ISSUE FOCUS 42 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE February 2026 disease: the risk of diarrhea increases by 49%, and the risk of respiratory diseases increases by 39%4,5. Beyond immune protection, colostrum acts as a complex energetic soup containing essential elements in higher quantity compared to milk, like growth factors, hormones, bioactive molecules, or vitamins. It contains IGF-1 (which is 300 times more concentrated in colostrum than in mature milk), insulin, and prolactin, all of which stimulate the early development of intestinal microvilli. These benefits persist throughout the animal's life: heifers receiving 4 liters of quality colostrum at birth produce an average of 1 kg more milk per day during their first lactation than those receiving only 2 liters, representing a total gain of over 550 kg across two lactations6. Best practices for maximizing colostrum quality start with the cow’s dry period. A balanced diet rich in proteins, energy, minerals, and vitamins is essential, at least 3 to 4 weeks before calving. Furthermore, vaccinating the dry cows against pathogens such as Rotavirus, Coronavirus, and E. coli specifically enriches the colostrum with targeted antibodies, providing the calf with superior local and systemic protection. DISTRIBUTION BEST PRACTICES The distribution method directly influences the quantity and speed of colostrum ingestion. Allowing the calf to suckle the mother is not recommended because it provides no control over the quality or volume consumed. In France, data shows that around half of farmers still allow suckling, which frequently results in failure of passive transfer. Using a bottle or a nipple bucket is preferred, as the nipple stimulates the oesophageal groove reflex, directing the colostrum to the abomasum. If a calf refuses to drink, oesophageal drenching is a scientifically validated technique that guarantees the administration of the full 4 Liters requirement in a single meal. Hygiene is often the weakest link in colostrum management. It is estimated that 75% of colostrum samples exceed bacterial contamination limits, often due to biofilms in scratched buckets or poorly cleaned hoses. It is particularly essential to have a rigorous hygiene as some bacteria can double their population every 20 minutes. To ensure cleanliness, all equipment must be rinsed with ambient temperature water, washed with detergent at a temperature above 50°C, disinfected, and air-dried. On top of a visual checking to control hygiene, the use of an ATP-meter allows for instant verification of surface cleanliness. It is also possible to collect samples for culturing. Regarding conservation, fresh colostrum should not remain at room temperature for more than 30 Around 3 weeks Immunity gap 0 7 14 21 28 35 42 49 56 63 70 77 84 Passive Immunity Colostrum GAP Immunity level Days after birth Calf’s immunity evolution - Mind the gap ! Calf’s antibodies Sanitary pressure Figure 2. Around 3 weeks of age, the calf is more vulnerable to pathogens due to immunity gap between decrease of passive immunity brought by the mother and its own immunity not entirely built.
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