DIY Colostrum Thawing & Heating Unit

Oct 06, 2021


Colostrum unit

Build your own Colostrum unit.

As producers are beginning to focus a lot more on their calf health, lowering excess heifer numbers and raising only what they need for replacements, I have been asked a lot about how to properly store, warm, and feed colostrum.  Refrigerating or freezing excess high-quality colostrum (greater than 22% Brix reading) is a great way to ensure each newborn calf receives this vital nutrition at birth.  Because high temperatures can destroy immunoglobulins (IgGs) and other nutrients, colostrum should be carefully thawed and warmed before feeding it to the calf.  Producers can easily build their own colostrum thawing and heating unit to accomplish this task.

Materials needed

  • 50-quart cooler with cup holders on the lid. A cooler with a split lid (as shown in the photo) makes for easier access without having to disturb the heating unit.  If you will use the unit to warm calf bottles, choose a cooler tall enough for the bottles to fit upright.
  • Sous vide/immersion cooker (Such as Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker)
  • 1.5-inch poly washer 
  • Caulk or another waterproof sealant
  • Kitchen cooling rack


To build

  • Carefully cut out the bottom of one of the cup holders on the lid.
  • Place the cooker into the cup holder.  Use the washers to create a seal between the cup holder and the cooker.  Use caulk to seal it in place.
  • Place a kitchen cooling rack at the bottom of the cooler to allow water to completely circulate around the colostrum bag or bottle.


To use

  • Carefully fill the cooler with water, being mindful of water displacement.  You need enough water to cover the cooker’s heating element, but the water level should not rise above the cooker’s max fill line.  Watch the water level closely as you add the colostrum bag or bottle.
  • Secure the bag or bottle so that it does not make direct contact with the cooker.
  • To thaw frozen colostrum:  Set the heater between 120 to 125 degrees F.  Place the frozen package of colostrum in the water.  It takes approximately 30 minutes to thaw the colostrum and warm it to ideal feeding temperature (105 degrees F).
  • To warm refrigerated colostrum:  Set the heater between 105 to 110 degrees F.  It takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes to reach this temperature.  In the winter, you may need to increase the temperature to between 110 to 115 degrees F, depending on how long it will take you to get it to the calf (the ideal feeding temperature is 105 degrees F).


To clean

  • The water can be reused for four to seven days, depending on use.  You may add 1 cup of vinegar to the water bath to eliminate scum buildup as the water sits for a few days.
  • Clean the unit once or twice a week (or more often if needed) by dumping out the water and disinfecting the entire unit.  


For more information on building your own colostrum unit, or the importance of implementing one of Land O’Lakes calf care products into your operation, please contact your local Premier nutritionist.
 

 

Heather Downing

Purina Animal Nutrition

Latest Posts

Mar 15,2023
March is a great time to assess your alfalfa stand as the plant starts to break dormancy and green up. Here's 

 
Mar 03,2023
With spring just around the corner, your cooperative is gearing up for another one of our seasonal rushes…spring planting season. Not only will we see our total employee count peak for the year, but nearly every asset in the company will be in use. While many businesses have equipment and buildings that are in use all year long, our grain and agronomy divisions have millions of dollars invested in some assets that only get used for a few months out of the year. It is critical that these assets are fully operational and ready to go when the season starts. Our agronomy operations team has spent the winter months going through all the equipment to make sure it's in good working order, unwrapping and greasing up the new sprayers, trucks and other equipment we’ve purchased this year, updating technology and precision tools on existing equipment, and conducting hours of training on its use and safety. 

In addition, the crop advisors and admin staff have been putting the finishing touches on crop plans and seed orders, wrapping up input financing and nutrient management plans, hiring and training new staff including college interns to help scout fields, and maybe taking a little time away to get rested for what is sure to be long days and short nights ahead. If you’re still looking to finalize plans for this planting season, please don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our highly trained crop advisors.

Gearing up for spring is not only about the equipment, but also the additional staff needed to provide the products and services our members rely on to help feed the world. Each year we try to fill about 100 full and part time positions at our eleven agronomy locations. These positions can last from six weeks up to eight months. Most seasonal positions involve delivering product to our members or directly to fields to keep our custom application machines running smoothly. If you or someone you know is interested in seasonal or year-round employment, please contact Shayla at our Mt Horeb office or stop by one of the agronomy locations. The hours can be flexible and available up to seven days a week. If agronomy work isn’t for you, ask about openings at any of our other locations including retail associates, plant operations, truck drivers, administrative professionals and more. Premier is always looking to add quality people to our team.

Thank you for your continued support of Premier Cooperative and its staff. Have a great month and stay safe!
Mar 03,2023
Cattle nutrient requirements can vary by season and stage of production. Now is a great time to evaluate your cattle mineral programs and map out a plan to maximize impact.

While minerals are a relatively small portion of the diet, they control many vital functions in cattle and impact everything from cattle reproduction to feed efficiency and overall herd health. That's why it’s so important to make sure the mineral needs of your cattle are being met year-round.