Newborn calves enter the world without a functional immune system, making them highly vulnerable to disease-causing pathogens present on their mother's tail, the ground, and nearby feed sources.
As soon as the calf starts nibbling around, those evil pathogens find their way into the mouth and digestive system.
The first dose of colostrum from the mother is the first line of defense for the calf where crucial antibodies are transferred serving as the calf's initial defense against infection.
Whew!
But what if the colostrum is weak? It happens.
Or, what if they don’t get much? It happens.
This leaves the newborn calf in a vulnerable position. Unprotected.
Scours is typically the first warning sign, but not always. Sometimes the signs are more subtle.
But wait, there’s more!
Did you know that calves have two immune systems?
The Two Immune Systems of a Calf
- Passive Immunity from Colostrum: The antibodies transferred from the mother through colostrum provide immediate, short-term protection.
- The Microbiome: A microscopic army covering both the inside and outside of the calf's body, the microbiome plays a critical role in long-term immunity. Studies show that it comprises up to 80% of the calf's immune system.
When the calf passes through the birth canal, it receives the first transfer of microbiome from the mother. The outside is covered.
The internal microbiome takes longer to establish, developing through feeding and environmental exposure. It develops as the calf eats and grows for several weeks.
If either defense fails in the least, your calves are susceptible to problems such as the inability to absorb nutrients properly and even disease.
Studies show that calves who get sick in the first weeks of life never fully reach their true potential. But you can prevent all of that.
Calf Start, by LifeStock Animal Health, provides BOTH, antibodies for added protection and a head start on microbiome development.
Developed by PhD nutritionists at Montana State University, Calf Start contains scientifically proven ingredients in optimal concentrations to support your calves' health and growth.
LifeStock has been selling out as fast as they can manufacture. So, give your calves a head start by ordering your box of Calf Start today.
Click here to learn more and get ready for calving season.
P.S. They offer a 100%, money-back guarantee so you aren’t risking your hard-earned money.
The microbiome protects your calves. LifeStock protects the microbiome.
P.S.S. - *FOR YOU CATTLE GEEKS OUT THERE – HERE’S SOME SUPPORTING RESEARCH
Here's a summary of claims along with supporting research:
- Newborn Calves and Immune System Development:
- Claim: Newborn calves are born without a fully developed immune system, making them vulnerable to pathogens in their environment.
- Supporting Research: Calves are born agammaglobulinemic, meaning they lack immunoglobulins and rely on the passive transfer of immunity through colostrum ingestion. Colostrum provides essential antibodies, cytokines, and immune cells that are crucial for the calf's initial immune defense.
- Source: https://jasbsci.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40104-020-00509-3
- Importance of Colostrum:
- Claim: The first dose of colostrum is vital for transferring antibodies from the mother to the calf.
- Supporting Research: Colostrum contains high concentrations of immunoglobulins, particularly IgG, which are absorbed by the calf's intestine to provide passive immunity. This transfer is most effective within the first few hours after birth.
- Source: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/14/7/1130
- Risks of Inadequate Colostrum Intake:
- Claim: If colostrum is weak or insufficient, calves remain vulnerable to diseases.
- Supporting Research: Failure of passive transfer (FPT) of immunoglobulins due to inadequate colostrum intake or poor-quality colostrum increases the risk of neonatal diseases, such as scours (diarrhea), and can lead to higher morbidity and mortality rates.
- Source: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/14/7/1130
- Dual Components of the Calf's Immune System:
- Claim: Calves have two immune defenses: antibodies from colostrum and the microbiome.
- Supporting Research: The neonatal calf's immune system comprises passive immunity acquired through colostrum and the developing microbiome. The microbiome plays a significant role in modulating the immune system and protecting against pathogens.
- Role of the Microbiome:
- Claim: The microbiome, acquired during birth and through feeding, constitutes a major part of the calf's immune system.
- Supporting Research: The establishment of a healthy microbiome begins at birth, with initial colonization influenced by maternal factors such as vaginal microbiota and colostrum. A well-established microbiome is crucial for the development and function of the calf's immune system.
- Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-72296-0
- Long-term Impact of Early-life Illnesses:
- Claim: Calves that become ill in the first weeks of life may never reach their full potential.
- Supporting Research: Early-life diseases can have long-term effects on growth and productivity. Calves that experience illnesses like scours early in life often exhibit reduced weight gain and may not achieve optimal performance later.
- Source: https://jasbsci.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40104-020-00509-3
These studies support the importance of ensuring adequate colostrum intake and promoting a healthy microbiome to enhance the immune function and overall health of newborn calves.