Michigan 4-H volunteer creates new 4-H lesson focused on colostrum and immunity for young calves
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EmailA Michigan 4-H volunteer used her dairy science expertise to create a fun and educational lesson focused on colostrum and calf immunity. This hands-on, interactive lesson is easily adaptable for use at 4-H club meetings, 4-H educational events and more.
Quality educational resources are essential for helping youth develop scientific knowledge while building confidence, curiosity and problem-solving skills. Through hands-on learning experiences, Michigan 4-H dairy science programming encourages youth to explore the "why" behind animal care practices, connecting research-based concepts to real-world agricultural applications.
To expand these opportunities, Michigan 4-H dairy program volunteer Paiton McDonald developed an interactive curriculum that introduces youth to the importance of colostrum and calf immunity. McDonald, a Ph.D. student in Dr. Barry Bradford's lab, designed the lesson to help 4-H youth and volunteers take a deeper dive into the science of colostrum and understand its critical role in calf health, immunity and gastrointestinal development. The lesson uses experiential learning to engage youth in exploring how antibodies found in colostrum are absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract of a newborn calf and why timely, high-quality colostrum is one of the most important factors influencing a calf's early health. Rather than simply learning the information, participants actively investigate the biological processes behind immunity, strengthening both their scientific understanding and their ability to apply these concepts to real-world management.
Designed for use during 4-H club meetings, 4-H SPIN club sessions, classrooms and other educational settings, the lesson takes approximately 30 - 60 minutes to complete and includes four educational objectives that guide participants through key dairy science concepts. The activity is adaptable for a variety of group sizes, making it an accessible resource for volunteers and educators across Michigan.
The curriculum also serves as a valuable educational resource for adult volunteers. Accompanying PowerPoint slides include detailed speaker notes that provide scientific background and teaching guidance, allowing volunteers to strengthen their own understanding of colostrum management while confidently delivering research-based content to youth. By supporting both volunteer development and youth learning, the curriculum helps ensure high-quality, science-based programming reaches communities across the state. Both the “Dairy Calf Gut Closure and Colostrum Antibody Absorption”
lesson plan and “Understanding the Importance of Antibodies and Colostrum” PowerPoint slides are found on the 4-H Dairy Cattle Production and Management webpage.
Experiential learning opportunities like this inspire youth to ask questions, think critically and develop a greater appreciation for the science that supports animal agriculture. Whether youth are interested in dairy production, animal health, veterinary medicine or agricultural research, engaging with science-based curriculum helps build foundational knowledge while introducing potential career pathways within the dairy industry.
Michigan 4-H continues to provide educational experiences that prepare youth to become informed leaders, lifelong learners and future professionals in agriculture and animal science. If you are interested in learning more about 4-H dairy science, please visit your local Michigan State University Extension office.
