Is fresh-processed (refrigerated) colostrum superior to frozen colostrum?
“Research conducted at the University of California, Davis (P. Jardon, personal communication) showed that colostrum left at room temperature for any period of time, the growth of bacteria in the colostrum was phenomenal. Within six hours, the number of bacteria in colostrum exceeded 10 million per milliliter. These bacteria can markedly affect the health of the calf.” (Calf Notes – Delays in colostrum feeding – effects on bacterial load, by Dr. Jim Quigley) At Virginia Tech, researchers introduced bacteria into the newborn calfs intestine during its first 24 hours of life, resulting in a reduction of the absorption of IgG. Bacteria and colostral IgG competed for binding sites. Bacteria may be absorbed directly into the blood, resulting in septicemia, or infect the calves with disease-causing pathogens. (James, R.E., C. E. Polan, and K. A. Cummins. 1981. Influence of administered indigenous microorganisms on uptake of globulin in vivo by intestinal segments of neonatal calves. J. Dairy
