When you’re deciding how to feed your Jerseys, you’ll want to use a Jersey cow feeding chart. This will ensure that your ration has the right balance of feed sources and energy levels. Jersey rations are slightly different from Holstein rations in that they’re generally lower in copper, which can be a concern. If you’re not sure which feed sources are best for your cows, consult a nutritionist or farm consultant.
Colostrum should be fed to Jersey calves within two hours of birth
The colostrum, which is the first milk produced after a calf is extremely nutritious and also contains important antibodies that the newborn calf needs. These antibodies are not passed across the placenta during pregnancy and are essential for the immune system of the newborn calf. It is important to feed the calf as soon as possible after birth, since the absorption of antibodies decreases with delay. The first feeding of colostrum should take place within two hours of birth and the second feeding should be within 8 to 12 hours.
A good colostrum feed program requires a combination of quality and quantity. The Jersey calf should be fed at least two feedings of colostrum within the first 12 hours of life, and each feeding should contain a concentration of 10 to 12% of its body weight. While new research is underway, it’s expected to reveal more recommendations for feeding the calves colostrum beyond two hours after birth.
A new study shows that colostrum feeds can be stored for a long time and is still safe for the calves to consume. But how much colostrum is safe for newborn calves? J. Dairy Sci., 61:1033-1060 (2006)
Colostrum should be warm (100-105@F)
The goal of colostrum feeding is to provide clean and quality colostrum to clinically healthy calves between the ages of one and seven days. When possible, feed colostrum to calves as soon as possible after birth. Typically, calves need three to four quarts of warm colostrum at each feeding. Colostrum should be warm (100-105@F) and in a liquid form.
Colostrum should be fed within two hours of birth
Generally, colostrum is best fed to newborn kids within two hours of birth. This is because babies have limited energy reserves and need access to colostrum as quickly as possible. It helps them maintain body temperature and survive in cold weather. But, if your baby is not strong enough to eat colostrum, it may not be safe to store it for your child. If you don’t have time to express colostrum, you can bottle-feed colostrum for your baby.
Colostrum is a rich source of immune factors. It can help fight off infections. It contains white blood cells that challenge harmful pathogens. They produce antibodies that neutralise the harmful effects of bacteria and viruses, which are responsible for causing diarrhoea and tummy upsets. Those immune cells are crucial to your baby’s health. Colostrum can provide the immune system needed to fight off infections and keep your baby growing and thriving.
During the first few hours after birth, your baby is likely to be quite alert. You can try feeding him or her with colostrum, but the newborn is most likely to feed well if he is in skin-to-skin contact with his or her mother. Your healthcare team can demonstrate to you how to hand express colostrum or feed it to your baby by syringe or spoon. After the first feed, your baby will likely sleep for a few hours. Then, he or she may feed up to five times in the first 24 hours.
