REVIEW: Colostrum supplements and replacers for dairy calves1

Colostrum is key in establishing the initial immune protection for the neonatal calf. However, colostrum quality is highly variable between and within farms. Therefore, it can be difficult to ensure the calf receives necessary Ig to thrive. Colostrum supplements and replacers were developed to provide additional Ig or to totally replace maternal colostrum. Data concerning efficacy of colostrum supplements and replacers have been inconsistent. This review presents data from several publications using different types of colostrum supplements and replacers and notes their effects on IgG uptake in neonatal calves and kids.