Colostrum as Antibodies and Reducing the Risk of Calves Dying from Diarrhea

Colostrum is a substance in the mammary glands secreted from the udder glands of mammals which is produced no later than 96 hours after giving birth. This substance can only be found at the beginning of the birth of a baby either from humans or animals. The antibody content in colostrum is very high which can protect the body from various diseases and infections during growth and development. Likewise for calves (calf) who must consume colostrum as soon as possible. Because the antibodies in it can reduce the risk of calves dying due to lack of nutrition and being susceptible to contracting diarrhea, pneumonia, and so on. 

Colostrum contains immunoglobulin which calves can only produce independently when they are 2 weeks old, higher nutritional content than pure milk, and helps the digestion of meconium which is a laxative.  (a compound that facilitates and improves the performance of digestive contents in calves).

This explanation was delivered by a Professor of the Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Brawijaya (Fapet UB), Prof. Puguh Surjowardojo when giving counseling to the Rojokoyo Farm cattle group, Tuesday (18/10/2022). The activity which took place in Pesanggrahan Village, Batu City, was carried out with the community service team. It consists of Zia ul Rahman Fithron, MBA, Hanum Muarifah, M.Sc., Ahmad Khoirul Umam, M.Sc, and involves undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Prof. Puguh said that if the cows cannot produce colostrum within 24 hours after giving birth, the way to avoid calf death is substitution. The ingredients used for this technique are mixing one beaten egg in 0.3 L of water, plus 1 teaspoon of castor oil, and 0.6 L of fresh milk. 

“Although this artificial milk substance cannot replace colostrum, albumin in eggs can be quickly absorbed by the intestinal wall and stimulates the formation of globulin (insoluble protein) in the cow’s body.” explained Puguh

Meanwhile, the representative of the livestock group, Darji expressed his gratitude for the knowledge that had been given, with counseling like this we breeders could obtain additional insight and knowledge about the benefits of colostrum. (dta)