Clean Colostrum

Approaches to reduce pathogen

exposure through colostrum

• Avoid pathogens from infected glands, fecal contamination:

– Identify infected cows (Johne’s)

– Don’t let calf suckle dam

– Udder prep

– Don’t pool raw colostrum

• Reduce other sources of contamination:

– Sanitation of milking, storage and feeding equipment

• Prevent bacterial proliferation in stored colostrum

• Feed (<1-2 hrs), refrigerate (<48 hrs) or freeze ASAP

– Use of preservatives?

• Additional tools:

– Colostrum replacers (feed 150-200g IgG, efficacy tested)

– Pasteurize colostrum