“Long-term storage is often facilitated through freezing,” detailed Miner Institute’s Sarah Morrison. “Historically, it was commonly accepted and promoted that colostrum could be stored in a non-frost-free freezer for up to a year.”
A recent study conducted at Cornell University and reported on by Morrison in a recent Miner Institute Farm Report, looked at the success of preservation of colostrum over time. Specifically, researchers evaluated colostrum samples stored at -4°F for up to a year. They compared the tests to fresh colostrum samples for Brix percent, immunoglobulins (Ig) G, A, and M. Also considered were insulin, coliform, and total plate count.
“Over the year of freezer storage, there was no difference in IgM, IgA, or total plate count,” shared Morrison. “However, over time, IgG, coliform, insulin and Brix percent decreased by around 8% compared to the fresh colostrum.”
“From these results it’s now recommended to use colostrum within eight months of storage in a freezer,” she continued.
Morrison suggested that farms could use colostrum older than 8 months old for a second feeding of colostrum, feeding a higher quality feeding the first time. This cited study utilized high-quality colostrum, and Morrison warned that dairy producers should be mindful of freezing and utilizing moderate to low-quality colostrum not addressed in this study.
Store and use properly
Morrison recommended ensuring that colostrum is frozen at -4°F and thawed only one time to reduce the risk of bacteria growth.
“When thawing, use a hot water bath of 104°F (40°C). Warmer temperatures greater than 140°F (60°C) should not be used as this can denature the proteins in the colostrum,” she encouraged.
