Bovine Colostrum Powder

Bovine colostrum is milk rich in nutrients and a large number of bioactive ingredients secreted by cows in the first few days after giving birth, providing the newborn with an initial supply of vital nutrients. It can be used as a health-beneficial dietary supplement to enhance immunity and gastrointestinal health.

Functional Ingredients in the Bovine Colostrum
A rich source of nutrients, bovine colostrum is becoming a focal point in the creation of functional dairy products, and it is attracting interest as a possible ingredient in dietary supplements. Below are listed its key functional ingredients.

Vitamins/Minerals
Bovine colostrum contains high amounts of fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, E, K, D, C, and B vitamins, which are essential to human health and are found in various forms in colostrum. Many minerals are also present in it, including calcium, magnesium, zinc, selenium, and phosphorus, which are significantly more concentrated than in mature milk [1].

Immunoglobulin
Immunoglobulin serves as a natural active antibody within the body, demonstrating notable specificity and diversity. In bovine colostrum, IgG constitutes 85-90% of the total immunoglobulins, and stands as the predominant immunoglobulin in bovine colostrum, with a concentration surpassing that found in mature milk [1].

Lactoferrin
Bovine colostrum boasts an abundance of iron-binding proteins, with lactoferrin emerging as a principal component and a key glycoprotein. Lactoferrin enhances iron absorption by binding strongly to iron. It has a variety of functions, including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antiparasitic, antitumor and immunomodulatory effects [1].

Various enzymes
Bovine colostrum encompasses a variety of enzymes, including lactoperoxidase, lysozyme, and insulin-like growth factors. Lactoperoxidase serves as the primary antibacterial enzyme, safeguarding the body's mucous membranes against microorganisms. Lysozyme synergizes with other antibacterial substances, augmenting immune function. Meanwhile, insulin-like growth factors stimulate cell proliferation and differentiation [1].

Production Processes of Bovine Colostrum Powder
Bovine colostrum needs to be processed into a stable powder through a series of processes for use in dietary supplements in various forms (powder, liquid, tablets or pills). The following is a brief description of the sterilization and drying processes in the production of bovine colostrum powder.

Pasteurization and sterilization: Pathogens originating from the mammary gland may contaminate colostrum and affect the quality of proteins and colostrum-based products, so effective elimination of pathogens through pasteurization and sterilization is required to ensure high-quality colostrum production [2].
Spray drying and drying: Following pathogen elimination, preservation of bovine colostrum becomes paramount. To ensure long-term storage and subsequent processing without compromising its components, bovine colostrum must undergo drying to yield a stable powder product. Spray drying and freeze drying stand out as the most commonly employed methods in the dairy industry [2].