🍼 Colostrum Calculator
Calculate required colostrum amount based on birth weight
⏰ GOLDEN HOUR: First 2 Hours Are Critical!
Gut permeability decreases rapidly after birth. If colostrum is not given within the first 2 hours, IgG (antibody) absorption drops by more than 50%.
What Does This Tool Do?
The Colostrum Management tool calculates the ideal colostrum amount, feeding timing, and quality assessment based on your calf's birth weight.
Provides a scientific protocol based on the Golden Hour rule (first 2 hours) and Failure of Passive Transfer (FPT) principles. Inadequate colostrum intake is the #1 cause of calf losses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Colostrum should be given within the first 2 hours after birth (Golden Hour). The first 6 hours are the critical window — IgG absorption is highest during this time. After 24 hours, gut permeability closes and antibodies can no longer be absorbed.
A calf should receive about 10% of its body weight in the first feeding (approx. 2-3 liters for a 40-50 kg calf). Total target for the first 24 hours is 4-6 liters. Minimum 150-200 g IgG intake is required for adequate transfer.
Colostrum quality is measured with a Brix refractometer. Brix >22% indicates good quality (50+ g/L IgG), 18-22% is moderate. A colostrometer can also be used but Brix is more reliable. Low-quality colostrum should be supplemented with frozen high-quality colostrum.