Colostrum quality – a hygiene focus

Much research has focused on colostrum quality in terms of immunoglobulin G concentration, but a second metric of bacterial contamination is garnering increasing attention. Colostrum contamination is a global issue, and bacteria in colostrum may interfere with immunoglobulin G absorption. Careful attention to detail in colostrum harvesting, storage and feeding is paramount, using basic hygiene practices such as use of hot water, scrubbing brushes and detergent. Equipment should be well maintained, easy to clean and regularly replaced. Accurate on-farm estimation of colostrum contamination remains challenging, although ATPase luminometry may be used to swab surfaces of colostrum equipment with some success, and the use of Petrifilms in in-house laboratories may reduce turnaround times for results. Preservation of colostrum after hygienic harvest may involve cold temperatures or potassium sorbate. Pasteurisation is not a substitute for good hygiene practices.