When you can start drinking milk after lambing a goat, the benefits and value of colostrum
Beginners do not always know exactly when, after a successful lambing of a goat, you can drink milk. The animal can be covered several times during the year, so the question of milk consumption by humans after the birth of offspring remains open to many. Experienced livestock breeders recommend following simple rules so that there is always a sufficient amount of a nutritious product.
Can you drink goat colostrum?
In the interval of 3-5 days from the moment of lambing, the goat begins to excrete colostrum. There is no direct prohibition on the use of this nutritious substance, but if you try it, the taste will be slightly bitter. Colostrum has a thinner consistency than regular milk. The recommendations of experienced livestock breeders boil down to the fact that it is better to make a casserole or an omelet with it than to drink it in its pure form.
On what day you can drink milk after lambing a goat, directly depends on the beginning of the lactation process. In 90% of cases, milk can be used for food on the 6th day. In the case of a low milk supply, wait, as newborns need nutrients first.
In order to successfully train the goat to milking, it is recommended to periodically massage the udder before mating with the male. After lambing, distribute the animal in a timely manner, adhering to certain rules. This approach will increase the amount of milk in the animal.
Benefits and nutritional value
After it is possible to establish how much colostrum is in the goat, it is important to find out the benefits and nutritional value of the substance. For the main components, the indicators are as follows:
- Fat content - 7-8%.
- Protein - 16-18%.
- Calcium - 0.3-0.4%.
- Phosphorus - 0.017-0.02%.
The nutritional value of colostrum gradually decreases. The process begins from the second day after lambing. The protein is reduced to 3-5%. The content of fat and other components reaches the level of regular milk in 1-2 weeks. Additionally, colostrum contains:
- Amino acids.
- Growth hormones.
- Leukocytes.
- Immunoglobulins.
It also contains probiotics that stimulate the intestinal microflora to grow, normalize digestion processes. The work of the gastrointestinal tract returns to normal, various disorders are eliminated. The benefit for humans also lies in the fact that after regular consumption of goat's milk (colostrum), a significant strengthening of the immune system is observed, since the components in the composition have a pronounced antiviral effect.The fight against bacteria is carried out using lysozymes.
Consuming colostrum helps to protect the body from various diseases.
The growth of pathogens in the intestines is suppressed, which is very useful after poisoning. The development and strengthening of your own immune system is stimulated, therefore goat milk is considered one of the best for baby food.
It is included in the diet to combat lactose intolerance and allergic reactions. Colostrum is able to provide all the nutrients for intensive growth and proper development. It is recommended to include a healthy drink in the diet with increased physical and mental stress, since it contains a vitamin and mineral complex.
Colostrum application
It is used in cooking to make various casseroles and whey. In order to avoid the specific taste, it is recommended to use colostrum as a base for milkshakes. The simplest composition is milk whipped with a banana. The drink turns out to be tasty and nutritious, capable of completely replacing breakfast or afternoon tea.
Sponge cake with goat milk is a popular dish among those who keep animals on the farm.
Rejuvenating (antioxidant) properties allow goat milk to be included in nourishing masks for skin and hand care. Colostrum can also be added to creams or shampoos to strengthen hair, give it strength and a healthy shine.
How many days does a goat have colostrum after giving birth?
Colostrum lasts about 3-5 days from the moment of lambing (average). A gradual decrease in fat content is observed within 14 days. Depending on the breed of goats, the nature of their nutrition and the content of colostrum, it can take up to 1 month. Then, in terms of fat and protein, the nutritional value approaches that of regular milk. It is not prohibited to eat it for people, provided that the amount of nutrient fluid is sufficient to feed the young.
