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Colostrum management for beef calves in cow-calf operations

Important to know...

Why colostrum quality matters for beef calves

Excellent colostrum management for beef calves ensures successful maternal antibody transfer. It also provides the calf with essential growth factors and sufficient energy for thermoregulation . It is crucial for calves in cow-calf operations to receive high-quality cattle colostrum as soon as possible after delivery. That is why colostrum quality is essential for good colostrum management for beef calves.

Cattle colostrum is the first milk cows produce after calving. It is rich in bovine colostrum immunoglobulins, essential nutrients, and growth factors that are critical for beef calf survival, immunity and growth. Read on to discover:

  • best practices for colostrum management for beef calves in cow-calf operations
  • metrics to evaluate maternal antibody transfer in beef cattle
  • natural ways to enhance cattle colostrum quality

Improving cattle colostrum quality

Cow colostrum can provide beef calves with passive immunity. That's because cattle colostrum with enough bovine colostrum immunoglobulin (i.a. IgG & IgA) ensures successful antibody transfer. This protects beef calves from pathogens during their critical first weeks of life.

Passive transfer is important for calf health and survival rates, because the immune response of newborn beef calves is slow and often inadequate for two reasons:

  1. Cow colostrum assists newborn beef calves since their immune systems are undeveloped and cannot manufacture antibodies right away.
  2. Newborn beef calves have not been exposed to pathogens and as a result, they do not have an immunological memory.

Cattle colostrum also boosts energy delivery – and delivers essential nutrients that support thermoregulation, growth, and gut development of beef calves.

Improve colostrum management for beef calves in your cow-calf operation to ensure you wean one calf per cow per year.

How can we measure the success of colostrum management for beef calves?

According to studies conducted in western Canada1, 28% of beef calves have failure of passive immune transfer, whereas maternal antibody transfer in beef cattle is successful in 72% of beef calves. Similar studies conducted in the United States2 demonstrate that in 75–85%, of beef calves, maternal antibody transfer is successful. Regional differences in maternal antibody transfer in beef cattle are ascribed to environmental stress, differences in colostrum management, and diet.

Beef calves that are born in challenging conditions (e.g., harsh weather, high pathogen loads, or beef calves born to heifers) show even lower rates of successful maternal antibody in beef cattle. Between 30–50% of beef calves in more challenging conditions suffer from failure of passive immunity transfer 3,4.

Parameter Adjusted Odds Ratio 95% CI or OR
Preweaning mortality IgG value 24 hours
Adequate 1.0
Marginal -
Inadequate 5.4 1.3 to 23.5
Neonatal morbidity IgG value 24 hours
Adequate 1.0
Marginal 2.1 0.4 to 10.7
Inadequate 6.4 2.6 to 15.7
Preweaning morbidity IgG value 24 hours
Adequate 1.0
Marginal 3.6 1.3 to 10.0
Inadequate 3.2 1.6 to 6.4
Feedlot morbidity IgG value 24 hours
Adequate 1.0
Inadequate 3.0 1.4 to 6.3
Feedlot respiratory morbidity IgG value 24 hours
Adequate 1.0
Inadequate 3.1 1.5 to 6.5

Parameter Adjusted Odds Ratio 95% CI or OR
Preweaning mortality IgG value 24 hours
Adequate 1.0
Marginal -
Inadequate 5.4 1.3 to 23.5
Neonatal morbidity IgG value 24 hours
Adequate 1.0
Marginal 2.1 0.4 to 10.7
Inadequate 6.4 2.6 to 15.7
Preweaning morbidity IgG value 24 hours
Adequate 1.0
Marginal 3.6 1.3 to 10.0
Inadequate 3.2 1.6 to 6.4
Feedlot morbidity IgG value 24 hours
Adequate 1.0
Inadequate 3.0 1.4 to 6.3
Feedlot respiratory morbidity IgG value 24 hours
Adequate 1.0
Inadequate 3.1 1.5 to 6.5

Table 1, The impact of colostrum management for beef calves. Odds ratios and confidence Intervals for different health parameters of calves with adequate, marginal or inadequate maternal antibody transfer, resulting in differences in passive immunity. An Odds Ratio for preweaning mortality of calves with marginal transfer of passive immunity could not be given as there was no preweaning mortality in beef calves with marginal maternal antibody transfer in beef cattle. Values in bold are significant (p=0.05).

What are the consequences of poor maternal antibody transfer to beef calves?

