SPRING 2024
Don’t overlook the label Adam Wood, CentralStar Beef Specilaist
When it comes to protecting a newborn calf, every decision matters. That’s why checking the labels of the products you use is essential to ensure they deliver what your calf needs. Recently, during a visit to my local farm store, I took a closer look at various colostrum replacers on the market. What I discovered was eye-opening, especially when it came to the most critical component: Immunoglobulins (IgG). IgG levels are the most important factor in colostrum replacers as they provide passive immunity to newborn calves, which safeguards them against diseases until their immune systems mature. The research-based recommended IgG concentration is 150, yet many of the products in the store had a mere 50 IgG. While other components like fat, protein, vitamins, and minerals seemed similar across brands, it’s the IgG level that really matters for the calf’s long-term health. At $20 a package, this deficiency means you would spend $60 to purchase enough colostrum supplement to get the necessary 150 IgG level.
Now, let’s compare what I found in the risk of buying inferior products. Before the farm store to First Day Formula your calving and breeding seasons, review FORM CR®, a colostrum replacer available POWDERlabels and stock up on through CentralStar and the one that I supplies and use. First Day Formula CR contains the recommended 150 IgG. It also includes bio- products available vitamins and trace minerals and that will help is made with 100% dried bovine colostrum ensure a successful from U.S. Grade A dairies. At $39.25 per REPLACEMENT FOR, OR A SUPPLEMEN 500 grams (equivalent to 1 dose which contains 150 IgG), it is the GUARANTEED ANALYSIS First Day Formula CR INGRE Crude Protein, minimum ................................. 47.00% Dried B better buy to protect your calves.
BU
FIRST DAY
Crude Fat, minimum ......................................... 15.00%
Dextro
Crude Fiber, maximum ...................................... 0.10% Casein But there’s more. Two factors Ash, maximum .................................................... 7.00% Natura that aren’t as easy to evaluate Calcium, minimum ............................................. 0.50% Compl from the label that are important Calcium, maximum ............................................ 1.00% Seleniu Phosphorus, minimum ...................................... 0.50% Skimm include mixability and taste. Over A, minimum............................... 35,000 IU/lb. Menad the 30 years I’ve raised beef cattle Vitamin Vitamin D3, minimum ............................... 6,000 IU/lb. Thiami I’ve tried many products and Vitamin E, minimum .................................... 150 IU/lb. Bovine Globulin Protein, minimum................. 30.00% STOR First Day Formula CR is hands150 grams/packet Store i down the best mixing product on the market, plus calves drink DIRECTIONS FOR USE it willingly. In the past I’ve found season. You can get First Day Formula CR Use How and When to Feed calves resist the lower quality products along with other herd health and breeding Mix 1 packet (500 grams) First Day Form which reduces intake and ultimately can To replace maternal supplies from your local at body temperature using a nip solution colostrum lead to future health problems, defeating ancan esophageal feeder. Begin feeding CentralStar team oruse you the whole purpose. order online at Test maternal colostrum with a Brix Ref www.mycentralstar.com. *Refractometer reading below 20 Brix, When looking at products for your herd, To supplement bovine Feed 2 quarts of First Day Formula CR don’t just go to the farm store as you run immunoglobulins in maternal colostrum
*Refractometer reading 20-24 Brix, sup Formula CR. Agitate well and feed so volume is fed to the calf and, if neces hours later or at the next scheduled f
To boost bovine
Mix 1/3 packet (166 grams) First Day For