Newborn calves need colostrum within the first 48 hours of life. A delay in colostrum for as little as one day can mean a death sentence for these young animals. Breast feeding is a critical function in all mammals, but even more so in cows as they are unable to receive colostrum through the womb.

The colostrum COL+ uses is collected from New Zealand cows in the first 48 hours after birth. Research shows that this colostrum is not “species specific”. In other words it contains both the antibodies and growth factors found in human colostrum.

New Zealand farmers are recognised around the world for their superior farming techniques, quality and standards. New Zealand has the strictest guidelines in the world for quality and maintenance of land and resources. The colostrum used in COL+ is sourced and collected from New Zealand farmers and supplied by Fonterra.

The colostrum cows enter the milking sheds in single file and line up to be milked. They do this quite happily and it causes no stress as the milking cups' four teats mimic the action of the young calf by sucking softly. This releases the colostrum. The colostrum is collated in a sterilised stainless steel tank and collected the same day by Fonterra. All colostrum collected is tested, every collection and every day, to ensure its purity, and levels of antibodies and other ingredients.

To ensure new calves receive adequate colostrum, Fonterra commissioned Massey University in New Zealand to develop Animal Health Guidelines for all colostrum suppliers. Click here to learn more about how milk is collected and life on the farm.