Neonates and growing

Question 1

Describe the properties of colostrum

Answer 1

Supercharged (nutrient dense product)- with proteins, fats and solids
-Concentrated source of special nutrients and bioactive compounds that cannot cross the placenta or cross in small amounts (immunoglobulins, fat soluble vitamins, hormones)

Question 2

Why is there less water in colostrum compared to normal milk?

Answer 2

In order to concentrate the nutrient density

Question 3

When is the critical period in a young ruminants life in which their body is adjusting to creating hormones/insulin of their own?

Answer 3

First 3 weeks of life

Question 4

What is the main cause of early neonatal mortality?

Answer 4

Low IgG concentrations in the first 24 hours of life

Question 5

What nutrients does colostrum help aid the absorption of?

Answer 5

Glucose and fat
- these help to enhance the maturation of the GI mucosa

Question 6

What is the goal of how much colostrum per body weight a ruminant should consume in the first 24 hours of life?

Answer 6

10% (3-5 L for calf, 250-500 mL/lamb)

Question 7

What can decrease the IgG content of colostrum?

Answer 7

Pasteurization, cooling, heating

Question 8

When does the best absorption of colostrum occur?

Answer 8

<6 hours of age

Question 9

What method of calf intake of colostrum allows for the best absorption?

Answer 9

Natural sucking, followed by bottle feeding followed by esophageal feeding

Question 10

What is the ideal IgG content of colostrum? How is this measured?

Answer 10

Ideal is >800-1000 mg/dL
-calf serum protein >5 g/dL, calf plasma protein >5.5 g/dL

Protein is good indicator of IgG content and can be measured on a refractometer

Question 11

Do colostrum/milk replacers adequately reflect what mom produces?

Answer 11

NO

Question 12

How are dairy cows typically dealt with in the first 24 hours of life?

Answer 12

They are separated from the dam at birth, fed colostrum for first 24 hours of life, then fed milk or milk replacer until weaning at 6-12 weeks of age
-milk is idea (waste milk or whole milk)

Question 13

Describe the qualities of transition milk

Answer 13

The nutrient concentration is between colostrum and milk
-what is milked out for the first 72-96 hours after parturition

Question 14

What are the pros and cons to feeding mastitic milk?

Answer 14

Pros: inexpensive, contains IgG
Cons: may harbor pathogens, low levels of antibiotics (should pasteurize to limit)

Question 15

When does the quality of milk or milk replacer matter the most?

Answer 15

In the first 3 weeks of life

Question 16

For dairy, what are the benefits of using milk replacer over normal milk?

Answer 16

Increased fat and protein (more similar to what a beef cow provides)

Question 17

When should calf starter feed be introduced to dairy cows?

Answer 17

In the first week of life

Question 18

When should hay be added?

Answer 18

At weaning
- rumen development is enhanced by grain, not hay (contains more butyric acid encouraging ruminal papilla growth)

Question 19

Should the process of weaning be abrupt or gradual?

Answer 19

Gradual!
-cut milk intake by 1/2 for several days

Question 20

What is the goal for when heifers should have their first calf?

Answer 20

by 24 months of age
-means she is pregnant at 14-15 months (bred at second cycle)

Question 21

From weaning to 6 months, what sort of diet is recommended?

Answer 21

Calf starter + high quality legume or grass hay
- best fed in pellet form to make monitoring easier

Question 22

What diet is recommended from 6 months until breeding?

Answer 22

High quality hay, corn or grain silage
-limit corn silage to 1/2 of forage intake
-can add in 1-8 lbs of concentrate depending on forage quality

Question 23

Why should you lead feed concentrates prior to parturition?

Answer 23

To slowly transition the cow to a lactating diet

Question 24

What are some methods for measuring body weight of cows?

Answer 24

Scales, weight tapes, hipometer
-can also use height and BCS to estimate