Accelerate a calf’s ability to overcome scours
By Nathan Upah, Ruminant Technical Leader, TechMix
Many producers focus on early-life colostrum intake, but the benefits of colostrum extend well beyond those critical first hours after birth.
Colostrum is a molecular powerhouse
Colostrum is a molecular powerhouse, and its practical applications, especially for post-gut closure calves, are incredibly diverse.
Calf scours is one of the leading health challenges calves encounter, and one area where bioactive compounds derived from bovine colostrum can significantly boost animal health and productivity. Scours can quickly escalate from mild digestive upset to life-threatening dehydration and weakness. Even in older calves, colostrum’s immune-boosting components can be a game-changer. By leveraging colostrum’s protective factors, infections can be fought, recovery hastened, and gut health maintained. Colostrum contains over 90 bioactive components, and at least seven key factors—immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase, lysozyme, neutrophils/macrophages, cytokines, and oligosaccharides—working together to defend calves from enteric infections.
Immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM)
Beyond the newborn stage, immunoglobulins from colostrum support the calf’s immune system by binding to and neutralizing pathogens in the gut, preventing infections that lead to scours. Supplementing calves of any age with colostrum’s bioactives during scours helps reinforce their immune response and reduces diarrhea severity.
Lactoferrin
Lactoferrin limits bacterial growth by binding to iron, an essential nutrient for pathogens. During scours, it acts as a natural antimicrobial, reducing bacterial load and restoring gut health.
Lactoperoxidase
Lactoperoxidase is an antimicrobial protein that remains active in the gut, providing defense against pathogens, particularly during stress or environmental changes.
Lysozyme
Lysozyme breaks down bacterial cell walls, aiding in the elimination of scours-causing bacteria and reducing infection in the gut.
Neutrophils and Macrophages
These immune cells, transferred through colostrum, actively target and destroy pathogens, aiding in quicker recovery during scours.
Cytokines
Cytokines regulate immune responses, ensuring the calf’s system reacts effectively to scours-causing pathogens.
Oligosaccharides
Oligosaccharides act as prebiotics, fostering beneficial bacteria in the gut to maintain a balanced microbiome, essential for protecting against harmful pathogens.
Hydration During Scouring Events
Alongside the immune benefits of bioactive compounds, hydration is crucial. Calves can quickly dehydrate due to fluid loss from diarrhea, making high-quality electrolytes vital during scours events.
Colostrum isn’t just a one-time benefit for newborn calves—it’s mom’s secret weapon that even older calves can count on to combat heath challenges, like scours. Harnessing the unique power of colostrum’s immuno-supportive components, can help shorten the duration and severity of scours infections and help calves bounce back faster. Combine that with proper hydration, and you have a winning formula to keep the future of your herd healthy and thriving.