Feeding Neonates

Question 1

What is the most important component of colostrum?

Answer 1

IgG - very little transfer of antibodies in utero so gotta get it all thru the colostrum!!!

Question 2

What are some major differences between colostrum and whole milk?

Answer 2

IgG higher in colostrum
Lactose lower in colostrum
Water lower in colostrum (b/c higher solids)
Insulin is higher

Question 3

Why are so many compounds higher in colostrum than in milk?

Answer 3

B/c provides transition period for baby to start making own

Question 4

T/F: Though most of the focus of colostrum is based around getting IgG absorbed as quickly as possible, there are many other benefits of colostrum

Answer 4

True - Colostrum enhances glucose and fat absorption

Question 5

Goal is to feed ____% of body weight by 24 hours

Answer 5

10%

3-5L for calf
250-500 mL/lamb

Question 6

You lose a cow during a difficult dystocia. Before you leave the farm, what recommendation could you make to the farmer to benefit them in the future?

Answer 6

Milk the colostrum out and keep it for future use
Can stay frozen for up to 1y
Must be used w/in 48h of thawing

Question 7

Suckling <_______ hours of age leads to the best absorption of IgG

Answer 7

6 hours

Question 8

Place the following methods of colostrum feeding in order of most efficient absorption to least:

Bottle feeding
Esophageal feeding
Natural suckling

Answer 8

Natural suckling > bottle feeding > esophageal feeding

Question 9

What’s the most cost efficient way to assess colostrum intake and absorption?

Answer 9

Bleed the calf and check plasma/serum protein

Serum: >5g/dL
Plasma: >5.5g/dL

If you do a serum IgG (more expensive), ideal levels should be >800-1000mg/dL

Question 10

How much milk should a calf consume on a daily basis?

Answer 10

10% BW (minimum)
Up to 25% BW possible

Question 11

T/F: Within a species, females with a larger litter count will tend to make less concentrated milk.

Answer 11

False - they make a more concentrated milk (Ex. Cow 12% total solids, Sow 20% total solids)

Question 12

If you’re going to carry one milk replacer in your truck, what kind would be the best to have that can be used amongst many species?

Answer 12

Lamb!

Question 13

Very briefly describe how dairy calves are fed from birth to weaning

Answer 13

• Separated from mom at birth
• Fed colostrum (10% BW) w/in first 24h
• Fed milk/milk replacer until 6-12 weeks of age
• Begin calf starter in first week

Question 14

There are a few ways to wean a calf, what are two ways Swecker mentioned?

Answer 14

1. Cut milk intake by 1/2 for several days
2. Assure grain intake of 2-4lbs/day

Don’t want it to be totally abrupt

Question 15

Target for replacement heifers is to calve at _______ months of age

Answer 15

24

Meaning we want her pregnant around 15 months and hitting her first estrus around 13 months

Question 16

When’s an ideal time to start a heifer on a lactation diet?

Answer 16

About 1-2 months prior to parturition

Give her some time to adjust to what she’ll be eating during lactation

Question 17

What should you feed from weaning to 6 months?

Answer 17

Continue calf starter

Add high quality legume or grass hay

Question 18

What should you feed from 6mo to breeding (13-15mo)?

Answer 18

High quality forage
1-8lbs of concentrate depending on forage quality

Question 19

How can we monitor nutrition programs?

Answer 19

Body weight (scales, weight tapes, hipometer)
Height
Condition scores

Question 20

T/F: Calves absorb less IgG when left in the presence of the dam b/c they get distracted and don’t drink as much

Answer 20

False - calves absorb more Ig if left in the presence of the dam

Question 21

How does weather affect IgG concentrations in calves?

Answer 21

Extreme cold and heat are associated with decreased calf Ig and absorptive capacity

Question 22

What kinds of milk can be fed to calves?

Answer 22

Waste milk (transition or mastitis milk)
Whole milk
Milk replacer