Colostrum

Burtonearny

Was looking to get some colostrum from local dairy farmers for a few of the 1st calving heifers this spring. Roughly what price per litre should I be paying?

simx

Burtonearny wrote: »

Was looking to get some colostrum from local dairy farmers for a few of the 1st calving heifers this spring. Roughly what price per litre should I be paying?

Ive never paid for colostrum in my life anyone I know is happy to give its away as they have an adaquate supply for themselves already and are only dumping it, if you still wanted to maybe throw a fiver or tenner for 2 or 3 2l cartons

whelan1

never accept money for biestings but some of the recipients might buy you a pint or one lad left a tenner to cover my lunch at the bar in local pub:o

td5man

Give it away here. Does anyone freeze it in bags instead of 2l milk drums, does it thaw any faster in the bag?

bbam

Just on thawing out beastings.
It needs to thaw slowly. I know lads who stick it in the microwave or pour boiling water over the drum.
That type of intense heat will destroy much of the bacteria you need for the calf/lamb.

49801

td5man wrote: »

Give it away here. Does anyone freeze it in bags instead of 2l milk drums, does it thaw any faster in the bag?

Trying to thaw those 2l milk containers drives me wild!
When you want it you need it FAST!

Good quality zip lock bags required.
Lay the bag on the flat so it is in a thin a sheet as possible.
Other option is those ice cube plastic bags.
Leave them in the hot press or boiler room for a couple of hours.

towzer2010

I know that isnt what you asked but is it a bit risky feeding colostrum from other sources? I think diseases especially Johne's disease can be spread like that.

I have no dairy farmers near me anyway so I always have a few of these just in case.
http://www.animalfarmacy.ie/products/detail/cattle/vaccination-and-immunisation/1695/calf-volostrum-450g-volac

I know they are dear but they are worth it in an emergency. There is a cheaper one in my local store but I cant think of the name.

saranac1

Say the newborn calf isn't taking milk from the mother, how much colustrum either from dairy farmer or bought from store should you feed the calf????

450 g colustrum bag bought or 1,2,3 litres???

greysides

http://www.animalhealthireland.ie/ckfinder/userfiles/files/3_5_4%20Colostrum%20Management%20-%20low%20res.pdf

What is the best way to collect and store colostrum?

Bacterial contamination of colostrum is dangerous since it can transfer diseases to the calf, and also because the bacteria decrease
the amount of antibodies that the calf can absorb. Cleanliness while harvesting and feeding colostrum is therefore, very important.
Bacteria can multiply very quickly if colostrum is kept in the shed at room temperature. If you want to store colostrum for later use,
refrigerate or freeze it immediately in plastic bags. Even in the fridge, bacteria can still grow, so use refrigerated colostrum
preferably within one day. Frozen colostrum can be stored at -18ºC to -25ºC for up to a year without changing its quality.

Slow thawing in a water bath at temperatures below 50ºC is recommended. If colostrum is heated above this point the proteins
are destroyed. That's why it is risky to use a microwave for thawing or heating colostrum as it can lead to overheating and destruction
of immunglobulins.


Can I use colostrum replacement products?

Colostrum from cows on your farm, is specifically adapted to the bugs that are on your farm and therefore, is the best source of
antibodies for your calves. For cases where colostrum from the cow is not available you should have frozen surplus colostrum
(preferably from older cows) as an emergency supply. Colostrum replacement products are available for use if maternal colostrum is
not available. However, the efficacy and quality of these products is variable.

Burtonearny

Thanks a million for all the replies, some good advice too regarding thawing out, a vet had advised me the same a while back