Full explanation
The 5-Q rule (Quantity, Quality, Quickly, Clean, Quantify): (1) Quantity — ≥10% of calf body weight (4–6 L for Holstein) at first feed; (2) Quality — IgG ≥50 g/L, Brix refractometer ≥22%; (3) Quickly — within 1–2 h of birth (by 6 h IgG absorption drops to 20%, by 24 h it's zero); (4) Clean — no clots or blood, hygienic udder prep, pasteurization at 60°C × 60 min; (5) Quantify — Brix or colostrometer for every batch. Violating these rules causes Failure of Passive Transfer (FPT) in 20–40% of calves — first-60-day mortality rises 2–4×. Leading Ukrainian breed associations (Ukrainian Black-and-White, Ukrainian Red) now mandate Brix testing when colostrum enters a farm bank. Pasteurized and frozen colostrum stores for up to 12 months at −20°C.