Inadequate colostrum management for beef calves leading to poor maternal antibody transfer, results in a higher incidence of disease in the first 28 days of their life and a higher disease incidence and a higher mortality in the period between birth and weaning. Beef calves with failure of passive immune transfer also have a higher disease risk in the period after they have been moved into a feedlot. If colostrum management for beef calves is poor, weaning weight and Average Daily Gain will also be lower4,5.

In a US study4 looking at colostrum management for beef calves in a cow-calf operation, 21% of the calves suffered from failure of maternal antibody transfer in beef cattle, 28% had a partially adequate maternal antibody transfer and only 51% of beef calves had an adequate maternal antibody transfer. Beef calves with failure of passive immune transfer were compared with beef calves that had adequate passive immune transfer or with beef calves with partially adequate passive immune transfer (see Table 1).

Poor colostrum management for beef calves increases mortality and reduces performance. Compared to beef calves with adequate maternal antibody transfer, beef calves with partial or complete failure of maternal antibody transfer had:

  • An increased risk of mortality during the period between birth and weaning
  • An increased risk of morbidity in the first 28 days of their lives and during the entire period between birth and weaning
  • A 16 kg lower body weight a weaning
When compared to beef calves with adequate or partially adequate passive immune transfer, beef calves with failure of maternal antibody transfer in beef cattle had a 9.5-time higher risk of being classified as sick before weaning.

Once moved into the feedlot, calves with failure of maternal antibody transfer in beef cattle had:

  • An increased risk of morbidity in general as well as morbidity due to respiratory disease
  • A 40 gram lower mean Average Daily Gain
This is why excellent colostrum management for beef calves is essential for the profitability of a cow-calf operation.

Best practices for colostrum management for beef calves include monitoring cow colostrum quality. Measuring the quality of a cow colostrum sample with the Brix refractometer is relatively easy and provides a reliable method to select beef cattle colostrum that has bovine colostrum IgG levels that are > 50 g/L.

Parameters for measuring colostrum quality in cattle

The bovine colostrum immunoglobulin concentration is a crucial metric for evaluating the quality of cattle colostrum. Taking cattle colostrum samples from animals in commercial cow-calf operations in not very practical. While measuring bovine colostrum IgG levels in cattle colostrum is a routine process for dairy farmers, it is not part of best practices for colostrum management for beef calves. Compared to other cattle colostrum quality parameters, the immunoglobulin concentration of cattle colostrum is relatively easy to measure. High-quality cattle colostrum contains at least 50 mg/mL of bovine colostrum immunoglobulin G (IgG).

Cattle colostrum quality can be measured with a colostrometer or with a refractometer. Studies6,7,8,9 have reported that a value between 18% and 23% Brix, measured with a Brix refractometer is an appropriate cut-off point for determining good-quality colostrum (bovine colostrum IgG >50 g/L).

Assessing the effectiveness of maternal antibody transfer in beef cattle in cow-calf operations

The effectiveness of colostrum management for beef calves can be measured by testing maternal antibody transfer. Maternal antibody transfer in beef cattle can be assessed by taking serum samples of beef calves shortly after birth and measuring the amount of immunoglobulin G (IgG). Beef calves generally require a higher concentration of bovine colostrum IgG in their blood (24 g/L) to indicate successful maternal antibody transfer in beef cattle compared to dairy cattle (10 g/L)10,11,12. This higher requirement is due to the differences in their environment, management systems, and inherent risks10,13,14,15.

Beef calves are facing a higher environmental exposure to pathogens
Beef calves are often born outdoors in pasture settings where exposure to environmental pathogens can be higher compared to dairy calves, which are typically born in a more controlled barn environment. The increased exposure of beef calves to pathogens means beef calves need a stronger immune defense, which is achieved by higher levels of bovine colostrum IgG in their blood. That is why cattle colostrum quality matters for calf immunity.

Differences in maternal supervision of beef cows and in early care
Beef calves are often managed with less human intervention immediately after birth, relying more heavily on maternal care of their dams. In contrast, dairy calves are often closely monitored and managed in individual housing systems, which can reduce pathogen exposure and the immediate need for high bovine colostrum IgG levels.

Variation between beef calves in cow colostrum intake behavior
Beef calves typically nurse directly from their mothers. Cattle colostrum quality is not being measured. The intake of cattle colostrum by beef calves may be less consistent compared to dairy calves, who are usually fed measured volumes of high-quality cow colostrum by hand. The variability in colostrum consumption explains why colostrum quality matters for calf immunity. If colostrum quality is excellent, more calves in the herd will reach the bovine colostrum IgG threshold that indicates successful maternal antibody transfer in beef cattle.

