Newborn Calf Serum (NCS)
Newborn Calf Serum (NCS) is collected from healthy calves up to 10 days of age — before significant colostrum-derived IgG uptake. Rich in growth factors, low in IgG and 30–50% more cost-effective than FBS. A reliable direct replacement for FBS in routine immortalised cell line culture, vaccine production and reproductive biotechnology.
Applications
Routine Immortalised Cell Line Culture
Direct FBS replacement at equal concentration for CHO, HEK293, HeLa, Vero, BHK-21 and MDCK. Equivalent growth performance at significantly reduced cost for high-volume maintenance culture.
Viral Vaccine Production
Standard serum supplement for virus propagation in Vero, MDCK and BHK-21 cells. Widely used in rabies, influenza and veterinary vaccine manufacturing as a cost-effective FBS alternative with comparable cell support.
Oocyte Maturation & In Vitro Fertilisation
Established supplement in bovine and porcine in vitro maturation (IVM) media. Supports oocyte maturation and early embryo development in reproductive biotechnology and agricultural embryo production.
Bovine Embryo Cryopreservation
Used as a serum supplement in embryo holding and cryopreservation media. Standard protocol component in commercial bovine embryo technology and bull semen processing.
Primary Cell Culture Establishment
Supports establishment of primary fibroblast, epithelial and adipocyte cultures where the slightly higher IgG versus FBS is not critical for the specific downstream application.
Viral Vector Production — Research Grade
Cost optimisation for non-GMP HEK293T maintenance and virus seed preparation steps in AAV and lentiviral vector research workflows before scale-up to FBS or serum-free conditions.
Product Information
| Product type | Newborn Calf Serum (NCS / NBCS) |
| Donor age | ≤10 days — pre-colostrum or minimal colostrum IgG uptake |
| IgG content | Low — pre-immune status |
| Collection | Pooled healthy calves, sterile bleed |
| Filtration | 0.2 µm sterile filtered |
| Endotoxin | Tested per lot — LAL method |
| Haemoglobin | ≤20 mg/dL |
| Mycoplasma | Tested — negative |
| BVDV | Tested — negative |
| Origin | USA, New Zealand or Australian — specify on order |
| Processing location | Germany (Passau) — processed in-house by SeamlessBio |
| Processing options | Standard · Heat Inactivated (56°C/30 min) · Gamma Irradiated (25–45 kGy) |
| Volumes | 100 mL, 500 mL · Bulk on request |
| Storage | −20°C · Batch reservation available |
| Documentation | CoA, CoO, MSDS, TSE/BSE Statement |
| Regulatory status | For research use only |
NCS vs. FBS vs. Calf Serum
| Parameter | NCS (≤10 days) | FBS (fetal) | Calf Serum (14d–6mo) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Donor age | ≤10 days | Pre-birth (fetal) | 14 days – 6 months |
| IgG content | Low | Very low (pre-immune) | Medium – increasing |
| Growth factors | High | Very high | Good |
| Relative cost | 30–50% vs FBS | Reference (100%) | 40–60% vs FBS |
| Best for | Routine cell lines, vaccine production, IVF | Sensitive primary cells, hybridoma, ATMP | High-volume routine culture, veterinary |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between NCS and FBS?
NCS comes from calves ≤10 days old with low IgG content, while FBS is collected from fetal calves before birth with the lowest IgG and highest growth factor content. For most immortalised cell lines NCS performs equivalently to FBS. FBS is preferred for sensitive primary cells, hybridoma culture and ATMP applications where ultra-low IgG and maximum growth factor content are required.
Can NCS replace FBS directly in my protocol?
For standard immortalised cell lines (CHO, HEK293, HeLa, Vero, BHK-21, MDCK) NCS can typically be substituted for FBS at the same concentration without protocol changes. A brief lot qualification with your specific cell line before committing to large quantities is recommended.
Why is Australian origin NCS preferred for regulated applications?
Australia has negligible BSE/TSE risk (OIE classification). This provides the cleanest regulatory documentation path for EU and US regulatory submissions. USDA import permits are available and EDQM certificates of suitability can be referenced for EU applications.
Is heat inactivated NCS available?
Yes — heat inactivated NCS (56°C, 30 min) is available on request. Heat inactivation destroys complement activity, which may be required for immunological assays or hematopoietic cell applications sensitive to complement-mediated lysis.
Related Products
Request Newborn Calf Serum — Quote or Sample
EU, US and Australian origin available. Heat inactivated and gamma irradiated on request. Batch reservation. Full documentation included.
For research use only.
English 
Deutsch