ABSTRACT
Bovine colostrum (BC) is a unique and immuno therapeutically valuable by-product of large scale dairy production units. The uses of BC in both humans and as well as animals are related largely to the historical concept of “immune milk,” which has been found appropriate for transferring passive immunity. Besides immunoglobulins at a much higher level than the ordinary milk, colostrum contains a plethora of other bioactive immune constituents [such as tissue growth factors (TGF) and proline-rich polypeptides (PRP)] and antimicrobial fractions (such as lactoferrin, antioxidants, cytokines, lymphokines, etc.) that stimulate various immunological mechanisms, thus providing prophylaxis against various infectious and non-infectious diseases. BC has the potential to act like a matchless source of biomolecules and treasured raw material for the manufacture of nutraceuticals. Various techniques are employed for increasing the keeping quality of BC by processing and preservation for prolonged use, like, freezing, spray drying, lyophilization, pasteurization, etc. for retaining a reasonable proportion of bioactive components especially immunoglobulins. Novel techniques like membrane processing, microfiltration (MF), and high pressure treatment have been advocated for better efficacy and retaining biomolecules post-treatment by employing various manipulation methods for the formulation of a specific composition. This chapter primarily discusses various immunotherapeutic roles of BC along with different storage techniques for its extended safe use along with the influence of various preservation methods on immune-biological or nutritional qualities.
