Colostrogenesis: The Formation of Bovine Colostrum
Colostrum is formed in a pregnant cow about 3-4 weeks before calf delivery. Fluid containing growth factors and other substances are released into the mammary tissue that is currently being developed. Hormones, such as progesterone, regulate this process. The hormones attach to cell receptors which line the mammary gland and prevent the glands from secreting any fluid throughout the pregnancy. About 2 weeks before calf delivery, these hormones assist in the appearance of specific cell receptors which line the mammary gland. These receptors help transfer substances from the pregnant cow's blood into the mammary gland. Some of these substances are necessary antibodies, growth promoters and growth hormones which help in the development of the baby calf.
2 days prior to the birth of the baby calf, the hormonal balance in the mother cow changes; many secretions are produced as well as the mammary tissue combines multiple substances together. When the calf is born and the placenta is eliminated, the progesterone levels in the mother cow decrease dramatically. Additionally, the protein-based substance lining the mammary gland is stopped so there are no additional substances transferring from the mother's blood into the mammary gland. Colostrum is the cumulation of fluid in the mammary gland at the birth of the baby calf. Thus, Colostrum is rich in milk fat, low in lactose content, contains a high concentration of protein, mainly antibodies, as well as a high concentration of hormones such as growth promoters and metabolically active substances.
After the mother cow delivers the calf, the removal of fluid from the mammary gland creates an abundant amount of secretion from the mammary gland. This replacement fluid is called transitional milk and will be different from the original fluid secreted from the mammary gland at birth. Another reason this replacement fluid is different from the original fluid is after birth the mother cow begins to reabsorb the fluid that is in the mammary gland. The highest quality of colostrum is collected in the first milking within six hours of the calf's birth. The first milking contains the highest concentration of biologically active substances and nutrients.
While the colostrum in the mother cow are changing quickly after the birth of the calf, the baby calf is undergoing a number of changes in its body. Within the first six hours of life, the calf's stomach lining does not produce any acid and there are a limited number of enzymes which break down proteins that are ingested.
Therefore, these conditions work in favor of having the biologically active substances in complete colostrum pass through the calf's stomachs into the upper portion of the small intestine without being broken down. During the first 6-8 hours of life, an area in the upper duodenum has specialized sites where the biologically active substances can be absorbed and transported directly into the calf's bloodstream. After this period, the stomach begins to acidify, enzymes appear and the specialized absorption area in the small intestine changes dramatically so that most of the biologically active substances in colostrum are no longer absorbed. This process is aided by the fact that calves are born with a well-developed system of lymphoid tissue under their tongue and at the back of their throat that persists throughout their entire life. Many biologically active substances are absorbed through these tissues when the calf suckles its mother or a nursing bottle. - 17274
2 days prior to the birth of the baby calf, the hormonal balance in the mother cow changes; many secretions are produced as well as the mammary tissue combines multiple substances together. When the calf is born and the placenta is eliminated, the progesterone levels in the mother cow decrease dramatically. Additionally, the protein-based substance lining the mammary gland is stopped so there are no additional substances transferring from the mother's blood into the mammary gland. Colostrum is the cumulation of fluid in the mammary gland at the birth of the baby calf. Thus, Colostrum is rich in milk fat, low in lactose content, contains a high concentration of protein, mainly antibodies, as well as a high concentration of hormones such as growth promoters and metabolically active substances.
After the mother cow delivers the calf, the removal of fluid from the mammary gland creates an abundant amount of secretion from the mammary gland. This replacement fluid is called transitional milk and will be different from the original fluid secreted from the mammary gland at birth. Another reason this replacement fluid is different from the original fluid is after birth the mother cow begins to reabsorb the fluid that is in the mammary gland. The highest quality of colostrum is collected in the first milking within six hours of the calf's birth. The first milking contains the highest concentration of biologically active substances and nutrients.
While the colostrum in the mother cow are changing quickly after the birth of the calf, the baby calf is undergoing a number of changes in its body. Within the first six hours of life, the calf's stomach lining does not produce any acid and there are a limited number of enzymes which break down proteins that are ingested.
Therefore, these conditions work in favor of having the biologically active substances in complete colostrum pass through the calf's stomachs into the upper portion of the small intestine without being broken down. During the first 6-8 hours of life, an area in the upper duodenum has specialized sites where the biologically active substances can be absorbed and transported directly into the calf's bloodstream. After this period, the stomach begins to acidify, enzymes appear and the specialized absorption area in the small intestine changes dramatically so that most of the biologically active substances in colostrum are no longer absorbed. This process is aided by the fact that calves are born with a well-developed system of lymphoid tissue under their tongue and at the back of their throat that persists throughout their entire life. Many biologically active substances are absorbed through these tissues when the calf suckles its mother or a nursing bottle. - 17274
About the Author:
Dr. Kleinsmith is the leading expert in colostrum research. You can learn more of the colostrum benefits by visiting the colostrum authorities online resources at ImmuneTree.com today!
posted by X - Men at
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