When it comes to colostrum, bioavailability refers to how well your body can absorb and use the active ingredients, like Immunoglobulin G (IgG). Bioavailability is crucial because it determines how effective the colostrum is in supporting your immune system and overall health. No matter how high the IgG content might be, if your body can’t absorb and use it properly, you won’t experience the full benefits.
How Bioavailability Plays into IgG Levels
IgG is a powerful immune-supporting protein found in colostrum, but not all IgG is created equal. There are several factors that can influence the level and effectiveness of IgG, including the cow’s diet, stress levels, and even the methods used to process the colostrum. For example, in New Zealand, our pasture-raised cows thrive in natural environments, leading to balanced colostrum and less stress-induced IgG spikes
The Impact of Processing on IgG Bioavailability
Processing methods can greatly affect the bioavailability of IgG. In some regions, colostrum is collected under more intensive farming practices where cows are kept indoors, leading to quicker collection times and sometimes higher IgG levels. However, these methods can also result in denatured (damaged) IgG due to harsh processing like excessive heat or freezing. Denatured IgG has reduced bioactivity, meaning it won’t be as effective for your immune system.
At kāre, we use minimal processing techniques, such as low-temperature spray drying, to preserve the natural bioactive properties of the IgG. This ensures that the IgG in our colostrum remains undenatured and highly bioavailable, so your body can absorb and use it effectively.
Animal Welfare on New Zealand Dairy Farms
At kāre, we’re committed to ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare on New Zealand dairy farms. The health and wellbeing of our cows are crucial to how we produce high-quality colostrum. In New Zealand, dairy farming is strictly regulated by the Ministry for Primary Industries under the Animal Products Act 1999 to ensure animal welfare is prioritized.
What Does This Mean for Our Cows?
New Zealand dairy farmers follow strict guidelines that prioritize the natural behaviors and health of the cows. Our cows are pasture-raised, meaning they roam freely in open fields, graze on fresh grass, and enjoy a natural, low-stress environment. Unlike intensive farming systems, our cows give birth in the open fields rather than in confined pens. This allows them to exhibit their natural behaviors, keeping them healthier and happier.
Ensuring Calves Get the Best Start in Life
Newborn calves need at least 10% of their body weight in colostrum within the first 6-12 hours of life, which amounts to about 4 liters of colostrum. This is essential for building the calf’s immune system and giving them the nutrients they need to thrive.
Since our cows give birth in open fields, it can take anywhere from 12 to 48 hours for farmers to locate the newborn calves. This natural birthing process ensures that cows and calves are not rushed or stressed. Farmers allow the calves to have access to their mother’s colostrum during this crucial time before any colostrum is collected. This means we don’t collect colostrum until after the calves have had their fill, ensuring they get the best possible start.
A Focus on Health and Wellbeing
The Animal Products Act 1999 ensures that colostrum is collected in a way that supports both the quality of the product and the welfare of the cows. By allowing cows to roam freely and following their natural rhythms, our farmers ensure that colostrum is collected ethically and sustainably, usually within the first 12 to 48 hours after birth.
Why This Matters for You
Choosing kāre means you’re supporting a product that’s not only high in quality but also sourced ethically. Our commitment to animal welfare ensures that our cows are treated with care and respect, resulting in better colostrum for your health. Happy, healthy cows produce the best colostrum, and we’re proud to reflect that in our products.