Between the decades of 275 and 300 BC, reference is made in the Book of Sirach to the first milk from a female mammal who had just given birth, comparing its beneficial properties and necessity in life to that of wheat, salt, iron, fire and water. From Scandinavian delicacies to Ayurvedic physician medicinal practices, this superfood known as colostrum has been praised for its nutritional benefits, antimicrobial properties, and unique balance of vitamins and minerals.
Today, though, colostrum supplements are taking the health and wellness space by storm and their branding has expanded far beyond its original natural elements. As more people seek out colostrum, the ethics of sourcing it come into question. One such concern involves the fear of stealing colostrum from the baby calves that need it most, a practice that would violate animal welfare to its core. Manufacturers of these supplements would have you believe that all of their products are from grass fed, pasture raised cows, but how many of these claims are true and how many are just marketing lingo?
Breaking Down Sourcing Practices
Animal rights activists have markedly different takes on dairy farms and the consumption of milk-based products. To some, dairy farmers are seen as part of an inhumane industrial food production system that forces cows and other livestock to endure a lifetime of suffering. Because colostrum is originally produced for baby calves, this raises some questions regarding the ethics of sourcing colostrum for human use. Some may worry that we are taking this vital substance away from the animals that need it to grow and survive.
Rest assured, there are ways to properly and ethically source colostrum, ways that do not harm the cows and ensure that all calves are given the optimal amount before human consumption is even considered.
It’s important to first note that calves do not need all the colostrum that the mother produces. Beginning about five weeks prepartum and ending about 24 hours after, cows will produce on average about 9.4lbs of colostrum but can produce as much as 58.4lbs. However, calves only need 5% of their body weight worth of colostrum, about 4lbs. It’s much more important that calves get their feedings at the correct times for optimal health which is why colostrum started to be collected by farmers in the first place. As a result of this difference between what is produced and what is needed, there ends up being quite a bit of excess milk available.
Ethical colostrum producers will source colostrum only from the excess that would otherwise have been thrown away or sold scrap. This means that the calves still receive the vital colostrum they need for their health and development, and we can upcycle the extra for our own use.
Some colostrum companies may source milk from the cows after the initial 24 hours that the calves need the milk from the mothers, and while this protects the calf and is an ethical process, this is actually known as “transitional milk”. Transitional milk, unlike colostrum, does not contain as many of the natural bioactives and nutrients that are important to our health. Instead, it contains much more fat and sugars that are intended to give newborns the energy needed to survive the first few weeks, but not as beneficial to adults. By using the excess colostrum, producers are able to minimize waste and create a sustainable product that still contains nutrients essential to humans and animals alike.
Some Colostrum Supplements Are Worse Than Others
Not all colostrum supplements are created equal in terms of their souring, ingredients, and nutritional content. When searching for a colostrum supplement, make sure to take note of what the company states on their nutrition facts label, their website, and any media that they produce. While there are certainly ways to ethically source colostrum, not all brands will prioritize animal welfare when making their product. That is why it is essential for consumers to be conscientious of the ethics of the companies they support and buy from.
As consumers, we may oftentimes feel powerless in comparison to the large businesses and industries that we support. However, our purchasing decisions actually have major leverage, as our choices can influence and empower companies to practice more responsible sourcing practices.
When it comes to ethical sourcing, Moogi stands out as a brand that follows the highest industry standards. Moogi ensures that their colostrum is sourced ethically, guaranteeing that the calves are given the best chance to live long happy, healthy lives. In addition to protecting the interests of the animals, Moogi also practices sustainability and waste minimization by making use of the spare fluid while preserving colostrum’s natural benefits. By prioritizing ethical and transparent practices, Moogi sets a standard for the industry and ensures that consumers can trust the quality and integrity of their supplements.
By choosing to support brands with high ethical and sourcing standards like Moogi, we as consumers send a clear message to the health and wellness industry. Asking for more ethical business practices can lead to industry-wide shifts towards brands with higher transparency, integrity and accountability. As a result, we as consumers reap the rewards, gaining access to high-quality supplements that we can confidently stand behind.