Colostrum is a very variable material.  Quality of colostrum is based on the content of its bioactive proteins, in particular immunoglobulins (IgG) and growth factors.  The quantity and quality of these components are the main determinants of the quality of any colostrum product made available to the consumer.

The quantity of these proteins is determined mainly by the timing of the colostrum collection from the cow in relation to the time of calving.  The closer to calving the colostrum is collected, the higher the quantity of valuable bioactive proteins.

The second most important determinant of quality is the storage temperature of the colostrum on the farm and processing which the colostrum then undergoes.  Lack of rapid refrigeration on farm will cause a dangerous build up of bacteria (or their toxins).  This necessitates extra processing or chemical treatment to reduce them to a low level.  A consumer should ask the manufacturers about both of the quality determinants before purchase.  Any high temperature exposure (e.g. standard pasteurisation) will heat damage the proteins irreversibly.  Numico Research Australia Pty Ltd has spent more than 14 years in developing and patenting a process to maintain the biological value of  intact_® colostrum products.  These products have been scientifically tested and evaluated to ensure their clinical effectiveness.

intact_® and Gastrogard-R_® are the only clinically proven colostrum brands on the market.

No other brands have yet been proven to this rigour to be effective.

The laboratory methods used to assess the quality of colostrum can give misleading results as shown in the case sample.