Survival and growth expectations for beef calves
Beef calves are expected to thrive in a more rugged and less controlled environment. Therefore immunity of beef calves needs to be stronger to survive the harsher conditions of range or pasture. This means that successful maternal antibody transfer in beef cattle is very important. Dairy calves, by contrast, are generally raised in environments designed to minimize health challenges, so the threshold for adequate maternal antibody transfer is lower. That is why transfer of bovine colostrum immunoglobulin to beef calves is only considered to be successful if serum IgG levels of beef calves immediately after birth are 24 g/L or higher.

Higher disease risk in cow-calf operation settings
Best practices for colostrum management for beef calves often include that beef calves remain with their mothers, increasing their risk of exposure to diseases through contact with other beef cattle and shared environments. Dairy calves are typically separated from their dams and raised in more isolated conditions, reducing their pathogen exposure and the immediate need for elevated bovine colostrum IgG levels.

Physiological and immunological differences
Beef breeds may have slightly different physiological demands or immunological responses compared to the demands and responses of dairy breeds. This necessitates a higher bovine colostrum immunoglobulin threshold for successful maternal antibody transfer.

In summary, colostrum management for beef calves is considered to be adequate if they reach a bovine colostrum IgG level in their serum of 24 g/L 10,11,12,13,14,15 . This reflects the increased environmental risks and different management practices in beef systems, compared to the more controlled and closely monitored conditions in which dairy calves are typically raised. The higher threshold for bovine colostrum immunoglobulin levels in beef calf serum ensures that beef calves have the robust passive immunity required to thrive in their natural, often challenging environments.


Colostrum management: How to improve colostrum quality for beef calves

Best practices for colostrum management for beef calves in cow-calf operations include that beef calves receive cattle colostrum within the first 2 hours of life, as their ability to absorb bovine colostrum IgG decreases significantly after 12–24 hours. Beef calves should consume 8-10% of their body weight in cattle colostrum within the first 24 hours. For an average beef calf weighing 40 kg, approximately 3-4 litres of cattle colostrum needs to be fed within 24 hours after birth to ensure maternal antibody transfer in beef cattle is successful. The majority of beef calves nurse directly from their dams. This means that neither cattle colostrum quality nor the intake of cattle colostrum by beef calves is being measured. Compared to dairy calves, it is harder to ensure that best practices for colostrum management for beef calves in cow-calf operations are implemented successfully. It is therefore important to implement strategies to improve cattle colostrum quality in beef cows to reduce the risk that bovine immunoglobulin levels in calves do not reach the desired level of 24 g/L.

High-quality beef cattle colostrum contains sufficient levels of bovine colostrum immunoglobulin G (IgG), nutrients, and growth factors essential for calf health. Best practices for colostrum management for beef calves therefore include optimizing the health and management of the cow during pregnancy and during the period immediately after calving.



BCS at calving Calf ADG (lb) Calf ADG (kg) Calf weaning weight (lb) Calf weaning weight (kg)
3.0 1.60 lb 0.73 kg 374 lb 170 kg
4.0 1.75 lb 0.79 kg 460 lb 209 kg
5.0 1.85 lb 0.84 kg 514 lb 233 kg
6.0 1.85 lb 0.84 kg 514 lb 233 kg



BCS at calving Calf ADG (lb) Calf ADG (kg) Calf weaning weight (lb) Calf weaning weight (kg)
3.0 1.60 lb 0.73 kg 374 lb 170 kg
4.0 1.75 lb 0.79 kg 460 lb 209 kg
5.0 1.85 lb 0.84 kg 514 lb 233 kg
6.0 1.85 lb 0.84 kg 514 lb 233 kg

Figure 1: Cattle colostrum yield at first milking of cows fed Selko IntelliBond trace minerals or sulphate trace minerals, presented separately for heifers and multiparous dairy cows. Across parities, cows fed Selko IntelliBond trace minerals produced about 1 kg of cow colostrum extra.

Table 2: Relationship of body condition score (BCS) of beef cows at calving and growth performance of beef calves.

