Every mammal that is born into the world needs to nurse within minutes from their mother to get the colostrum that is in need for them to survive. So, what is colostrum? Let’s find out!
Colostrum or first milk if you will be a form of milk that is produced by the mammary glands of the mammals. Mammal animals that live in the Appalachians consists of Coyotes, Bobcats, Deer, Raccoon, Squirrels, Elk and Black Bears.
Colostrum is produced immediately after the animal gives birth and can sometimes be referred to as beestings when referring to the first milk.
Why colostrum is so important is when the mother gives birth to the baby, the baby loses its sterile environment and constant nutrient supply from the placenta inside mom and now is exposed to a microbe-rich environment out in the world. This in turn causes the baby to have an irregular oral intake and then in return puts high demands on the gastrointestinal tract of the baby.
Colostrum also has a mild laxative naturally in the milk and that helps the baby to produce its first stool which is called meconium. This clears excess bilirubin which is a red-orange compound that happens when a waste of dead red blood cells occurs, and this is produced in large quantities when the baby is born due to the blood volume reduction that occurs in the baby’s body.
Maternal antibodies also help in the milk from the mother to the baby to help provide benefits for a short period as well and that helps to prevent the baby from getting an infection.
Colostrum is a major part in the survival of the baby and should be provided immediately to the baby. Thankfully the mothers know exactly what to do!
Gracie Latrelle 
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