What is colostrum?
According to the United States Department of Agriculture colostrum is defined as the secretion from the mammary gland of mammals during the first few days after parturition. In the dairy industry, secretions from the cow’s udder for one day after parturition are commonly referred to as colostrum. Secretions produced on the second and third day after parturition are called transition milk. Colostrum differs from normal milk in many ways. It is markedly higher in solids, fat, protein, vitamins, and IG, and lower in lactose. The amount of solids and protein (especially Ig) declines rapidly after the first few days, so that by day 4 the milk reaches normal compositions.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture colostrum is defined as the secretion from the mammary gland of mammals during the first few days after parturition. In the dairy industry, secretions from the cow’s udder for one day after parturition are commonly referred to as colostrum. Secretions produced on the second and third day after parturition are called transition milk. Colostrum differs from normal milk in many ways. It is markedly higher in solids, fat, protein, vitamins, and IG, and lower in lactose (Table 1). The amount of solids and protein (especially Ig) declines rapidly after the first few days, so that by day 4 the milk reaches normal compositions. Click here to link to the USDA site.
Colostrum (also known First Milk) is the milk produced by the mammary glands in late pregnancy and the first few days after giving birth. Human and bovine colostrums are thick, sticky and yellowish. In humans, it has high concentrations of nutrients and antibodies, but small in quantity. Colostrum is high in carbohydrates, protein, and antibodies, and low in fat (as newborns may find fat difficult to digest). Newborns have very small digestive systems, and colostrum delivers its nutrients in a very concentrated low-volume form. It has a mild laxative effect, encouraging the passing of the baby’s first stool, which is called meconium. This clears excess bilirubin, a waste product of dead red blood cells which is produced in large quantities at birth. Calves also require colostrum in order to get their digestive system off to a proper start. Without it, frequent deaths occur. Please visit the Health Articles section for more information.
Colostrum is the first food for growth and immunity; it is the pre-milk or rather the first lacteal secretion that is produced by the mother in all mammals immediately following the birth of her young. Colostrum is frequently referred to as lifes first food. It not only supports life but also makes it flourish. Colostrum is produced in the first few days following the birth of the newborn. Colostrum is a non-toxic, non-allergenic food supplement that has no negative interactions with drugs, food or other supplements.
A. Colostrum is the first milk your breasts will make. It is made during the last weeks of pregnancy and the first days after birth. Colostrum can be thick and yellow or clear and watery. It contains special proteins called antibodies. Antibodies protect your baby from infection. During the first days after birth, colostrum gradually changes into mature milk.
