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All posts by Submitted Story
Obituary of Caleb Warner
Caleb Scott Warner, age 30, resident of Erie, KS, died Wednesday, January 4, 2023, at Freeman Hospital, Joplin, MO. He was born January 13, 1992, in Lee’s Summit, MO, the son of Michael Dale Warner and Tammy Sue Hockett Warner. Caleb graduated from Girard, KS High School with the class of 2010.
He served in the National Guard and was deployed to Germany as a heavy equipment operator. He was greatly loved and will be missed.
Survivors include his mother, Tammy Sue Hambric and husband Rob, Hepler, KS; grandmother Evelyn Hockett, Chanute, KS; daughter Ember Rose Warner, Erie, KS; sister Ashley Villela, Kyle, TX; and brothers Justin Messershmidt, Hepler, KS, and Joshua Warner, Fort Scott, KS.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Amanda Warner, grandmother Alta Faye Warner, grandfather Noble Warner, grandmother Evelyn Hendricks, and grandfather Larry Hockett.
There was cremation. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 Saturday, January 14th, at the First Baptist Church, Fort Scott.
Memorials are suggested to the Ember Rose Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Correction on FS City Commission Meeting on January 10
The City Commission meetings are Tuesday, January 10th, 2023, and Tuesday, January 24th, 2023. There is still a Work Session on Tuesday, January 10th at 4:30 PM. It is the City Clerk’s error found and confirmed by the minutes by Commissioner VanHoecke.
William Allen Taylor, age 52, a resident of rural Nevada, Missouri, passed away Sunday, January 8, 2023, at his home with his loved ones by his side. He was born May 14, 1970, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the son of Richard Taylor and Lucy Garrison Taylor. Bill went to school and grew up in Ft. Scott and later moved to Missouri. He did masonry work all his life. On February 15, 2019, he married the love of his life. Bill never knew a stranger and lived life to the fullest. He enjoyed spending time with his grandkids and teaching them the ways of the world.
Bill is survived by his wife, Kim, of the home; a daughter, Latasha Baldwin of Nevada, Missouri; sons, Brett and Blake Taylor of Ft. Scott, Kansas, and David Baldwin, Jr. of Derby, Iowa and grandchildren, Aiden, Aubree, and Kenley. Also surviving are a brother, Rick Taylor of Wheatland, Missouri, brother-in-law, Bill Hobbs (Carrie) of Butler, Missouri, nephews, Quentin, Dillion and Kelby Taylor and his best friend, Shannon Worthington aka “Nash” of Moran, Kansas.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Lucy Taylor, a brother, Jeff Taylor and his grandparents.
Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, January 12th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Following services, there will be cremation.
Private burial in the Pryor Cemetery at Metz, Missouri will take place at a later date.
Services are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Governor Laura Kelly Sworn Into Office for Second Term
~~In Inaugural Address, Gov. Kelly Calls for Civility and Unity in Politics and Shares Vision for Next Four Years~~
TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly and Lieutenant Governor David Toland were sworn into office in a ceremony outside the Kansas State Capitol. The Kelly Administration now begins its second term in office.
Governor Kelly first became the 48th governor of Kansas on January 14, 2019, pledging to rebuild Kansas by reaching across the aisle. Since then, she has worked with a bipartisan group of legislators to fully fund schools, axe the sales tax on food, close the Bank of KDOT, and recruit the largest economic development project in state history.
Governor Kelly began her second term by celebrating the Kansas spirit of “neighbor-helping-neighbor” and calling on the state’s elected leaders to embody the same civility and unity.
“We’re often told that there’s ‘a fork in the road’ and you have to make a choice – you can either go right or you can go left. I believe that’s a false choice. I believe the best choice is right down the middle of that road,” Governor Laura Kelly said.
“Because the middle of the road is where left and right come together; where well-intentioned people who hold different positions find common ground. Nobody gets everything they want, everyone gets something they want, and progress is made. That’s how life works. It’s how government should work too.”
Governor Kelly also shared her vision for her second term.
“Our North Star is this: To make Kansas the best place in America to raise a family,” Governor Kelly said. “Where you can see opportunity for yourself, for your children, and for your grandchildren.”
Read a full copy of Governor Kelly’s remarks as prepared for delivery here.
Obituary of Barbara Wood
Barbara Jean Wood, age 84, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, loving wife, mother and grandmother, passed away Monday, January 9, 2023, surrounded by her family at Guest Home Estates where she was in hospice care. She was born September 4, 1938, at Ft. Scott Mercy Hospital, the daughter of Herschel L. Wilcher and Ruth Pigg Wilcher. Barbara attended rural schools and graduated from the Ft. Scott High School and Ft. Scott Community College.
