Colostrum is a thin, yellowish, milky fluid secreted from the mammary
glands before and after birth.  In animals it is usually secreted for
the first 24 hours or so.  It contains up to 20% protein - mostly
immunoglobulins (mom's antibodies).  It also contains more minerals and
less fat and carbohydrates then regular milk.  It also works as a laxative
for the newborn - pushing all of the stuff (cells (that line intestines,
respiratory, genitourinary systems, etc.), bile, lanugo hairs (hair that
covers the fetus in early development), vernix caseosa (that cheesy stuff),
etc.) that is in the intestines of a fetus.  The babies expell this over a
few days.  Also in the colostrum is a simple protein called lactalbumin as
well as another protein called lactoprotein.  These are very high in
nutritional quality.
 
Amy Flemming
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Flemming Farms - Michigan, USA
Breeding for Quality Ferrets
American, Australian, German, and New Zealand bloodlines
Come see us at http://www.geocities.com/heartland/ranch/9521
 
Weasel Watchers Ferret Rescue - Michigan, USA
Helping Needy Weasels
 
"For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism"
[Posted in FML issue 2620]