Dairy Manufacturers, Inc.

Articles

"Biosecurity, Dry Cow Prep, and Calf Care Immediately after Birth"
Mike Watkins, Ph.D.
Dairy Manufacturers, Inc.

Biosecurity

An effective biosecurity program should be designed to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases to animals on to the farm by, among other things, limiting access. For the calving and calf-rearing areas, restrict access to authorized personnel only. Keep out pets and vermin as well as people. Maintain footbaths, vehicle washdowns and other sanitizing exposure-reduction procedures daily to keep them effective. Management by example is essential.

Dry Cow Prep

Have cows calve in a clean, dry area. For cows in labor, clean vaginal area with warm soapy water and dry to minimize contaminating the birth canal should examination and/or assistance in delivery be necessary. Wash udder and teats and sanitize teats to minimize contaminating colostrum removed from cow shortly (within 30 minutes) after delivery. OB chains should be clean and sanitized (never use ropes - impossible to really clean and sanitize).

Calf Care Immediately after Birth

Clean nasal passages, if needed, to ensure calf is breathing. Check for any other abnormalities. Dip navel cord in 7% tincture of iodine. Dry calf and remove to a clean, dry, draft-free, well-bedded hutch. Do not leave calf with cow to nurse. Apply identification ear tag. Collect 2+ quarts of colostrum and check colostrum quality with a colostrometer before feeding. Feed only clean, high-quality colostrum ths first day. Feed 2 or more quarts (10% to 12% of birth weight) within first hour post partum. (Thaw and feed saved high-quality colostrum if fresh colostrum from dam is not of high quality.) Feed 2+ more quarts within next 12 hours. Lower-quality, clean colostrum may be fed days 2 and 3 or blended half and half with milk replacer. Use a clean, dry esophageal tube, if necessary, to ensure colostrum ingestion.