Ensure proper nutrition of beef cows during late gestation
A beef cow's nutritional status significantly impacts cattle colostrum production and quality. The late gestation period of beef cattle is critical. Nutrient demands for fetal growth and cattle colostrum synthesis increase during this period12,16. Natural ways to enhance cattle colostrum quality therefore include adequate supply of energy and protein to meet the nutritional demands of beef cattle during late pregnancy. Supplementing trace minerals for beef cattle (e.g., zinc, selenium, copper) and vitamins (e.g., vitamin E), that support immune function and bovine colostrum immunoglobulin production, is important during this period. Trials in dairy cattle17 have shown that feeding Selko IntelliBond trace minerals instead of sulphates increases cattle colostrum production by 19% (See Figure 1).

Increase antibody levels of the dam through vaccination
Vaccinating beef cattle during the final trimester of gestation improves colostrum quality by increasing the specific antibodies transferred to the calf18,19. If vaccines target prevalent pathogens in the region, such as Escherichia coli, rotavirus, and coronavirus, they can result in an improvement of maternal antibody transfer in beef cattle.

Minimize stress of beef cattle during late pregnancy
Stress during late pregnancy negatively impacts cattle colostrum quality by suppressing the immune system and reducing colostrum immunoglobulin concentration20, 21. Best practices for colostrum management for beef calves therefore include provision of adequate space, minimizing overcrowding and ensuring that cows can calve in an environment that is as stress-free as possible. Never separate cows that are calving from the rest of the herd. Handle pregnant beef cows gently to avoid unnecessary disruptions during late pregnancy.

Prevent and treat disease and parasite infestations of beef cattle
Best practices for colostrum management for beef calves include treating and preventing internal parasites, such as worms, and diseases like Johne's disease or mastitis, which can reduce colostrum yield and cattle colostrum quality22,23. Implement regular health monitoring and parasite control protocols for beef cattle.

Ensure the Body Condition Score of beef cattle at calving is correct
A correct Body Condition Score of beef cows at calving would be 5.0 to 6.0 on a 9-point scale. Cows with an optimal BCS (5-6 on a 9-point scale) during calving produce better colostrum than under-conditioned (too thin) or over-conditioned (too fat) cows24,25. If beef cows calve with a BCS of 4.0 or thinner, they produce less colostrum. The calving process of beef cows with a low BCS at calving is slower and they give birth to calves that are less vigorous and stand later26. The poor maternal antibody transfer in beef cattle with low BCS scores results in poor performance of their calves (see Table 2). This illustrates the importance of targeting mature cows to calve in a BCS of at least 5.0. First-calf-heifers have only reached about 85% of their mature weight after calving and therefore require additional nutrients to support growth. Aim at a BCS of 6.0 at calving for beef heifers in cow-calf operations.

Figure 2: Levels of bovine colostrum IgG at 24 hours post partum in cattle colostrum from beef cows fed 500 mg Fytera Lacteco per cow/day or 250 mg Fytera Lacteco per cow/day during the last 30 days of pregnancy compared to control cows on the same diet without Fytera Lacteco. Phytogenic feed additives for beef cattle, such as Fytera Lacteco present a natural way to enhance cattle colostrum quality (Trt: P= 0.34, Linear: P= 0.15, Quadratic: p= 0.67).

Monitor the calving process of beef cattle
Dystocia can reduce cattle colostrum quality and delays milk letdown27,28. Dystocia can also have a negative impact on beef calf vigor directly after calving. Avoid delayed calving and a prolonged calving process of beef cows by managing calving timing and by ensuring beef cows are in a stress-free environment when they are calving.

Select for genetics favouring colostrum quality of beef cattle
Some cows naturally produce higher-quality cattle colostrum due to genetic predisposition. Natural ways to enhance cattle colostrum quality therefore include the use of sires and dams with a history of good colostrum production. Selection of animals for breeding can therefore improve herd maternal antibody transfer in beef cattle over time29,30.

Selko cattle mineral supplements and phytogenic feed additives for beef cattle can improve cattle colostrum quality

Impact of Selko IntelliBond on colostrum production
Compared to sulphate trace mineral sources, Selko IntelliBond trace minerals are less reactive in the rumen, resulting in an improvement of rumen function31, NDF digestibility32, health33 and performance17 of cattle. A trial in dairy cattle carried out at the University of Florida17 showed that feeding Selko IntelliBond trace minerals resulted in an increase of cow colostrum volume of 19%.

Fytera Lacteco , a phytogenic feed additive improving cattle colostrum quality
Fytera Lacteco is phytogenic feed additive for beef cattle containing a blend of turmeric, capsicum, and black pepper extracts. Feeding Fytera Lacteco to beef cattle during the last 30 days before calving can assist in improving cattle colostrum quality, resulting in a significant improvement of maternal antibody transfer to beef calves (see Figure 2) and an increase in body weight at day 56 after birth34. Using phytogenic feed additives for beef cattle is therefore one of the natural ways to enhance cattle colostrum quality.

