What Is Bovine Colostrum?

Colostrum is the first milk produced by a female mammal after she has given birth. Drinking this milk is important to the health of the newborn. Bovine is the scientific term for "cow." Bovine colostrum is the first milk produced by a cow after the birth of her calf.

  1. Colostrum Benefits

    • Colostrum contains many antibodies, proteins and other nutrients that a calf is not born with but needs to defend itself from disease during the first few weeks of life.

    Making Sure

    • The newborn calf must nurse as soon as possible to receive the colostrum. Calves born to dairy cows are separated from their mothers soon after birthing so that the cow can return to the dairy herd. Calves are not separated from their mothers for 24 to 48 hours so they can be sure to have received the colostrum.

    Freezing

    • Most cattle breeders keep frozen colostrum on hand in case a cow dies in the birthing process. It is often difficult to get a nursing female to take on the nursing responsibilities of young that is not theirs. Therefore, the survival of a calf whose mother dies is often dependent on being bottle-fed colostrum.

    Artificial Colostrum

    • Several companies make synthetic bovine colostrum. These products contain specified amounts of the components that make up natural bovine colostrum. Some synthetic colostrum is intended strictly for veterinary use; some is produced for human use.

    Human Use

    • Bovine colostrum is used in several applications in human medicine. For instance, it has been prescribed as a dietary supplement in the treatment of digestive conditions such as diarrhea and colitis. It is typically available in tablet form. Anyone allergic to dairy products should not take bovine colostrum.