What is the term used to identify the milk that a cow produces for a short time after calving?

The term used to identify the milk that a cow produces for a short time after calving is colostrum. Colostrum is the first form of milk produced by mammals immediately following the delivery of their young. It is rich in antibodies, essential nutrients, and growth factors that are critical for the newborn's immune system and overall health. This early milk differs significantly from regular milk due to its higher concentration of these protective substances, which help the calf build immunity during its early days of life.

In the context of the other options, whole milk refers to milk that has not been altered to remove fat, skim milk is milk from which the cream (fat) has been removed, and raw milk is milk that has not undergone pasteurization. None of these terms apply to the specialized milk produced around the time of calving, highlighting the distinct role of colostrum in livestock care and management.