[Bovine colostrum: more than just an immunoglobulin supplier].

The intake of colostrum in newborn calves not only influences the immune status, but also the development of the gastrointestinal tract and other organs, metabolism and endocrine systems. Besides nutrients bioactive substances of colostrum have additionally to be considered. Metabolic and endocrine effects are transient, indications for metabolic and endocrine imprinting by differences in feeding in the first week of life have so far not been found. Nevertheless, changes observed in association with feeding especially of colostrum are considered important for the critical first week of life.