She married Ronald Wood on April 7, 1957, at the Cherry Grove Baptist Church. They began their life together in Kansas City where she worked as a teletype operator for AT&T. They returned to Ft. Scott in 1960, and Barbara worked at Southwestern Bell until the local office converted to dial and closed. She was the secretary for Bourbon County Farm Bureau and then worked for Diehl, Fletcher, Banwart, Bolton. She served as Bourbon County Clerk for twenty years retiring in 2000.
After retirement, she served a tern as Ft. Scott City Commissioner. While serving as County Clerk, she was active in the Kansas Association of Elected Officials where she served on the Board and as State President. She was a member of the Eastern Star, had been a Den Mother for the Cub Scouts and served on the Ft. Scott Public Library Board. She was an avid quilter, attending many fairs and shows where she won several competitions. She estimated that she had made over two hundred quilts and had given many of them to family and friends. Barbara was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Ft. Scott and served in many leadership roles, including that of teaching children’s Sunday School.
Barbara is survived by her husband, Ron, of the home; two sons, Steve Wood and wife, Cathy of Camdenton, Missouri, Brian Wood and wife, Marcia of Wichita, Kansas and a daughter, Angela Cutbill and husband, David of Agoura Hills, California; three grandsons, Adam Wood, of Baltimore, Maryland, Warner Cutbill and Elliot Cutbill, both of Oxnard, California; two granddaughters, Clara Cutbill of Agoura Hills, California and Theresa Wood of Wichita, Kansas. Also surviving are a sister, Joan Curry of Merrillville, Indiana; several nieces, three cousins and many friends. Sue Jones, a cousin, was a very special friend.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents. Ron and Barbara had over sixty-five years together.
Rev. Christopher Eshelman will conduct funeral services at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, January 12th at the First United Methodist Church.
Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:30 to 7:00 Wednesday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to the First United Methodist Church and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com
City of Uniontown Minutes of Dec. 13
The City of Uniontown Council Meeting on December 13, 2022 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM by President of Council Ervin. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Joshua Bales and Jason Thompson-Green Environmental Services, Linda and Danny Nation-4 States Sanitation, Raymond “Skeet” George, Joe George, Mary Pemberton, City Attorney Jacob Manbeck, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Public Hearing for city trash service – Attorney Manbeck opened the hearing. There was discussion with the vendor representatives about services they can offer and current private residential rates. There were no comments from the citizens in attendance. Over the next three months the City will finalize the planning of the proposed trash service.
Ruritan Bathroom Project, Raymond “Skeet” George – Mr George requested a recess for the Council to walk to the restroom to view progress.
Motion by Stewart, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to recess for 5 minutes to view the progress
Open meeting resumed at 7:26PM.
Mr George would like to have guttering put on the building, LACO will donate if there is a sign acknowledging the donation. A list of entities/individuals that donated time and service to the construction will be given to Clerk Johnson to send thank you notes. Clerk Johnson will research a sign for the building that acknowledges the building provided by Uniontown Ruritan and those who donated time/service to the project. Total cost of the facility is upwards of $50,000.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to allow signs acknowledging those responsible for the construction of the restroom building
Councilman Ervin asked to have the custodial job description amended to include the cleaning of the new restroom facilities.
CITIZENS REQUEST
None
Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1) in order to discuss performance on non-elected personnel, open meeting to resume at 7:30PM
Open meeting resumed at 7:30PM. Council presented bonuses to staff.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger present the November 2022 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $363,706.17, Receipts $37,281.81, Transfers Out $12,776.00, Expenditures $33,573.47, Checking Account Closing Balance $354,638.51. Bank Statement Balance $356,257.28, including Checking Account Interest of $49.96, Outstanding Deposits $216.27, Outstanding Checks $1,835.04, Reconciled Balance $354,638.51. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $30,159.60, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $18,668.01, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $28,436.60, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $431,902.72. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $361.40, and Utility CDs $362.78 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $724.18. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of November 2022, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. November Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00 and to Capital Improvement-Streets $250.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00 and to Capital Improvement-Streets $750.00; from Gas Utility Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $6,250.00; from General Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $2,500.00, Total Transfers of $12,776.00. Net Loss for the month of November $9,067.66, Year-to-Date Net Income $30,895.01. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $108,458.97 (102.9%), Expenditures $100,869.46 (77.2%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $32,090.30 (89.9%), Expenditures $32,458.78 (79.1%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $113,457.96 (81.3%), Expenditures $144,157.30 (58.8%); General Fund YTD Revenue $140,825.06 (109.6%), Expenditures $133,508.49 (80.8%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $7,661.33 (111.8%), Expenditures $10,620.81 (99.9%). The December 2022 estimated payables, including end of year transfers, in the amount of $51,747.08 were presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Esslinger, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
- Minutes of November 7, 2022, Regular Council Meeting
- Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
City Superintendent Rich reported the KDHE inspected the wastewater and water systems.
