PUBLICATION W660B

Key Concepts for Colostrum Collection, Storage, and Preparation

Publish Date: July 30 2018 |  Language: English

DOI: doi.org/10.7290/UTIAPub/W660B

View PDF

If you have questions about this resource, contact your county Extension office.

Summary

Colostrum management guide for dairy and beef producers, focused on how collection, testing, storage, and preparation affect calf immunity. Covers cow management before calving, sanitary milking and dedicated equipment, and how to measure colostrum quality with a colostrometer or refractometer. Also outlines best practices for rapid cooling, short refrigeration, freezing, safe thawing temperatures, and cleaning feeding tools to limit bacteria and protect antibody levels.