What is the "first milk" produced by a ewe at lambing?

The "first milk" produced by a ewe at lambing is called colostrum. This special form of milk is rich in antibodies, nutrients, and energy, which are vital for the newborn lamb's immune system and overall health. Colostrum is produced in the first few days after birth and has a higher concentration of immunoglobulins than regular milk. These immunoglobulins help provide passive immunity to the lamb, protecting it from infections and diseases during its critical early days of life.

In contrast, while cream refers to the fatty portion of milk, it is not specifically related to the early nutritional needs of a newborn. Beta Carotene is a pigment and antioxidant found in various plants and is not a type of milk; while it can contribute to the nutritional value of the ewe's diet, it does not describe the first milk produced. Regular milk is produced after the colostrum phase and does not provide the same levels of essential antibodies that colostrum does. Thus, colostrum is crucial for lamb survival and health right after birth.