2. Transfer of immunity refers to the
transfer of antibodies from the
cow to the calf through
colostrum. To successful transfer
of immunity:-
• Calves must consume sufficient
amount of antibodies.
3. • Calves must be able to absorb
it through their intestines
through timely feeding of
colostrum into their blood
stream.
The above greatly enhances
their survival rate.
4. There is failure of transfer
of immunity when calves
do not have sufficient
protective levels of
antibodies in their blood
streams shortly after birth.
It means that the calf
has either.
5. Not consumed enough,
• Absorbed enough
antibodies into its own
body.
NOTE: Calves that have had
difficulties or prolonged births
often have failure of transfer
of immunity.
6. Such have an increased risk
of disease and are likely to
die pre-weaning.
Whats more failure of
transfer of immunity lead to:-
• Increased losses up to 6
month of
• Decreased rate of growth.
7. • Increased average age at first
calving.
• Reduction in milk production
during the early year in the
herd. Statistically, it is
estimated that approximately
8. 31% of pre-weaning deaths in the
developed world in the first 3 weeks
of life could be attributed to such
failure. In the developing world, the
figures are higher.
9. FEEDING CALVES
In feeding calves, focus on
the calf's health now while
aiming at productivity in
future. Apart from health, a
dairy farmer should provide
nutrition to ensure:
10. • Steady development of the
rumen.
• Better growth rate,
• Improved milk production in
the future
Healthy calf development
depends on correct nutrition.
11. BUT most importantly,
future productivity of
calves demand a strategic
manipulation of rumen
development for the effect
of good nutrition and
focused rumen provided at
the start of a calf's life has
a big impart in terms of:-
12. • General health status,
• Growth and weaning age,
• Fertility and mating, and
• Productive levels
While providing calves with
good quality colostrum
straight after birth gets them
off to a great start,
13. the next challenge is to help
the animal make a smooth
transition from being a
drinker to an eater. The calf
should be helped from day one
to move from obtaining her
nutrients from to obtaining
more and more of its nutrients
from solid feeds.
14. Apart from colostrum, one
other important nutrient
for a calf from day one is
fresh, clean water.
Understanding the basics
about how:-
• A cow digest milk
• A cow digests water
15. • A cow digests
grain /concentrates
• A cow digests fibre & pasture
allows farmers to work with a
calf's digestive system to
achieve successful weaning
and future production.
16.
17. This groove allows milk to
bypass the rumen and enter
the abomasum directly. Once
in the abomasum it clots
and nutrients are released
into the blood stream. After a
while, this clot moves into the
intestines where it is digested
further.
18. WATER FOR THE CALF
Water is required to maintain
normal body function in all
animals regardless of age. It
must be available to all calves
from birth and should be
fresh and clean at all times.
19. This is because:-
• Water is an intergal part of
every cell in the calf's body
• Water helps to avoid
dehydration in calves that
are scouring.
• Water is needed for the
rumen to function.
20. • Water needs to be supplied
separately-never rely on
milk/milk replaces to
supply the requirements of
calves. Calves should have
water from day one and the
same should be clean and
fresh.
