Dairy Calf and Heifer Association webinar focuses on effective passive transfer of immunity - Cowsmo

Dairy Calf and Heifer Association webinar focuses on effective passive transfer of immunity

“Raising the Bar on Passive Transfer” headlines the June 18 Dairy Calf and Heifer Association (DCHA) webinar. Scheduled to start at 1 p.m. Central time, Dave Cook, Milk Products technical services manager, and Adam Geiger, Zinpro Corporation research nutritionist – dairy & colostrum, will serve as the presenters.

The American Association of Veterinary State Boards granted one Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE) credit for this DCHA webinar. Thus, veterinarians may earn one CE.

Feeding colostrum immediately after birth is not optional. Rather, it’s a requirement to ensure that calves receive the immunity provided by immunoglobulin G (IgG). Without it, both morbidity and mortality in calves can be high. In fact, many industry experts regard colostrum delivery as not just a performance issue but also an animal welfare issue.

The goal is not just to feed colostrum but to consistently feed colostrum to achieve passive transfer of immunity. When a significant quantity of antibodies is transferred from the colostrum-fed calves’ small intestine to the bloodstream, then successful passive transfer is achieved.

During the webinar, Cook and Geiger will address maternal colostrum protocols that help achieve successful passive transfer. Key factors include quality, quantity, timeliness, cleanliness and consistency.

In addition to maternal colostrum, the presenters will discuss colostrum replacers and supplements. Colostrum replacer differences include globulin, protein source and concentration per dose. Also, the process by which the colostrum replacer is processed can impact the product’s efficacy and feasibility of achieving successful passive transfer.

Cook’s worldwide animal health experience spans 30 years. Passionate about quality baby animal products, he provides Milk Products’ customers with on-farm technical support, solution-based product and sales tool development, and solution-based sales training. Cook earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Purdue University. He received his doctorate degree in reproductive physiology from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Geiger started with Zinpro as a research nutritionist in dairy and colostrum in 2017. He has conducted technical service visits and/or served as an invited speaker in more than 40 states and 50 countries. Geiger earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, master’s degree from Mississippi State University and doctorate degree from Virginia Tech. His work focuses on lameness, nutrition, calf and heifer management, colostrum management, transition cow management and mammary function/health.

To register for the webinar, go HERE and follow the prompts. As the webinar approaches, you will receive an e-mail with information on how to log in to participate.

This webinar is sponsored by Milk Products and Zinpro. The Dairy Calf and Heifer Association does not support one product over another and any mention is not an endorsement by DCHA.

If you are a DCHA member and cannot attend the live program, you may access the webinar through DCHA’s online Member Center. To access the webinar, DCHA members need to visit HERE and enter their username and password.

For more information about DCHA’s webinars, e-mail Sue Schatz, DCHA member services director, at: [email protected]. Follow DCHA on social media or visit the DCHA website to learn about future webinars.

The Dairy Calf and Heifer Association was founded in 1996 based on the mission to help dairy producers, calf managers and those professionally focused on the growth and management of dairy calves and heifers. With a national membership of producers, allied industries and research leaders, DCHA seeks to provide the industry’s standards for profitability, performance and leadership, serving as a catalyst to help members improve the vitality and viability of their individual efforts and that of their business.

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