Colostrum — the first milk produced after birth — is essential for calf immunity and survival. Inadequate colostrum management is one of the leading causes of preventable calf mortality and disease.
Colostrum failure is largely preventable but remains a significant cause of calf suffering and death on many farms. Poor management — delayed feeding, insufficient quantity, low quality, or contaminated colostrum — leads to immune failure and increased vulnerability to painful and often fatal diseases. Best-practice dairy farms now have written colostrum protocols, trained staff, and testing equipment as standard. These farms see substantially lower calf mortality, better growth rates, and reduced antibiotic use — benefits for both welfare and economics.