How to Collect Colostrum

are lefthanded. Put the container under her udder and gently put your right thumb and forefinger on her teat.
3  Push the milk bag upward to trigger the flow the way the foal would then gently squeeze and pull down on the teat causing the milk to spray into the container.
4   Stop collecting when the pressure on the mares udder is relieved or when you have collected between eight to ten ounces whichever comes first. Two collections are usually enough. You should not collect more than a pint of milk or you risk depleting the mares colostrum supply preventing her own newborn from getting an adequate amount.
5   Filter the colostrum prior to freezing with a kitchen filter or cheesecloth. Seal the container and label it with the name of the mare the date and the amount of time since foaling.
Freeze the supply immediately to keep as many antibodies intact as possible and it can remain frozen for up to two years. Now alert your local equine veterinarians and colostrum bank that you have a supply available in case of emergency. If the time comes when you need to use the colostrum defrost it at room temperature or by running cold water over it. Do NOT microwave it or place it in warm water or you will kill the antibodies.
While a horse owner in need will gladly accept any offering of colostrum you have available you may want to get the colostrum tested to find out what antibody levels it contains and to test for antiAa or antiQa antibodies which can result in an uncommon colostrum crossmatch abnormality called neonatal isoerythrolysis or jaundiced foals