Black Hills was here last week for leak survey, no leaks found.
He spoke to someone about the tree limbs overhanging on Second Street between Hill and Clay Streets. They were supposed to trim but haven’t. He will talk to them again.
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported Smith Estate demolition is about 80% complete.
There was a complaint about the possibility of someone living in a RV at 401 Sherman. A letter was sent and owner responded that no one is living in it, he is working on it at night. He will remove from the property in the near future. Clerk Johnson also reported on a noise complaint. She spoke with the person being complained about and has since been informed that the issue has been resolved.
Clerk Johnson and Councilman Ervin reported on the KMGA Prepay Gas Supply Project. After discussion, Council asked to have KMGA representative give a presentation with more details about the project. Clerk Johnson will contact them to set up a meeting. The December KMGA member update was discussed.
She reminded Council of upcoming League of Kansas Municipalities events and trainings.
Kansas Municipal Utilities has scheduled a Special Meeting of the KMU Membership to consider amendments to the bylaws to change status from 501(c)4, for profit, to 501(c)3, non-profit. A voting delegate had not been named since 2014.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to designate Amber Kelly as KMU voting delegate
Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to designate Larry Jurgensen as KMU alternate delegate
This is the last year she and her husband will be decorating the park. She asked that the holiday decorations not be stored in the shop attic area any longer. It is too difficult to put them up and take them down from there. It was agreed they could be stored in the warehouse. It was suggested to put on the October 2023 agenda to solicit volunteers or set a workday to put the decorations out.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – thanked Frankie & Sally Johnson for their years of volunteering to decorate the park for Christmas.
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilman Hartman – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – absent
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – absent
OLD BUSINESS
Due to Mayor Jurgensen not in attendance,
Motion by Hartman, Second be Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to table discussion on the School Pond Project and Placemaking Project until January 2023 meeting.
American Rescue Plan Act update – three sealed bids for remodel of existing City Hall restrooms into one ADA compliant unisex restroom. Bid 1 – Terry Nading, $26,130.56; Bid 2 – French’s Plumbing, $26,575.00; Bid 3 – Karlskint & Marsh Const, $27,630.00.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to award to Terry Nading in the amount of $26,130.56
Clerk Johnson will call Nading in the morning to inform of the award. She will mail a formal notice of award and set up contract signing and notice to proceed before the first of the year.
NEW BUSINESS
CMB License Renewal for 2023 – Union Station
Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to approve 2023 CMB License for Union Station
Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(4), in order to discuss confidential financial information and include Sally Johnson, the open meeting to resume at 8:55PM
Open meeting resumed at 8:55PM with no action from session.
Moved by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 8:57PM
City of Uniontown Agenda for Jan. 10 at 7 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________
ROLL CALL:
___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Josh Hartman ___ Amber Kelly ___ Bradley Stewart
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
KMGA Prepay Project, Dixie Riedel –
Uniontown Ruritan Bathroom Project, Skeet George –
CITIZENS REQUESTS
FINANCIAL REPORT
Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
- Minutes of December 13, 2022 Regular Council Meeting
- Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
- Resolution 2023-0110-1 – 2023 GAAP Waiver
- Destruction of records for 2012 and prior
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
KCC Inspection
Codes Enforcement: Doug Coyan
Clerk Report: Sally Johnson
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Ervin –
Councilwoman Esslinger –
Councilman Hartman –
Councilwoman Kelly –
Councilman Stewart–
Mayor Jurgensen –
OLD BUSINESS
School Pond Project –
Placemaking Project –
American Rescue Plan Act update–open bids for ADA restroom at City Hall
NEW BUSINESS
Motion by __________, Second by ___________, Approved _______ to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at ___________.
