The minimum amount is 2 quarts immediately after birth. Colostrum quality should be checked with a colostrometer to determine its specific gravity which is related to antibody levels. Some veterinarians and nutritionists recommend one gallon (large-breed calf) to be fed immediately after birth to get higher levels of immunoglobulins in the blood. Most calves will not suck or consume a gallon, so an esophageal feeder may be required to get this level of liquid in the calf. If the calf is not hungry at the next feeding, do not force another 2 quarts.

Be sure to keep quality frozen colostrum on hand for those times when a dam's colostrum is inadequate. Be sure to thaw it slowly. Check the resources available under dairy calf and heifer management in the DAIReXNET Web site for more details.

Mike Hutjens, Extension Dairy Specialist - Illini DairyNET
J.W. Schroeder, North Dakota State University Dairy Extension
Hugh Chester-Jones, Dairy and Beef Specialist, University of Minnesota