Beestings is a term that refers to the first milk that a cow produces after giving birth. The spelling of this word may appear unusual, but it is phonetically derived. The first syllable, "bees," is pronounced as /bi:z/ while the last syllable, "tings," is pronounced as /tɪŋz/. Put together, the pronunciation is /bi:z.tɪŋz/. The word is used primarily in British and Irish English, and it is not commonly known in other English-speaking countries.
Beestings, also known as bestings or biestings, is a noun primarily used in British dialects and rural areas to refer to the thick, yellowish, and nutrient-rich first milk of a cow that has recently calved. It is considered to be a form of colostrum.
Colostrum is a specialized form of milk produced by the mother immediately after giving birth. Unlike regular milk, beestings are much thicker due to its higher fat and protein content. Beestings are typically more yellow in color and have a distinctively richer taste compared to regular cow's milk.
In traditional farming practices, beestings were highly valued for its nutritional benefits and were often used to feed newborn calves. Its high protein content supports the calf's growth and boosts their immune system, providing essential antibodies to protect them against diseases. Beestings are also believed to have medicinal properties and were sometimes used as a remedy for various ailments.
Besides its significance for newborn calves, beestings have also been used in culinary traditions. It has been used to make special puddings, custards, and cheese, although this usage is less common today.
Overall, beestings refers to the valuable, nutrient-rich milk produced by a cow after calving and is highly revered for its nutritional benefits and significance for newborn calves.
• The first milk given by a cow after calving.
• First milk given by a cow after calving.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "beestings" is derived from the Middle English term "bestynge" or "besting", which itself comes from the Old English word "byesten" or "biesten". The "biesten" was a compound of "bie", meaning a bee or ox, and "sting", which referred to the first milk of a cow after it gives birth. Over time, "biesten" evolved into "beestings", which now primarily refers to the thick, yellowish milk of a cow that has just calved.