Calf colostral antibodies: how to get from none to lots!
Because of the structure of the bovine placenta, calves are born without any antibodies (aka "immunoglobulins" or "IgG"). Instead a calf relies on drinking colostrum, which contains antibodies that the cow has transferred from her blood stream. Once ingested, these colostral antibodies still have to be absorbed across the calf's intestines into their blood stream.