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calves(Continued on page 40)= =Spoke #1: COLOSTRUMEvaluate program with Brix refractometer, colostrum cultures, and blood serum total proteinsThe quantity and quality of colostrum calves receive at birth influences their entire future, including the volume of milk they produce once they start lactating. Verify colostrum quality by testing colostrum samples with a Brix refractometer. Regardless of the brand or style of refractometer, choose one that operates in the 0-33 percent Brix range for colostrum evaluation. Test all colostrum prior to feeding and strive to feed heifer calves colostrum that is greater than 23 percent Brix. Feed enough colostrum to deliver a minimum of 200 g of IgG within 4 hours of birth. Improper cleaning of the lens/sample well can cause both digital and light refractometers to give an incorrectly high reading. Colostrum is high in fat content which can lead to a film buildup on the refractometer lens if it is not properly cleaned. This film will add to the degree of bend in the light and cause falsely elevated readings. Clean the lens of the refractometer after each use with 70 percent rubbing alcohol to prevent fat buildup and ensure accurate readings. Validate proper colostrum collection and storage by periodically performing colostrum cultures to evaluate bacteria levels. Proper colostrum collection and storage can limit the growth of harmful bacteria in the calf%u2019s first meal. Consider additional culturing for Salmonella and Mycoplasma if there is a history of issues with these pathogens on your dairy.Testing and feeding good quality colostrum is only half the battle. Confirm calves are utilizing the colostrum given and receiving the protection they need from it by routinely testing blood serum total proteins. Monitor your colostrum program with routine weekly or monthly testing of calves that are between 1 and 7 days of age. Colostrum management practices are considered successful if 80 percent of the calves tested are at or over 5.5 g/dL. HEALTHY CALF PROGRAM COMPROMISED CALF PROGRAMType of SampleTotal Bacterial Count (cfu/mL)Total Coliform Count (cfu/mL)Total E. coli Count (cfu/mL)Colostrum < 100,000 < 10,000 < 1,000BACTERIA CULTURE GUIDELINESFigure 1Source: Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory 1.888.376.6777 %u2022 www.crystalcreeknatural.com | 39