When cows don't produce an adequate amount of colostrum, it may be necessary to supplement with colostrum from another source. For optimum results, colostrum should be collected from cows within 24 hours of calving and fed fresh. Colostrum can also be collected at calving, frozen, and used at a later date.To make storage and thawing easier, store colostrum in zipper-lock bags or plastic containers with lids. The bags or containers will store flat in the freezer, and you can use a size which makes thawing individual servings of colostrum easier. Colostrum should not be thawed and refrozen.
Because antibodies and immunoglobulins in colostrum are protein, correct thawing is important to prevent the proteins in the immunoglobulins from being damaged. Colostrum should be thawed slowly, either in a microwave or in warm water. Here are two suggested methods:
1) Place frozen colostrum and its container in warm water (110°F), and stir every five minutes. Warm colostrum to 104° to 110°F.
2) Thaw colostrum in a microwave oven. Set the oven at no more than 60 percent power for gentle thawing. Many microwaves do not heat material evenly, so it is important to agitate or stir the colostrum frequently to assure even thawing and warming. Warm the colostrum to 104°F.
