I don want to take colostrum from the calves. Do they get enough?
The first milking must be reserved for the calf! Unlike humans, calves receive all of their immune factors from their mothers colostrum, without this vital fluid most calves will die. It is essential that you choose a company that ensures that the calves needs are met first. Many companies are promoting first milking colostrum as superior. The first milking does contain more immunoglobulins than subsequent milkings, however, it also contains blood and mucous which are NOT suitable for human consumption. Other factors, such as lactoferrin and the growth factors are not present in the first milking of colostrum. It is best to buy colostrum collected over the first 48 hours.
