THE FIRST MILK

THE FIRST MILK

Colostrum (also known as beestings or first milk) is thick, viscous, yellow colored milk produced by the mammary glands of the mammals in late pregnancy. Colostrums generate just prior to giving birth. It is very rich in proteins, vitamin A, and sodium chloride and contains antibodies to protect the newborn against disease, as well as being higher in fat and protein than ordinary milk but lower in potassium, carbohydrates and lipids. The most pertinent bioactive components present in colostrums are growth factors and antimicrobial factors. The antibodies presents in colostrums provide passive immunity while the growth factors stimulate the development of the gut. These antibodies passed to the neonate and provide the first protection against pathogens.

Newborns have very small digestive system and colostrums delivers its nutrients in a very concentrated low-volume form which has a mild laxative effect, encourages 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 due to blood volume reduction, from the infant’s body and prevents the baby from jaundice. Colostrum contains antibodies called immunoglobulin such as IgA IgG and IgM in mammals. IgA is absorbed by the intestinal epithelium and travels through the blood, and is secreted onto other Type 1 mucosal surfaces. These immunoglobulins are the major components of the adaptive immune system. Other immune components of colostrum include the major components of the innate immune system, such as lactoferrin, lysozyme, complement, lactoperoxidase and proline-rich polypeptides (PRP). A number of cytokines that are the small messenger peptides that control the functioning of the immune system are found in colostrum as well, including interleukins, tumor necrosis factor, chemokines, and others. The colostrums from the cow milk i.e. bovine colostrums are often used for human use. The processed colostrums is of the highest quality available contains greatest number of immune proteins. Our body when functioning normally produces all the regulating bio proteins in perfect balance. When different conditions arise, various body functions cease to perform properly and thus allow changes in function of the particular body system.

Study at major research centers showed that daily supplementation with small doses of the dry powder bovine colostrums results in a significant enhancement of the animal’s immune response to bacterial infections, such as mastitis. Similar treatment given to calves resulted in significantly more lean body mass at slaughter and substantially decreased mortality by enhanced support to the immune system.

The cellular function in mammals as well as humans is identical when considering the stimuli and responses in the immune system. Valid research in the veterinary discipline can yield great information and understanding in the human immune system and how it functions and responds to First Milking Bovine Colostrum. This research is more beneficial in the exact conditions and responses and can be studied and replicated in great detail with a stricter protocol being implemented and enforced.