The dairy calf is unique in that its only source of early immunity is obtained passively from colostrum after birth. There are many factors that impact the early immune status of the dairy calf. Primary factors include the quality of colostrum fed, time of feeding and amount fed. The resulting condition when blood IgG levels are not met is termed failure of passive transfer or FPT. 

General Guidelines
ALL animals must have shelter from the wind and be able to use the shelter at the same time- This may be a wind block, trees, or an enclosure for mature animals. 

Increase food availability - animals are spending a lot of energy staying warm.

Make sure fresh water is available to all animals.  Snow is not a water source for animals.

FEEDING colostrum to newborn calves is a well-known requirement to those raising healthy calves. And it’s not only about quantity but quality. In addition to protein and immunoglobulin content as a measure of colostrum quality, cleanliness of colostrum is important, too. High levels of bacteria in colostrum reduce the calf’s ability to absorb the colostrum. Also, bacteria in colostrum can be the starting point for infection.

A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted using 1,071 newborn calves from 6 commercial dairy farms in Minnesota and Wisconsin, with the primary objective being to describe the effects of feeding heat-treated colostrum on serum immunoglobulin G concentration and health in the preweaning period. A secondary objective was to complete a path analysis to identify intermediate factors that may explain how feeding heat-treated colostrum reduced the risk for illness.