Attachements:
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Jan. 9
Mull it Over by Carolyn Tucker
Keys to the Kingdom
My childhood pastor’s wife, Thelma, was an exemplary wife, mother, and friend; a perfect example of the Proverbs 31 woman. Everybody adored her because she loved much, lived well, and laughed often. Thelma inspired other people to laugh also. She told her daughter Christa and I (just young girls at the time) this joke: A mother was concerned that her daughter’s beau was never going to ask for her hand in marriage. As the daughter was preparing for her date one evening, the mother gave her specific instructions: “When Homer picks you up, don’t say anything — just be quiet all evening. When he finally asks you what you’re thinking about, say, “I’m contemplating on matrimony.” The daughter agreed and the date transpired exactly as the mother predicted. After awhile, Homer said, “I’ve noticed you’ve been awfully quiet and just sitting there with an odd look on your face. What are you thinking about?” With a sigh, she responded, “I’m constipated on macaroni.”
Are you contemplating on wanting a better year in 2023? I suspect all of us would like to come up higher in multiple areas in the new year. I suggest that all of us consider our ways. When the word of the Lord came to Haggai the prophet, he told the Jews who had returned from Babylon, “Consider your ways” (Haggai 1:5 ESV). In the Old Testament book of Haggai, the major problem was that the temple of God was in ruins and the people weren’t doing anything to restore it.
In the New Testament, we know that the believer is literally the temple. “Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19,20 NLT).
If you’re a Christ follower, but your life seems to be in ruins, pause and consider your ways. The word “consider” means to think carefully, chew on it, be mindful of, ponder, examine, inspect, scrutinize. One definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. How we do our life is worth the effort to mull it over, which is to analyze and meditate on the possible actions as well as the outcomes. Are we doing everything we can to closely walk in all the light of Jesus?
Let’s consider our ways. The definition of “way” is: a method, style, or manner of doing something; our habit, practice, procedure, routine, conduct, behavior, or nature. If we’re not including Jesus in all areas of our life, we need to seriously consider changing our ways. Jesus wants to be flat-dab in the middle of everything we do. And (if we have any sense) that’s exactly where we should want Him. Jesus desires to be intricately involved, but He has to be invited to do so. He’s not going to bulldoze His way into our lives.
“Jesus once again addressed them: ‘I am the world’s Light. No one who follows Me stumbles around in the darkness. I provide plenty of light to live in‘” (John 8:12 MSG). If I’m walking in the dark with someone who has a flashlight, I need to stay close enough to benefit from the beam of light. “Your word is like a lamp that shows me the way. It is like a light that guides me” (Psalm 119:105 NIRV). Today is the day to consider our ways and see if there are behaviors that need to come under the Lordship and light of Jesus. The Key: Mull it over and change whatever rears its ugly head in the light.
Family Fit Lifestyle Month
January is Family Fit Lifestyle Month! This is a great time for you to create healthy lifestyle habits as a family that can last all year long. One healthy lifestyle habit is fitting physical activity into your day. Physical activity can help kids feel better right away by supporting better sleep, a better mood, and even better grades. This month, try to get active together!
The Move Your Way® campaign for the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans suggests trying things like making your morning walks a race, dancing while dinner is in the oven, or showing your kids your favorite ways to move. According to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, kids ages 6 to 17 need at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. As part of that daily 60 minutes, they also need muscle-strengthening activity (like swinging on the monkey bars) at least three days a week and bone-strengthening activity (like running and jumping) at least three days a week. Wondering what counts as physical activity for your kids? Anything that gets them moving! You can learn more about ways to help your kids get active every day at bit.ly/Get-Kids-Active.
Nebraska Extension also has some great tips for keeping your family active during these cold winter months, including brainstorming how your favorite family activities during warmer months can be adapted for winter months, enjoying a dance party, making story time active time by having everyone hop on one foot or do a jumping jack every time a certain word is read in a story, and more. They also recommend limiting screen time to no more than two hours per day. You can read all of their tips online at bit.ly/Tips-For-Winter-Activity.
For more information, please contact me at [email protected] or 620-365-2242
The Importance of Colostrum
Southwind Extension District
Livestock Production Extension Agent
1006 N. State St.
Iola, KS 66749
Office: (620) 365-2242
Cell: (620) 473-3298
[email protected]
The Importance of Colostrum: Do We Really Need to Talk About This Again?
As producers in the Southwind District gear up for the spring calving season, calf health is of upmost importance. In this article published by Dr. Gregg Hanzlicek of Kansas State University, he discusses colostrum, or the first milk of a cow, and what that means for the health of the calf.
At the beginning of every calving season, we find ourselves discussing the importance of colostrum (first milk) in cow-calf herds. We discuss this topic so often; it makes one wonder if we shouldn’t move on to other topics? The short answer to that question is NO because of the great importance of this single dietary ingredient to calf health and growth.
