Although this is directed at dairy cows it is still of interest to beef cows.
Colostrum quantity declined in cows given a reduced dry period, according to research from Cornell University . Cows given a 40-day dry period gave an average of 15 pounds of colostrum at the first milking — 4 to 5 pounds less than cows given a 60-day dry period.
However, dry period length did not reduce colostrum quality. Colostrum immunoglobulin G levels averaged 77 milligrams per milliliter for both treatment groups. Fifty milligrams per milliliter or higher is the desired goal.
Colostrum quantity declined in cows given a reduced dry period, according to research from Cornell University . Cows given a 40-day dry period gave an average of 15 pounds of colostrum at the first milking — 4 to 5 pounds less than cows given a 60-day dry period.
However, dry period length did not reduce colostrum quality. Colostrum immunoglobulin G levels averaged 77 milligrams per milliliter for both treatment groups. Fifty milligrams per milliliter or higher is the desired goal.
