Introduction

Dairy producers should consider feeding a smaller volume of colostrum to newborn calves. Delivering the correct mass of immunoglobulin in a smaller volume ensures the successful transfer of passive immunity (TPI) is preferable to current colostrum feeding guidelines. Feeding too large a volume of colostrum can cause serious complications that affect the health and well-being of newborn calves.

Dr. Donald C. Sockett D.V.M., M.S., Ph.D., Diplomate ACVIM is a diagnostic case and outreach coordinator at the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (WVDL), University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is recognized internationally for his work on infectious diseases of livestock, particularly dairy cattle. At the WVDL, he is responsible for diagnostic cases that are submitted to the laboratory by practicing veterinarians and livestock producers. He also conducts outreach education for the WVDL. Don is a native of Southern Ontario, Canada, and holds degrees from the University of Guelph, Colorado State University, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He came to the diagnostic laboratory in 1995 after spending four years in the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Division of Animal Health.

Dr. Ryan Breuer holds a dual appointment as a Diagnostic Case & Outreach Coordinator at the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (WVDL) as well as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Large Animal Internal Medicine at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, School of Veterinary Medicine (UW-SVM). He is from a diversified, rural farming community in southeast Wisconsin with a background rich in agricultural experiences. He completed his DVM degree in 2012 from the UW-SVM. Breuer practiced large animal medicine in general practice in Wisconsin prior to completing a residency training program in Food Animal Internal Medicine at Iowa State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. At the UW-SVM and WVDL Breuer has a focus in consulting with veterinarians as well as teaching veterinary students. Breuer’s areas of interest include large animal internal medicine, concepts of AVMA approved humane euthanasia for large animal species, herd health and calf welfare investigations as well as diagnostic and infectious disease consultation.