Colostrum is the milk produced within the first 24-72 hours after mammalian birth. It provides all of the essential nutrients and antibodies newborn mammals need in order to develop a healthy immune system and gut. It is very thick and yellow, hence its nickname “liquid gold.”
Then, transitional milk takes over, which is the transition between colostrum and what we know as the “whole milk” that cows produce. This is still slightly yellowish in color, but starts to become more white.
Finally, the mature bovine milk supply is established. Cow’s milk is high-volume, white in color, and provides all the nutrients we know and love such as vitamin d, calcium, and protein.