Colostrogenesis: The Formation of Bovine Colostrum
The formation of colostrum in the pregnant cow is initiated about 3-4 weeks before parturition when a limited amount of fluid containing small amounts of growth factors and other transforming substances is released into the developing mammary tissue. The process is regulated by a series of other hormones, one of the most important being progesterone, which attaches to special receptors on the cells lining the mammary gland and prevents them from secreting any fluid into the gland during most of pregnancy. About two weeks before birth, these substances influence the appearance of specific receptors on the surface of the cells lining the mammary gland that will facilitate the transfer of materials from the mother's blood into the gland, including the immunoglobulins (antibodies) necessary to convey passive immunity to the calf after birth and various hormones and growth promoters required to induce and support development of the newborn calf.
The hormone balance in the mother cow begins to change about 2 days prior to the birth of the calf. This hormone change initiates secretions and combines substances together. After the baby calf is born and the placenta is delivered, progesterone levels in the mother drop. The blocking of secretions by progesterone is eliminated; a protein-based substance is created in the mammary gland cells and transfers of substances from the mother's blood into the mammary gland are stopped. The fluid in the mother cow found in the mammary gland at birth is called colostrum. It contains high amounts of hormones, metabolically active substances and growth promoters. Colostrum also has a high concentration of protein, is rich in milk fat and low in its lactose content.
Six short hours after birth the colostrum changes in its composition. This change is due to maternal reabsorption as well as fluid being removed from the mammary gland. There is replacement fluid for the mammary gland which contains a different composition than the fluid prior to parturition. This replacement fluid is called transitional milk. Bovine colostrum of the highest quality, with the most nutrients, is collected within the first six hours after birth in a single milking of the mother.
While the colostrum changes its composition, the events complement the events of the newborn baby calf. When the calf is born, its stomach lining has very few enzymes to break down ingested proteins and does not make any acid.
In the first milking, the colostrum passes through the the stomach and the intestine of the calf without being broken down. Between 6-8 hours after birth, the calf begins to absorb and transport biologically active substances into the bloodstream. Then the stomach begins to acidify as well as enzymes begin to appear. The calf is born with lymphoid tissue that is well-developed which absorbs many biological active substances when the calf milks. - 17274
The hormone balance in the mother cow begins to change about 2 days prior to the birth of the calf. This hormone change initiates secretions and combines substances together. After the baby calf is born and the placenta is delivered, progesterone levels in the mother drop. The blocking of secretions by progesterone is eliminated; a protein-based substance is created in the mammary gland cells and transfers of substances from the mother's blood into the mammary gland are stopped. The fluid in the mother cow found in the mammary gland at birth is called colostrum. It contains high amounts of hormones, metabolically active substances and growth promoters. Colostrum also has a high concentration of protein, is rich in milk fat and low in its lactose content.
Six short hours after birth the colostrum changes in its composition. This change is due to maternal reabsorption as well as fluid being removed from the mammary gland. There is replacement fluid for the mammary gland which contains a different composition than the fluid prior to parturition. This replacement fluid is called transitional milk. Bovine colostrum of the highest quality, with the most nutrients, is collected within the first six hours after birth in a single milking of the mother.
While the colostrum changes its composition, the events complement the events of the newborn baby calf. When the calf is born, its stomach lining has very few enzymes to break down ingested proteins and does not make any acid.
In the first milking, the colostrum passes through the the stomach and the intestine of the calf without being broken down. Between 6-8 hours after birth, the calf begins to absorb and transport biologically active substances into the bloodstream. Then the stomach begins to acidify as well as enzymes begin to appear. The calf is born with lymphoid tissue that is well-developed which absorbs many biological active substances when the calf milks. - 17274
About the Author:
Dr. Anthony Kleinsmith is the leading expert in colostrum research. Learn more of the colostrum benefits by visiting the colostrum authorities website at ImmuneTree.com today!
posted by X - Men at
5:29 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home