Market Conditions in the Colostrum Supplement Industry
In recent years, the bovine colostrum supplement industry has been affected by numerous factors which have resulted in steadily increasing prices. Yes, of course, supply and demand are nothing new, but there are some intricacies that make the colostrum supply and colostrum demand particularly unique. The cost of taking the raw material (colostrum) and turning it into a nutritional supplement (powdered colostrum) and getting it onto retail and online store “shelves” is challenging. Without a doubt, colostrum supplement production goes far beyond the milking of cows.
Colostrum is NOT milk… in so many different ways.
Unlike milk, colostrum is a limited resource; collection is limited to a finite and rather brief amount of time. Dairy cows produce colostrum only when they bear young, which is typically once a year. (The average gestation period is about 283 days.) The total amount of colostrum can depend on various factors, including breed, genetics, environment, nutrition/feed, seasonal variability, and dairy farm management. Furthermore, the mother cow produces colostrum for only a few days after giving birth. The peak concentrations of healthy bioactives are contained in the first-day milking colostrum, after which, the bioactive concentrations taper off. This shortens the duration in which colostrum can be ethically collected after the calf has consumed its fill.
Unlike milk, colostrum goes through significantly more steps before becoming a retail product. Yes, you can drink raw colostrum straight from the cow, yet even if you are able to collect a few liters, you won’t be able to save it for very long. Raw, or even flash pasteurized colostrum spoils within a week or two, similar to fresh milk. To make colostrum into a shelf-stable, year-round product, it must be flash pasteurized and dried into a powder. Unfortunately, this complex process involves a natural fracturing of the natural biolipid coating on the colostrum. Re-application of the lipid coating becomes necessary to improve the colostrum’s bioavailability and effectiveness (liposomal delivery). This increases both the production cost as well as the time required to produce a supplement.
Unlike milk production, colostrum supplements require additional quality and safety testing, as there are more potential “points of failure” along the way. The cost of obtaining colostrum that meets the exacting standards required for efficacy, consistency, purity, and safety has increased approximately fourfold in just the last five years alone. The gold standard for colostrum supplements is independent third-party testing, which again, contributes to higher cost and additional production time.
The three factors above affect the supply side of the equation. As for the demand side of the equation, bovine colostrum is at the top of the list of fastest growing supplements. Consumers recognize powdered bovine colostrum as the top supplement for gut, immune, and anti-aging support. Decades ago, there were probably 5-6 major brands, and the colostrum supply was more than adequate to meet manufacturer and consumer demand. Today, there are at least 10 times as many brands, all vying for nearly the same amount of colostrum supply. Colostrum is a scarce commodity, and it’s simple economics: a brand gets its supply of colostrum when it pays more than the next guy and/or secures a contract for a large quantity.
According to the United States Cattle Inventory Report, there are 9.45 million milk cows as of July 1, 2025. Although there are not specific numbers related to colostrum-producing cows, it is estimated to be far fewer. However, there is reason for optimism that the United States colostrum supply will increase in coming years. Dairy farmers recognize that bovine colostrum supplements are an important and sustainable revenue source. Every newly-birthed female calf has the potential to become a colostrum-producing heifer in the future. Recently revised dietary guidelines may also offer positive incentives for increased cow production. Full implementation may take some time, but all-in-all, signify meaningful progress towards a more stable future. Lastly, the demand for colostrum supplements can be influenced by marketing. A company with a seemingly limitless ad budget can create enormous demand. If Brand X is plastering social media with ads 24-7, there must be something to it, right? That’s fine—all part of capitalism—but all that advertising comes at a price to the consumer. The cost of marketing is almost always built-in to the price of goods. So, as a consumer, do your homework. Chose a supplement company based on experience, reputation, longevity, quality, and value for your hard-earned money. When you prioritize gut and immune health, add in some common sense, you’re prioritizing your current and future YOU.