Vitamin A is one of the most important keys to a healthy immune system in newborn calves. Colostrum is the only way calves can get the vitamin A they need to fight off bacteria that will make them sick, said Mary Drewnoski, University of Nebraska—Lincoln beef systems specialist and associate professor. But not all colostrum contains enough vitamin A, and recent research suggests that “enough” is more than previously thought. Calves need vitamin A for healthy eyes, skin, respiratory systems and digestive tracts. “Calves are born deficient in vitamin A and depend on colostrum from the mom to provide what...

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