A newborn llama goes from a sterile womb to an environment filled with bacteria, viruses and toxins. Protection against these possible sickness-causing invaders comes from the dam's colostrum. Immunity is developed through her daily existence with exposure to barnyard contaminants as well as immunizations she might have been given over the years.
Protection comes in the form of antibodies.
These colostral antibodies are absorbed through the baby's intestine and into the blood stream. Other benefits of colostrum are the high levels of solids, minerals, proteins, vitamins and energy giving carbohydrates supplied in a concentrated form easily absorbed by the newborn. Research is being conducted to determine if colostral proteins may play a role in the humoral immune response to antigenic stimulation. Another component of colostrum is lactoferrin, a protein that binds iron, removing it from damaging microorganisms which require iron to grow and thrive. Also present are beneficial microflora which inoculate the gut and create a disadvantageous environment for pathogenic bacteria.