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Colostrum Bank at Hagyard Pharmacy

We are proud to assist the Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Managers' Club (KTFMC) in the operation of the Colostrum Bank, where all proceeds benefit the Central Kentucky Riding for Hope (CKRH) program. The colostrum we receive is 100% donation-based, and each pint is thoroughly tested and then frozen for storage until needed. This service is available to anyone who has a foal in need.

Everyone benefits from this very worthwhile program: foals, farms, horsemen/women, and CKRH - all because of the efforts of the farms which contribute.

How To Purchase & Donate Colostrum

Members of the KTFMC may contribute colostrum to the bank, and then withdraw from the bank as needed.

Non-KTFMC members may purchase colostrum from the bank for $130/pint, OR may donate colostrum to the bank (when the colostrum is tested and approved, the donor will receive a credit that can be used in the following breeding season should colostrum be needed). Call (859) 281-9511 or email service@hagyardpharmacy.com to order or learn more.

General Guidelines for Collecting & Storing Colostrum

It is extremely important that colostrum is collected and stored properly. Please refer to these guidelines for helpful tips on collection. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. Your donation or purchase of colostrum is greatly appreciated!

  • Containers To Be Used:
    • We provide (free of charge) labeled pint containers, with a 6cc syringe attached for the test sample.
    • A blank label is affixed to the bottle. The label information must be completed by the donor farm in order to accurately identify the colostrum collected.
  • Mares from Which To Collect:
    • Collect colostrum from mares which are good milkers. Collect one side of the udder and leave the other side for the newborn foal. If the foal is weak or appears in distress, don't milk the mare.
    • Mares "leaking, dripping, or losing" colostrum over 1-2 hours before foaling should be milked and the colostrum refrigerated until the mare foals. The foal should be given the colostrum via tubing, bottle, or allowing it to drink from a bucket.
    • Mares that lose a foal at birth: if you are in doubt about the quality of the mare's colostrum, ask your veterinarian.
  • Mares NOT To Be Collected:
    • Maiden mares
    • Poor milking mares
    • Mares with a history of foaling problems
    • NI-positive mares (RH negative)
  • Method:
    • Wash the mare's udder with soap and warm water and rinse thoroughly before collecting the colostrum.
    • Colostrum that has been frozen and kept frozen is good for two years after the date collected.
    • Don't store colostrum in baggies or styrofoam containers as they puncture easily; instead use the plastic container and attached test syringe provided by the Bank.
    • Milk enough to fill the 16 ounce container if possible. Label the bottle with the mare's name and collection date. Other helpful information includes the mare's foaling history (i.e. live foal-excellent milker) or (foal born dead-colostrum saved)
    • Helpful tip: Try using a large Pyrex type measuring container- 32 ounce capacity. Milk directly into it. It is easier to hold, and shows you at once how much you have milked!