Tips for heat-treating colostrum

Colostrum can be successfully heat-treated without affecting antibody levels or viscosity, but you have to do it right. Researchers at Penn State University offer these guidelines when heat-treating colostrum:

• Use a small batch pasteurizer with adjustable temperature controls so that you can heat the colostrum at a lower temperature (140 F) than that used for waste milk.
• Start the holding time (60 minutes is recommended) when colostrum reaches 140 F, not when you turn on the pasteurizer.
• Agitate the colostrum to promote even heating.
• Monitor the pasteurizer temperature to make sure the unit is operating properly.
• Cool colostrum rapidly after pasteurization to prevent protein damage.
• Train employees on what to do, how to do it and why it is important.

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