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For thousands of years, people have been consuming and appreciating milk for its nutritional properties. 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, and is the only product that the calf 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 - from 6 months of pregnancy to 10 days after childbirth.
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 give a couple of weeks after calving. It is especially widely used in immunology due to its composition and useful properties.
Composition and properties of colostrum
Cow colostrum is a thick, sticky liquid with a pronounced yellowish tinge. The following properties have been scientifically proven:
- powerful immunomodulatory;
- fortifying;
- supportive;
- hepatoprotective.
When consumed, the main effect is directed to 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 an immunoprotective effect. This is due to the presence of a high concentration of immunoglobulins - a type of protein produced 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.
Cytokines, including interferon, are also abundant. 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 essential for children and adults.
When colostrum appears in a cow
Colostrum appears differently for each cow. However, this is an accurate harbinger of early calving. On average, it appears 2-3 days before the birth of the calf, and production stops on 4-5 days of feeding the calf. But sometimes it forms in the udder 10 days before giving 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, the production of colostrum in a cow takes 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 milk 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 rennet capacity of a newborn calf is only 1.5 liters. That is how much he can use at a time. Since the calf feeds 3-4 times, the average rate of milk production in a cow is 6 liters per day.
After calving on the 8-10th day, it completely loses its properties and turns into regular milk.
Colostrum application
Isolation takes only 5-10 days, which makes it a particularly valuable product. You cannot get it at any time. Despite this, large farms have organized their calving schedule in such a way that they supply large quantities of the product on a regular basis.
The pharmaceutical industry needs large quantities of this product most of all. 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 in the work of the musculoskeletal system: osteochondrosis, polyarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis;
- with nervous disorders: fatigue, depression and loss of vitality.
It is also widely used in the treatment of various autoimmune diseases.
A person can consume pure colostrum. However, it has a rather specific taste, smell and texture, so few people like it. The appearance of the cow's colostrum is shown in the photo.
To get all the useful components it contains, many people prefer the colostrum supplement, which is made on its basis. This supplement is used in the following dosage:
- babies 6-12 months - 10 g each 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" cows are actively used in cooking. The most popular "first milk" dish is an oven casserole with added sugar and eggs.
How to store colostrum
Colostrum is not a common product, so storage is an issue for farmers and buyers alike. There are 2 popular storage methods:
- In the fridge. In a 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 optimal temperature conditions (1-2 degrees). Otherwise, improper storage will provoke intensive growth and development of bacteria. As soon as acidification processes began in it, the quality begins to drop rapidly. The most important molecules for human health, which provide 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 significant influence on useful components, it can be frozen for up to 1 year. In 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 contents of lg components in it were checked. Their number has remained practically unchanged. Modern freezers with No Frost technology are not suitable for long-term storage, as they go through many freezing and defrosting cycles, due to which the colostrum will inevitably melt. And this will negatively affect its shelf life. The freezer must constantly maintain the temperature no higher than -5 degrees, and these indicators must be monitored.
It is best to use warm water for quick defrosting.Alternatively, you can use the appropriate microwave setting, which will have an uncritical effect on its beneficial properties. However, this should be done at short intervals, setting the minimum power in the settings. In order not to once again heat the substance, the melted colostrum is poured into a separate bowl as it forms. 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 heat exposure.
Conclusion
If colostrum appears in a cow, this indicates her imminent calving. This substance is a storehouse of nutrients and proteins for the immune system 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 its proper storage. Observing the conditions for proper freezing and thawing, you can consume healthy colostrum all year round.
