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For thousands of years, people have consumed and valued milk for its nutritional benefits. And one of its forms - colostrum - is credited with healing properties. There are no analogues to this substance. Colostrum appears in the cow during the first days after calving; it is the only product that the calf’s body can absorb.
What is cow colostrum
Colostrum is a specific secretion from the mammary gland that can be secreted in all mammals (including humans). It begins to be produced by the body individually in each case - starting from the 6th month of pregnancy and ending with the 10th day after birth.
Due to the limited amount of colostrum, it has a high value. Many scientific studies have confirmed its benefits. It is completely different in composition from the milk that a cow begins to produce a couple of weeks after calving. It is especially widely used in immunology, due to its composition and beneficial properties.
Composition and properties of colostrum
Cow colostrum is a thick, sticky liquid with a pronounced yellowish tint. The following properties have been scientifically proven:
- powerful immunomodulatory;
- general strengthening;
- supportive;
- hepatoprotective.
When consumed, the main effect is aimed at the digestive system. Absorbed by the intestinal walls, it reduces the bilirubin content and also protects the body from many diseases and infections.
The most valuable property is considered to be the immunoprotective effect. This is due to the presence of a high concentration of immunoglobulins, a type of protein formed on the surface of B cells. Their active production begins when antigens enter the body. Immunoglobulins play an important role in immune resistance to various diseases.
Cytokines, including interferon, are also found in large quantities. They are responsible for the interaction of immune cells with each other. The production of cytokines is possible only in the presence of lactoferrin, which is also contained in it. In addition, it contains components that stimulate and support the growth of the child’s body:
- insulin-like;
- platelet;
- transformative;
- epithelial.
The product contains many amino acids that are essential for children and adults.
When does colostrum appear in a cow?
Colostrum appears differently in each cow. However, this is an accurate harbinger of imminent calving.On average, it appears 2-3 days before the calf is born, and production stops on the 4-5th day of feeding the calf. But sometimes it forms in the udder 10 days before birth and can be produced by the mammary glands during a week and a half of feeding.
How many days does a cow give colostrum?
On average, a cow produces colostrum within 7-8 days, but this period can be longer – up to 20 days. It can only be given by a pregnant cow.
How much colostrum does a cow give?
Like traditional milk yield, the amount of colostrum directly depends on the external conditions in which the cow is kept and the characteristics of her body. The capacity of the abomasum of a newborn calf is only 1.5 liters. That's how much he can consume at one time. Since the baby feeds 3-4 times, the average rate of milk product production in a cow is 6 liters per day.
After calving, on days 8-10, it completely loses its properties and turns into regular milk.
Use of colostrum
Isolation takes only 5-10 days, which makes it a particularly valuable product. You can't get it at any time. Despite this, large farming enterprises have organized calving schedules in such a way that they supply large quantities of product regularly.
Large quantities of this product are most needed by the pharmaceutical industry. It is used for a number of drugs for the treatment and prevention of diseases of various origins:
- respiratory tract infections and diseases, including asthma;
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: ulcers, colitis, gastritis, pancreatitis;
- disorders of the musculoskeletal system: osteochondrosis, polyarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis;
- for nervous disorders: fatigue, depression and loss of vitality.
It is also widely used in the treatment of various autoimmune diseases.
A person can consume colostrum in its pure form. However, it has a rather specific taste, smell and texture, so few people like it. The appearance of cow colostrum is shown in the photo.
To obtain all the beneficial components contained in it, many people prefer the colostrum supplement, which is made from it. This supplement is used in the following dosage:
- infants 6-12 months - 10 g morning and evening;
- children 1-3 years old - 10-15 g twice a day;
- older children and adults – 15 g twice a day.
Cows’ “first milk” is also actively used in cooking. The most popular dish made from “first milk” is considered to be a casserole in the oven with the addition of sugar and eggs.
How to store colostrum
Colostrum is not a common product, so the issue of storage is acute for farm enterprises and buyers. There are 2 popular storage methods:
- In a refrigerator. Colostrum can be stored in the refrigerator at standard cooling temperatures for up to a week, after which it loses its properties and quality as the lg concentration decreases. It is important that the refrigerator maintains optimal temperature conditions (1-2 degrees). Otherwise, improper storage will provoke intensive growth and development of bacteria. As soon as acidification processes begin in it, the quality begins to rapidly decline. The most important molecules for human health, which provide passive immunity, are destroyed under the negative influence of bacteria.This explains the short shelf life of the product in the refrigerator.
- In the freezer. Without significantly affecting the beneficial components, it can be frozen for up to 1 year. One study involved storing a dairy product in freezing conditions for 15 years. After this, the content of lg-components in it was checked in laboratory conditions. Their number has remained virtually unchanged. Modern freezers with No Frost technology are not suitable for long-term storage, as they go through many cycles of freezing and thawing, which is why the colostrum will inevitably melt. And this will negatively affect its shelf life. The freezer must constantly maintain a temperature no higher than -5 degrees, and these indicators must be monitored.
For quick defrosting, it is best to use warm water. As an alternative, you can use the appropriate mode in the microwave, which will uncritically affect its beneficial properties. However, this needs to be done at short intervals, setting the minimum power in the settings. In order not to heat the substance once again, the melted colostrum as it forms is poured into a separate container. During the heating procedure, it is necessary to avoid the formation of “hot spots” in the middle of the frozen substance, so it is advisable to use a special rotating platform for uniform thermal exposure.
Conclusion
If colostrum appears in a cow, this indicates that she will calve soon. This substance is a storehouse of nutrients and proteins for the immunity of the calf or person who will subsequently consume this product.Due to its high value and short production period, there is a need for its proper storage. By observing the conditions of proper freezing and thawing, you can consume healthy colostrum all year round.