The bovine species is special and almost perfect in every way except the design of the placenta. Unfortunately, because of the way the placenta is structured, the dam cannot pass any of her antibodies through the placenta to the calf. Therefore, the calf is completely devoid of any antibody protection against infections at the time of birth.
To overcome the inability to pass antibodies to the calf before birth, the bovine dam secretes large amounts of antibodies into her colostrum. Colostrum contains ten times more IgG1 (one of the major antibodies) compared to milk produced during the rest of lactation. If the calf rises and suckles within the first few hours after birth, it will absorb the antibodies contained in the colostrum. Protection will be immediate upon absorption. If the calf does not nurse and absorb these antibodies, then a very important part of their ability to fight infections will be absent for several weeks.
Several factors are involved to assure colostrum antibody protection.
1) The length of time from birth to consuming colostrum is very important. Immediately after birth, the calf’s digestive system begins to lose its ability to absorb colostrum antibodies. At six hours after birth, only about 60% of the colostrum antibodies consumed will be absorbed into the calf’s system and by 24 hours virtually none will be absorbed. It is very important that each calf receive colostrum as soon as possible after birth to maximize antibody absorption.
2) Colostrum quantity is also important. The level of antibody protection provided by colostrum is dependent on the total amount of antibodies consumed by the calf. This amount is dependent on the amount of colostrum that is produced and consumed. Colostrum quantity is largely dependent on dam age and her pre-calving nutritional status.
3) Colostrum quality is the third component of a successful colostrum management program. The term quality means the number of diseases that are represented by the colostrum antibodies. The antibodies are disease specific. For example, antibodies that target E. coli infections will not be the same antibodies that target Rotavirus infections. The range of disease specific antibodies produced by the dam is dependent on the variety of diseases she has been exposed to in her lifetime and the number of diseases she has been vaccinated against. A well-designed vaccination program can greatly improve colostrum quality.
The importance of colostrum in neonatal calves goes beyond antibody protection. Compared to milk, colostrum concentration of fat and protein are two to four times greater. The concentration of the major vitamins, including A, B, D, and E is also much higher in colostrum compared to milk. In addition to these nutrients, colostrum contains several enzymes that possess antimicrobial properties. These nutrients and enzymes are extremely important to the calf’s ability to survive and grow during early life.
For most herds there will be times when a calf is unable to rise and nurse as quickly as needed. Typical cases include a calf that has experienced dystocia and is tired or hurt or is born to a dam with poor mothering ability or born to a dam that doesn’t produce enough colostrum. In these cases what are the best ways to manage the colostrum program?
In the case where the calf is hurt or the dam’s mothering ability is lacking, hand-milking the dam and collecting the colostrum is the best intervention. This should only be attempted if it can be accomplished in a facility that provides safety to both human and dam. Never use dairy colostrum or colostrum from neighboring cow-calf operations. There are several diseases, including Johne’s disease and bovine leukosis, that may not be on your operation and can be passed to the calf through the colostrum.
The second-best intervention would be to administer a commercial powdered-colostrum replacer. Do not use colostrum supplements as they do not contain the appropriate concentration of antibodies for protection. It is also best to choose a colostrum replacer made from bovine colostrum, not bovine plasma. Research has shown that absorption is higher in colostrum-based replacers.
It is also important that electrolytes or probiotics NOT be mixed with colostrum or colostrum replacers. Research is clear that these products interfere with colostrum/replacer digestion and absorption.
Does feeding method impact colostrum absorption? It is always best to use a nipple bottle. When the calf nurses, the colostrum will by-pass the rumen and will arrive in the intestinal area where absorption occurs much faster. Research indicates that by-passing the rumen is more important if feeding 1 quart or less of colostrum/replacer. An 80-pound calf needs about 2 quarts of colostrum and most commercial replacers are formulated to be fed in 2-quart amounts to all sizes of calves. In these cases, using an esophageal feeder is certainly acceptable.
Colostrum is one of the most important components in any calf-health program not only because of the antibodies but also because of the many other nutritional products that it provides. Colostrum quantity and quality, in addition to timing from birth to consumption, are important aspects of any colostrum management program.
If you have specific colostrum related questions, or want to purchase a commercial colostrum supplement, please contact your local veterinarian. If you would like more information on this article or have questions for Dr. Hanzlicek, please contact Hunter Nickell at [email protected] or at any of the Southwind Extension District Offices.