Colostrum: prepare the plan and record what happened

Colostrum is the newborn calf’s first feed. Record the calf and dam, observed birth time, feeding time, amount consumed and any quality test result. In HerdMobile, keep birth and feeding notes with the calf’s history so the next worker can follow the care already given. Attend to urgent care first, then complete the phone entry.

Edited by Ender Soyuince · About our content

2026-10-21

Compiled from open-access scientific sources.

What belongs in the plan before birth?

Before calving begins, prepare the clean feeding equipment and identify the colostrum supply. Put the newborn-care plan where the person on duty can find it. Agree who checks each cow, who feeds the calf and who calls for help. Keep the veterinarian’s number ready. Penn State explains the importance of prompt, clean, good-quality colostrum. A clear task list gives the next worker the feeding instructions and the contact to use if a calf needs assistance.

Which facts should be written down?

Match the note to the calf and dam in HerdMobile. Write the observed birth time, feeding time, amount consumed and unit. If quality is tested, add the result, method and colostrum source. For an unwitnessed birth, mark its time unknown and record when the calf was found and fed. Keep the veterinarian’s instructions with these observations. The next worker can open the calf’s history to find the latest feeding and the next care task.

Which observations help with the care handover?

Write down the amount offered and the amount actually consumed. Describe any feeding difficulty with its time so the next worker knows which calf needs attention. Have trained staff carry out specialist feeding procedures. Contact the veterinarian promptly when feeding is difficult or there is an urgent care concern; keep the animal identity and latest feeding notes ready. Once care is underway, add the action taken and pass the remaining tasks to the next worker.

Questions from the farm

What should I prepare before the calving period?

Keep the calf-care plan, animal identities, contact details and agreed supplies ready. Check where the plan is kept and who will record the observations.

Which colostrum observations should stay together?

Keep the calf identity, birth time and observed feeding details with the source of any quality measurement. Use the record structure agreed for the farm.

How do I prepare the record for follow-up?

Keep actual times, quantities and the calf’s observed condition clear. Share that dated history with the veterinarian following your calf-management plan.

How HerdMobile helps

Bring your animals, feed stocks and farm accounts together on your Android phone. HerdMobile keeps your daily work moving offline: record events, compare feed quantities and follow sales and payments in one place. Use your own feeds and herd information to prepare a ration, then keep a backup file under your control.

A herd with saved animal records — Keep the day’s work in view: open your animal records, plan feeding, follow farm accounts and manage your backup in HerdMobile.