Newborn calves are born without any antibodies to fight disease. Many get sick and some die. Colostrum is rich in antibodies, fat, energy and protein to get the calf off to a good start. There is no substitute for colostrum. Key points 1. The calf is born without any antibodies to fight disease. 2. Colostrum is the very first milk taken after calving 3. Colostrum contains high levels of antibodies 4. Make sure the calf drinks at least 10% of its weight within 24 hours 5. Feed as much of this colostrum as soon as possible after birth 6. The calf’s ability to absorb antibodies reduces immediately after birth 7. If the calf can’t drink, bottle or force feed it with warm colostrum. 8. Antibodies are not absorbed by the calf 24 hours after birth The calf needs 10% of it’s bodyweight as soon as possible after birth, certainly within the first 6 hours. This gets the calf off to a great start. This video explains all about colostrum and antibodies which are needed to fight disease. What colostrum is, why it is so important, how antibodies are absorbed from the gut and lots of practical tips. There no substitute for colostrum. If you get your colostrum management right then you will have healthy calves.