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Colostrum

Colostrum suppliers and sourcing guide

Colostrum is the first milk produced by cows in the days after calving, higher in protein and immunoglobulins than later milk. Commercial bovine colostrum is collected from dairy farms, pooled, often skimmed to remove fat, pasteurized at low temperature and spray-dried or freeze-dried. Brands buy it as a powder, often standardized to a stated IgG content, for capsules, powders and drink mixes.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
Bovine colostrum · First milk · Bos taurus colostrum
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of colostrum

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Whole colostrum powder

    Full-fat colostrum, spray-dried or freeze-dried, with fat, protein and IgG as they come from the pooled milk.

  • Skimmed colostrum

    Colostrum with the fat removed before drying, giving a higher protein and IgG concentration and slower development of off-flavors.

  • IgG-standardized grades

    Powders blended to a stated IgG level, usually offered in several tiers, so the amount per serving stays consistent between lots.

  • Freeze-dried

    Dried at lower temperature and sold at a higher price, for buyers who want minimal heat exposure.

  • Goat colostrum

    Colostrum from goats, offered by fewer suppliers in similar powder forms.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

IgG content
Immunoglobulin G by radial immunodiffusion (RID) or HPLC; the methods give different results, so compare lots by the same method.
Protein, fat and moisture
Protein by Kjeldahl, fat by Röse-Gottlieb or a similar method, and moisture by loss on drying; lactose may also be reported.
Microbiology
Total plate count, coliforms, yeast and mold, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella and Listeria, since the raw material is milk pooled from many farms.
Veterinary drug residues
Screening for beta-lactams, tetracyclines and other antibiotic residues, important because colostrum is collected right after calving.
Heavy metals
Lead and other metals by ICP-MS against the supplier's specification.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Keep colostrum powder sealed in its original lined container in a cool, dry place away from light; full-fat powders oxidize and develop off-flavors faster than skimmed grades. The powder takes up moisture and clumps once opened. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, with IgG, moisture and micro as retest points.

Lots and expiry dates

IgG, protein and fat vary with herd, season and how soon after calving the milk was collected, so record the measured IgG for each lot and adjust fill weights if your label states an IgG amount. Keep the supplier's country of origin and herd-sourcing statement on file for each lot.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Colostrum suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking colostrum suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

Sell colostrum? Request a listing

Frequently asked questions

What forms of colostrum can brands buy?

Common forms include whole colostrum powder, skimmed colostrum, igG-standardized grades, freeze-dried and goat colostrum. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for colostrum include?

Expect igG content, protein, fat and moisture, microbiology, veterinary drug residues and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should colostrum be stored?

Keep colostrum powder sealed in its original lined container in a cool, dry place away from light; full-fat powders oxidize and develop off-flavors faster than skimmed grades. The powder takes up moisture and clumps once opened. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, with IgG, moisture and micro as retest points.

What is the regulatory status of colostrum?

Health Canada's Bovine Colostrum natural health product monograph lists dried colostrum from Bos taurus as the source material. The same monograph specifies colostrum that is not from hyper-immunized cattle. 21 CFR 133.3 defines milk, for the cheese standards, as the lacteal secretion practically free from colostrum.

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