A story published May 16 by CBC News reporter Morgan Black says Alberta cattle producers are facing growing concern during calving season as a shortage of bovine colostrum leaves some farmers struggling to care for newborn calves.

The report focused on Vegreville-area farm supply store owner Sidney Haeberle, who described the shortage as unprecedented in her experience.

Bovine colostrum is the first milk produced by cows after giving birth and contains antibodies and nutrients needed to help calves survive during their first days of life. Farmers often rely on packaged colostrum when calves cannot nurse from their mothers because of illness, rejection, difficult births or other complications.

Haeberle, owner of SR Feed and Farm Supply in Vegreville, said her store would normally keep about 30 bags of bovine colostrum in stock, but supplies have become difficult to obtain over the past two months. At one point, the store went three weeks without any product available during one of the busiest periods of the year for cattle producers.

She said new shipments are being purchased quickly by farmers dealing with calving emergencies. A recent shipment of 24 bags was nearly cut in half within hours.

Haeberle said bovine colostrum is critical for calf health because it supports the immune system shortly after birth. Without it, calves can face serious health problems or death.

Some producers have started sharing extra supplies with neighbours as stores struggle to restock shelves.

According to the CBC report, suppliers have indicated that part of the increased demand may be linked to growing interest in bovine colostrum products for human consumption. Health Canada states bovine colostrum may help support the immune system, while advising consumers to consult a physician before use.

One supplier, Saskatoon Colostrum Company Ltd., said it is dealing with supply constraints and increased demand affecting production timelines. The company said it is working to expand production capacity and rebuild inventory.

Alberta’s Agriculture and Irrigation Ministry said it is aware of producer concerns and encouraged farmers to contact local feed suppliers for shipment updates.

Haeberle also warned that continued calf losses linked to the shortage could eventually affect beef supplies and prices if the situation continues through future calving seasons.