Farmington, Ark.
