An international meeting on colostrum, hosted at the University of Guelph in May, will include a day for producers to learn from local and global experts.
The 2026 II International Scientific Meeting on Colostrum, held May 23 at Rozanski Hall at the University of Guelph, aims to provide farmers with resources to develop clear strategies to improve early-life nutrition, including colostrum, milk, and solid feed management.
Why it matters: Colostrum management is critical to neonatal animal survival, improving antibodies and growth factors.
Registrants from more than 20 countries have already signed up for the event, which will also offer practical approaches to reduce disease risk and improve calf growth and long-term performance.
“We will also discuss how early-life management influences lifetime productivity and profitability, which is especially relevant in today’s dairy, beef, and dairy-beef systems. Importantly, while colostrum is a central theme, the day will cover the full spectrum of calf management,” said Michael Steele, professor at the University of Guelph department of Animal Biosciences and one of the keynote speakers.
He said some of the most common challenges in colostrum management include delayed feeding, inconsistent colostrum quality, and inadequate volumes. He noted there is also often limited focus on the bioactive components of colostrum beyond IgG.
“These issues can be addressed through improved monitoring (e.g., Brix refractometers), better handling and storage practices, and more consistent feeding protocols. We will also highlight emerging concepts such as extending colostrum or transition milk feeding to further support gut development and immunity,” he said.
In order to address region-specific challenges facing Ontario dairy and beef producers, the program includes Ontario-based researchers, veterinarians, and producers who understand the realities of local production systems, including labor constraints, calf sourcing in dairy-beef systems, and variability in management across farms.
“We will also have a producer panel and open discussion periods where local challenges can be raised and discussed directly with experts,” Steele said. “We will be sharing the latest research on colostrum bioactivity, gut health, immune development, and nutritional strategies from birth through weaning.”
This includes work on how early-life nutrition influences long-term performance, as well as emerging research on colostrum components beyond antibodies, such as oligosaccharides and their role in gut and immune function.
Attendees will be able to speak to experts during the Q&A session, with additional live discussion throughout the day. A producer panel will also allow attendees to “engage and shape the conversation,” Steele said.
He encourages dairy and beef farmers to take part in the event, including dairy-beef systems managers. Steele believes the information presented will be relevant to a wide range of experience levels.
He said producers who want to refine their practices and those looking to better understand the latest science and its on-farm application will benefit.
“Veterinarians, nutritionists, and other industry professionals will also find it valuable,” he added.
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