Shipping Colostrum

1. Ensure that the colostrum you are receiving from a donor was frozen immediately after collection and stored in a non-glass container. This is essential to maintaining the quality of the colostral antibodies.

2. Have the donor ship the colostrum overnight via Fed-Ex in an insulated container

(i.e. styrofoam cooler) on dry ice. The colostrum should remain frozen until it reaches its

destination the following day. (For specific labeling requirements, please contact Fed-Ex).

3. Upon receiving the colostrum, verify that it is still frozen. If it is, then place it in a freezer until its use is indicated. If the colostrum has thawed however, it will need to be utilized immediately. (Warning: Colostrum that has thawed during shipping may no longer contain viable antibodies).

4. When the frozen colostrum is needed, the container should be sealed into a plastic bag and submerged in very warm water. Do NOT boil the colostrum. It should thaw slowly, so check it frequently. NEVER microwave colostrum—this will destroy the antibodies! However, if the only available colostrum happens to get microwaved, it should still be fed to the foal. Some is better than none, and recent research has indicated that all of the antibodies may not be destroyed.

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The National Colostrum Network was founded at the

University of Minnesota-College of Veterinary Medicine.