What is the price of First Defense?

Contact the vendor for pricing details.

How much does First Defense cost?

Contact the vendor for pricing details.

What are the main features of First Defense?

Key features of First Defense include: Triple Pathogen Coverage, Immediate Protection, Easy Administration, Birth Application, Complementary to Colostrum.

What are the advantages of First Defense?

First Defense strengths include: Immediate local gut protection, Targets most common scours pathogens, Easy single-dose administration, Works alongside colostrum.

What are the limitations of First Defense?

First Defense considerations include: Does not replace colostrum (still need IgG absorption), Does not cover all scours pathogens (Salmonella, Cryptosporidium, Clostridium), Must be given early—less effective once scouring.

1. What is our current pre-weaning scours incidence? 2. Have we identified the pathogens causing scours (diagnostics)? 3. What is our scours treatment cost per case? 4. Do we vaccinate dams for scours prevention? 5. What is our colostrum management protocol? 6. Are certain calves at higher risk (first-calf heifers, purchased)? 7. What is our pre-weaning mortality rate? 8. How are calves processed at birth currently?

Contact the vendor for detailed information about this topic.

Zoetis First Defense

By Zoetis

Last reviewed: January 2024

First Defense is Zoetis's oral antibody product for newborn calves, providing immediate passive protection against the three most common causes of calf scours:

What is First Defense?

First Defense contains concentrated bovine immunoglobulins (antibodies) specifically targeting:

Bovine Rotavirus: Most common viral cause of calf scours

Bovine Coronavirus: Causes watery diarrhea, often with respiratory signs

K99 E. coli (F5): Enterotoxigenic E. coli causing severe secretory diarrhea

These antibodies coat the intestinal lining, neutralizing pathogens before they can attach and cause disease.

How First Defense Works

Unlike colostrum antibodies that must be absorbed into bloodstream:

First Defense provides local gut protection

Antibodies remain in the intestinal tract

Direct binding and neutralization of pathogens

Protection starts immediately upon administration

Works alongside (not instead of) colostrum

The Scours Challenge

Calf scours is the #1 cause of pre-weaning calf death, accounting for over 50% of dairy calf mortality. The three pathogens targeted by First Defense cause the majority of infectious scours cases:

Rotavirus: Destroys intestinal villi, causing malabsorptive diarrhea

Coronavirus: Damages villi and colon, severe watery diarrhea

K99 E. coli: Secretory diarrhea from enterotoxin, can be rapidly fatal

Complementing Colostrum

First Defense is NOT a colostrum replacer:

Colostrum provides systemic immunity (absorbed antibodies)

First Defense provides local gut immunity (coats intestine)

Both are important for comprehensive protection

Administer First Defense BEFORE or WITH colostrum

Key Features

Triple Pathogen Coverage: Rotavirus, coronavirus, and K99 E. coli antibodies
Immediate Protection: Works upon administration—no absorption required
Easy Administration: Oral gel syringe or bolus form
Birth Application: Give at first opportunity after birth
Complementary to Colostrum: Enhances overall protection strategy

Advanced Features

Concentrated Immunoglobulins: High antibody titers for effective neutralization
Gut-Specific Action: Antibodies remain in intestinal tract
Stable Formulation: Ready to use, no mixing required
Works Despite Gut Closure: Effective even after colostral absorption window closes
Proven in High-Challenge Environments: Field-tested on thousands of operations

Ideal For

Competitive Advantages

What sets First Defense apart from alternatives:

First Defense advantages: 1. **Targeted Protection**: Specific antibodies for top 3 scours pathogens 2. **Immediate Action**: No absorption delay—protection starts now 3. **Ease of Use**: Simple administration at processing 4. **Complements Colostrum**: Works WITH colostrum programs 5. **Zoetis Quality**: Consistent antibody titers and purity 6. **Cost-Effective Prevention**: Cheaper than treating scours

Pricing Information

Here is the pricing information for First Defense:

Pros & Considerations

Advantages:

Immediate local gut protection
Targets most common scours pathogens
Easy single-dose administration
Works alongside colostrum
No absorption timing concerns
Cost-effective prevention

Considerations:

Does not replace colostrum (still need IgG absorption)
Does not cover all scours pathogens (Salmonella, Cryptosporidium, Clostridium)
Must be given early—less effective once scouring
Not a treatment for active scours
Single-use product

Implementation & Setup

How to implement First Defense on your dairy operation:

Training & Support

Training and support options available for First Defense:

Evaluation Questions

Key questions to consider when evaluating First Defense:

1. What is our current pre-weaning scours incidence? 2. Have we identified the pathogens causing scours (diagnostics)? 3. What is our scours treatment cost per case? 4. Do we vaccinate dams for scours prevention? 5. What is our colostrum management protocol? 6. Are certain calves at higher risk (first-calf heifers, purchased)? 7. What is our pre-weaning mortality rate? 8. How are calves processed at birth currently?