How to Choose the Best Colostrum Supplement

Colostrum is the nutrient-dense first milk produced by mammals right after giving birth. This “liquid gold” contains high levels of antibodies, immune-supporting proteins, and essential growth factors that boost health. However, with so many products available, consumers often wonder what makes a high-quality colostrum supplement.

Here are the things you should look for when choosing the best colostrum supplement.

1. First Milking & High IgG Content

The initial colostrum produced within the first 24 hours after birth has the highest concentration of immune factors, growth factors, and nutrients. After this period, nutrient levels in colostrum naturally drop as it transitions to regular milk. Therefore, only first milking colostrum delivers the full spectrum of bioactive compounds for maximum health benefits.

An effective colostrum supplement needs to have a high IgG content. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) is an antibody in colostrum that helps strengthen immune defense. First milking and high IgG content are closely related but not entirely synonymous. While first milking often implies high IgG, the actual IgG content can vary depending on factors like the cow's health, diet, and environment. Our colostrum is collected during the first milking and has a high concentration of IgG, guaranteed to be 20-25%.

2. Grass Fed Colostrum

Grass-fed colostrum is superior to grain-fed colostrum due to differences in nutrient composition and the health profile of the cows. Cows on a natural grass diet produce colostrum that is richer in beneficial fatty acids, including omega-3s and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Grass-fed cows also produce colostrum with more vitamins and antioxidants, such as vitamins A and E and beta-carotene. Grain-fed diets often lack these vital nutrients, so colostrum from grain-fed cows may not offer the same immune-boosting benefits.

Additionally, cows fed on grass experience less stress and are generally healthier than those raised on grain-based diets. The more natural, balanced nutrition of grass-fed diets supports cows’ overall well-being and a cleaner, more nutrient-dense colostrum.

Our colostrum is 100% grass fed. Our cows feed on pasture year round, which is highly beneficial to their health. It follows that this greatly increases the quality of the colostrum they produce.

3. Raised in a Clean Environment

Most dairy products on the market come from factory farms, also known as a concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO). Large numbers of animals are raised in confined spaces to maximize production, creating a stressful, unsanitary environment for animals.

Colostrum products should come from clean, unpolluted environments. A cow's environment directly impacts the quality of the colostrum it produces. In a contaminated or unsanitary environment, cows are exposed to pathogens, chemicals, and toxins that can infiltrate their milk supply. Pollutants or contaminants in the soil, water, or air can also lead to the presence of undesirable elements in colostrum.

New Zealand’s environment is ideal for dairy farming. Our cows are raised in some of the cleanest, most natural conditions available globally. With strict regulations and a high standard in dairy farming, New Zealand is the world's most coveted source for high quality colostrum.

4. Antibiotic and Hormone Free

In many commercial dairy operations, cows are routinely treated with antibiotics to prevent the spread of diseases in close quarters. The widespread use of antibiotics raises concerns about consuming antibiotic residues in colostrum. This may affect human gut health by disrupting beneficial bacteria and potentially contributing to antibiotic resistance. Additionally, regular antibiotic exposure can disrupt the cow’s microbiome, potentially lowering the diversity and efficacy of the antibodies present.

Hormones, particularly bovine somatotropin (BST), are also used to increase milk production. When cows are treated with growth hormones, it disrupts their natural biological processes. Hormones can interfere with the natural composition of colostrum, often altering the levels of nutrients and antibodies.

It is important to avoid colostrum that comes from cows raised using antibiotic and hormones. New Zealand law mandates that all dairy products must be free of hormones, antibiotics and chemical residues. Therefore, you can be confident that our colostrum does not contain any unnecessary or potentially harmful additives.

5. Processing Methods

The processing method directly impacts the nutrient profile of colostrum. Cold processing, which includes flash pasteurization and low-temperature spray drying, preserves the natural bioavailability of nutrients. This process maintains the integrity of proteins and other beneficial components. Supplements with extensive processing can destroy the nutritional value and should be rejected.

Our colostrum is collected within 24 hours of birth, transported in a chilled container, flash pasteurized and spray-dried at a low temperature. At Antler Farms®, we are very careful during each step of processing to maintain all of colostrum’s biological components.

Summary

Choosing a high-quality colostrum supplement means paying attention to its nutrient content, source, processing, and purity. Products like Antler Farms® New Zealand Colostrum embody these qualities, offering colostrum that is grass-fed, first milking, cold-processed, and cleanly sourced. By choosing wisely, you can benefit from the full spectrum of nutrients colostrum has to offer, supporting immune function, gut health, and overall vitality.

WHY IS ANTLER FARMS® NEW ZEALAND COLOSTRUM BETTER THAN THE REST?

✅ 100% Grass Fed - Antler Farms® New Zealand Colostrum comes from naturally healthy grass fed, cows. Our cows live outdoors and feed on green pasture year round. They produce the most nutritious and beneficial colostrum in the world.

✅ First Milking - Our colostrum is collected within 24 hours of birth. Within this period, colostrum is loaded with biologically active proteins such as immune factors, growth factors and amino acids. Calves’ needs are always met first.

✅ High IgG Content - Antler Farms® New Zealand Colostrum has a high concentration of immuno-globulins - regularly tested at 20-25%. It is produced by a large herd with diverse antibodies and resistance.

✅ Cold Processed - Our colostrum is 100% pure, undiluted and minimally processed. We flash pasteurize our colostrum and spray dry it at low temperatures to preserve the bioavailability of all of its vital nutrients.

✅ Clean Sourced - High quality colostrum begins at the source. Antler Farms® New Zealand Colostrum is produced in one of the cleanest places on earth. Absolutely no hormones, antibiotics, chemicals or GMOs are used.