Colostrum

[Revena]

Obviously having frozen colostrum in your freezer if you can is good but I was wondering if anybody keeps powdered colostrum 'just in case'. If so which one? I know that col-late is a good one.
Also do your vets keep colostrum in the freezer?
Must mention; if you do have colostrum in your freezer please let a colostrum bank in your area know in case somebody needs it.

 

[luckilotti]

We found out last year due to a liveries mare/foal that our vets (a very large practice and now really the only vets in the area who deal with horses...) dont hold any, dont know of anywhere locally that keeps it and also dont even have any artificial stuff instock!
We were very shocked and it really has made me feel i need to be prepared if needed!
Would love to know more about colostrum banks.

 

[ElleSkywalkingintheair]

My vets are running very low on colostrum at the moment, but other local vets have some. I don't personally have anything left to foal this year, but my frined has 3 left to go and it is a bit worring about the lack of colostrum at the moment.

Next time (if I am lucky enough to get mare in foal) I will definately freeze some colostrum for others to use

 

[Revena]

It is so important to freeze colostrum (if you can). It's frustrating people know that foals need it but only worry about frozen supplies in emergencies when it's too late...
Luckilotti- if you speak to your vet they should know of a colostrum bank in your area. Some colostrum banks collect colostrum and store it but others hold a list of where there is some available and will pass on contact details when it is needed.

 

[luckilotti]

Luckilotti- if you speak to your vet they should know of a colostrum bank in your area. Some colostrum banks collect colostrum and store it but others hold a list of where there is some available and will pass on contact details when it is needed.

Sadly - they dont! Really Really shocked us last year! TBH, i wouldnt have believed the owner of the mare/foal have i not have driven her to the vets myself and been stood there when the conversation took place - all they had was milk replacer... not any colostrum, or knowledge of where to get any from - thankfully... in the end we managed to get some from the mare but had the mare have been lost etc.... it could have been a whole other story

 

[Thistle]

I guess being just 40 mins from Newmarket has it's advantages.

 

[rachi0]

Sorry to stick my 2 pennies worth in...

I know that colostrum is the Best option for the foal... don't get me wrong - I milk our mares that have a good enough bag and good enough colostrum for that reason!!!!

BUT.. at the end of the day.. if NO colostrum is available in your area.. so long as your foal is feeding.. you can give your foal plasma!

Obviously this is at added cost and risk BUT if there is none about it isn't the the end of the world.. give your foal plasma get its immune system boosted that way!!!??