Best practices for colostrum management in cow-calf operations

How to improve colostrum quality in beef cows includes understanding the role of proper nutrition, vaccination, stress management, and management of overall health of the cow during pregnancy. By implementing best practices for improving colostrum management in cow-calf operations, producers can significantly improve maternal antibody transfer in beef cattle and reduce the risk of colostrum deficiency syndrome in calves. These efforts contribute to healthier calves with better passive immunity and a better long-term health and performance. Implementing genetic selection and maintaining optimal body condition scores are natural ways to enhance colostrum quality in cattle and should be part of long-term strategies to sustain high-quality colostrum production.

IntelliBond and Fytera Secure are feed additives for beef cattle that can be included in a programme to assist in improving colostrum management in cow-calf operations. Feeding Selko IntelliBond to beef cattle during pregnancy increases the amount of colostrum produced. A natural way to enhance colostrum quality in cattle is the use of a phytogenic feed additive such as Fytera Secure. Both products can insist in improving colostrum management in cow-calf operations, reducing the risk of failure of maternal antibody transfer in beef cattle.

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References about colostrum management for beef calves

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  17. Adeoti, T, Sarwar, Z, Marinho, M.N, Rasia, J, Oliveira, L.R.S, Simões, B.S, Perdomo, M.C, Griswold, K. and J. E. P. Santos. (2024). Effects of source of trace minerals on production performance in dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci: 107, Suppl. 1, 242.
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Selko solutions for growth performance in beef cattle

Find out more about growth performance in beef cattle

Growth performance in cow-calf operations

Colostrum deficiency among beef calves on a cow-calf operation

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Growth performance in cow-calf operations

The effect of Fytera Lacteco on colostrum deficiency of beef calves

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Healthy and productive cows grazing in the field

Growth performance in cow-calf operations

Supplementing beef cattle with rumen protected B vitamins

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Growth performance in cow-calf operations

Weaning beef calves in cow-calf operations

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Selko Feed Additives 

Making sustainable cattle farming more profitable

Selko IntelliOpt Cr

Selko IntelliOpt Cr for beef is a blend of Selko IntelliBond hydroxy trace minerals with Selko Optimin organic trace minerals and chromium propionate. Research proves that Selko IntelliOpt Cr is a trace mineral blend that improves health, feed efficiency and perfomance of beef cattle.

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Selko Vivalto

Beef cattle on diets containing high levels of starch can suffer from subacute rumen acidosis, with reduced vitamin B synthesis by rumen microbes as a result. B vitamins play a vital role in carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism of beef cattle. As a result, beef diets containing high levels of starch cannot always meet vitamin B requirements of beef cattle. B Vitamin supplementation with rumen protected B vitamins in Selko Vivalto for beef cattle has been shown to improve feed efficiency and average daily gain of beef cattle in feedlots. Feeding Selko Vivalto to cows in cow calf operations will increase weaning weight of beef calves in cow calf operations.

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Fytera Lacteco

Beef producers can significantly improve colostrum quality of beef cattle. Fytera Lacteco is a beef cattle supplement containing a phytogenic feed additive for beef cattle. Feeding Fytera Lacteco increases bovine colostrum immunoglobulin levels. Next to increasing bovine colostrum IgG levels and IgA levels, feeding Fytera Lacteco to beef cattle also increases the amount of fat in cow colostrum, offering calves the energy they need for thermoregulation early in life. Feeding Fytera Lacteco reduces the risk of failure of maternal antibody transfer to beef calves, reducing the risk of colostrum deficiency of calves.

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Selko® LactiBute®

Adding Selko LactiBute to the ration increases milk production while increasing fat and protein levels at the same time. This results in an increase of Energy Corrected Milk of 0.85-1 kg per head per day.

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Selko® IntelliBond®

Adding Selko LactiBute to the ration increases milk production while increasing fat and protein levels at the same time. This results in an increase of Energy Corrected Milk of 0.85-1 kg per head per day.

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Selko AOmix

Oxidative stress in beef cattle can be addressed with balanced diets enriched with antioxidants in Selko AOmix, ensuring improved average daily gain, immune function, and reproduction by offering full cellular delivery of the antioxidants contained in Selko AOmix for beef.

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