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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 a cow during the first days after calving, it is the only product that the calf’s body can perceive.
What is cow colostrum
Colostrum is a specific secretion from the mammary gland that can be secreted from 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 on the 10th day after childbirth.
Due to the limited amount of colostrum, it is of high value. Many scientific studies have confirmed its benefits. It is completely different in composition from the milk that a cow begins to give a couple of weeks after calving. It is especially widely used in immunology, due to its composition and useful properties.
The composition and properties of colostrum
Cow colostrum is a thick, sticky liquid with a pronounced yellowish tinge. The following properties have been scientifically confirmed:
- powerful immunomodulatory;
- restorative;
- supporting;
- hepatoprotective.
When used, the main effect is directed to the digestive system. Being absorbed by the intestinal walls, it reduces the content of bilirubin, and also protects the body from many diseases and infections.
The most valuable property is considered to be an immunoprotective effect. This is due to the presence of a high concentration of immunoglobulins, a type of protein that forms on the surface of B cells. Their active production begins with the penetration of antigens into the body. Immunoglobulins play an important role in the resistance of the immune system to various diseases.
It also contains a large number of cytokines, including interferon. 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;
- transforming;
- epithelial.
The product contains many amino acids that are indispensable 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 birth of the calf, and production stops on the 4-5th day of feeding the calf. But sometimes it is formed in the udder 10 days before birth and can be produced by the mammary glands for a week and a half of feeding.
How many days does a cow give colostrum
On average, the production of colostrum in a cow occurs 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 the yield of traditional milk, the amount of colostrum directly depends on the external conditions in which the cow is kept, 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 use at one time. Since the cub eats 3-4 times, the average rate of milk production in a cow is 6 liters per day.
After calving for 8-10 days, it completely loses its properties and turns into ordinary milk.
The 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 farm enterprises have organized the calving schedule in such a way that they supply large quantities of the product on a regular basis.
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:
- infections and diseases of the respiratory tract, including asthma;
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: ulcers, colitis, gastritis, pancreatitis;
- disorders in the work of the musculoskeletal system: osteochondrosis, polyarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis;
- in 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 get all the useful components contained in it, many people prefer the colostrum supplement, which is made on its basis. This supplement is used in the following dosage:
- infants 6-12 months – 10 g in the morning and evening;
- children 1-3 years old – 10-15 g twice a day;
- older children and adults – 15 g twice a day.
Also, the “first milk” of the cow is actively used in cooking. The most popular “first milk” dish is an oven-baked casserole with added sugar and eggs.
How to store colostrum
Colostrum is not a common product, so the issue of storage is acute for farmers and buyers. There are 2 popular storage methods:
- In a refrigerator. In the refrigerator at a standard cooling temperature, colostrum can be stored 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 an optimal temperature regime (1-2 degrees). Otherwise, improper storage will provoke intensive growth and development of bacteria. As soon as the souring processes began in it, the quality begins to drop rapidly. The most important molecules for human health, which supply passive immunity, are destroyed under the negative influence of bacteria. This is due to the short shelf life of the product in the refrigerator.
- In the freezer. Without a significant effect on the beneficial components, it can be frozen for up to 1 year. As part of one study, an experiment was conducted with the storage of a dairy product under freezing conditions for 15 years. After that, in laboratory conditions, the content of lg-components in it was checked. Their number has practically not changed. Modern freezers with No Frost technology are not suitable for long-term storage, as they go through many cycles of freezing and thawing, which will inevitably thaw the colostrum. And this will negatively affect its shelf life. The freezer must constantly maintain a temperature of no higher than -5 degrees, and these indicators must be monitored.
Warm water is best for quick defrosting. Alternatively, you can use the appropriate mode in the microwave, which will not critically affect its beneficial properties. However, this should be done with a short interval, setting the minimum power in the settings. In order not to heat the substance once again, the melted colostrum is poured into a separate bowl as it is formed. During the heating procedure, it is necessary to avoid the formation of “hot spots” in the middle of the frozen substance, therefore it is advisable to use a special rotating platform for uniform thermal effects.
Conclusion
If colostrum appears in a cow, this indicates her imminent hotel. This substance is a storehouse of nutrients and proteins for the immunity of a calf or a person who will subsequently consume this product. Due to its high value and short production period, there is a need for proper storage. By observing the conditions of proper freezing and thawing, you can use healthy colostrum all year round.
