Colostrum: Doing It CLEANLY! How to Avoid Bacterial Contamination | Calf Health Series Ep.5

Welcome to Episode 5 of our Calf Health Series with Farm Vet Hannah Batty, in partnership with Precision Microbes. In this episode, Hannah focuses on one of the most overlooked — but most important — steps in colostrum management: CLEANLINESS. Even perfect quantity, quality, and timing can be undone by bacterial contamination. Hannah demonstrates how to keep colostrum squeaky clean during: 🧽 1. Harvesting •⁠ Clean teats properly •⁠ Ensure the calving area is hygienic •⁠ Use teat dip and avoid manure splash 🪣 2. Collecting •⁠ Choose the right containers •⁠ Clean dump buckets effectively •⁠ Understand why cold scrub + hot disinfectant wash + rinse is essential Hannah uses a bacterial luminometer to show the difference between a poorly cleaned dump bucket and a properly cleaned one. High bacteria counts = contaminated colostrum = risky for calf health. 🍼 3. Feeding •⁠ Feed colostrum using equipment cleaned with the same protocol •⁠ Why clean bottles, tubes & feeders matter •⁠ When to send samples for total bacterial count (TBC) or coliform count Clean colostrum protects immunity, reduces disease risk, and ensures calves benefit fully from those antibodies. 📌 Watch next: Episode 6 (coming up) where we keep building the perfect start for your calves. #CalfHealth #ColostrumManagement #CleanColostrum #PrecisionMicrobes #CalfRearing