Colostrum is the first milk produced after birth. It has a high content of immunoglobulins, which are crucial for lambs' ability to resist diseases during the first weeks after birth. International studies show variations in colostrum quality among sheep breeds, individuals, and management systems. There are few studies on immunoglobulins in frozen and thawed ewe colostrum, especially under Norwegian conditions. With high lamb losses from birth to autumn, it is important to ensure high colostrum quality and sufficient supply to lambs.

For cattle, colostrum quality can be assessed in the barn with a refractometer, but similar studies for sheep are lacking. In this project, we will examine colostrum before and after freezing with digital and analogue refractometers and compare these results with immunoglobulin measurements conducted at TINE's mastitis laboratory in Molde.

NORSØK has previously collected colostrum data from 74 ewes in Central Norway. Further analysis and samples from various breeds and flocks will provide more knowledge about colostrum from Norwegian sheep. The aim is to apply for funding for a larger project in 2026 and to develop a tool for farmers to enable them to verify colostrum quality.

NORSØK aims to develop organic farming, where good colostrum quality with high levels of immunoglobulins contributes to increased animal health and robustness. This is relevant for both conventional and organic livestock farming.