The immune system of a calf is immature at birth and so it relies almost entirely on the passive transfer of maternal antibodies through colostrum immediately after birth. Not only does this help calves survive the environmental challenges they’ll face, but it also allows them to reach their genetic potential through a healthy and productive life. Unfortunately, mother nature doesn’t always deliver exactly what your newborn calf needs. That’s where SCCL comes in. When you need instant, safe and consistent colostrum for your dairy or beef calf, you can trust SCCL.
Colostrum, designed perfectly by mother nature for the newborn, is a complex biological liquid with a combination of bioactive factors that are essential to getting newborns off to a good start.
Colostral fat is necessary for calves to receive on day one as it impacts thermogenesis, activity, morbidity, mortality and average daily gain in the first 90 days of life! The thermal neutral zone of a calf is extremely narrow (55°F – 79°F) and calves that are born outside of this zone are at high risk for hypothermia or heat stress. Colostral fat provides the critical energy they need to maintain body temperature and survive the first hours of life. It also carries the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. Fat alternatives found in other colostrum products include animal fats and vegetable oils, and these fats have not shown the same benefits to the calf. In a 2020 study, calves fed products that were de-fatted were less able to thermoregulate. Colostrum also contains proteins, lactose, and a range of vitamins and minerals that are important for neonatal health and growth.
Learn from HeadStart Dairy about the basics of colostrum management and using SCCL to improve your herd.
To learn more about colostrum for calves, check out our resource hub.
-June 25th, 2025 | 5:00 pm CST
