Studies of composition and major protein level in milk and colostrum of mares.
Abstract: The aim of the study was to determine the changes in composition and physicochemical features (pH, density, thermostability and acidity) of mare colostrum and milk, and of protein fraction contribution (serum albumin, β-casein, γ-casein, α-lactalbumin, G class immunoglobulins) depending on lactation stage. The research material was colostrum and milk samples from 12 Arabian mares. Colostrum samples were collected within 2 h after parturition and milk samples were collected twice, in the 3rd and 6th weeks of lactation. The level of basic milk components decreased significantly (only lactose content increased) as compared to colostrum. Total bacteria count and somatic cell count decreased significantly with an increase in resistance and urea level. The changes observed were connected to differentiated contribution of particular protein fractions and their relative proportions. Lower levels of γ-casein (P ≤ 0.05), β-casein, serum albumin as well as α-lactalbumin were observed in colostrum as compared to those in milk. Any relationship between lactation stage and β-casein content was observed. Serum albumin and α-lactalbumin content increased in subsequent milkings. The level of G class immunoglobulins decreased significantly and its highest level was noted in colostrum. Any significant differences between the 3rd and 6th lactation weeks were obtained.
© 2011 The Authors. Animal Science Journal © 2011 Japanese Society of Animal Science.
Publication Date: 2011-07-26 PubMed ID: 22339698DOI: 10.1111/j.1740-0929.2011.00930.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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This research article focuses on understanding changes in the composition and physicochemical features (pH, density, thermostability and acidity) of milk and colostrum in Arabian mares at different stages of lactation. It also looks into the contribution of various protein fractions in the fluid over the course of the lactation period.
Objective and Methodology
- The study’s purpose was to identify the changes in the composition and certain physical and chemical characteristics (pH, density, thermostability, and acidity) of mare’s colostrum and milk during different stages of lactation. Furthermore, it also sought to understand the shifts in the contributions of different protein fractions such as Serum Albumin, β-Casein, γ-Casein, α-Lactalbumin, G class immunoglobulins in the fluid.
- To conduct this study, colostrum and milk samples were collected from 12 Arabian mares. The first colostrum samples were gathered within 2 hours of parturition, while milk samples were collected at two intervals – 3rd and 6th weeks of lactation.
Findings
- The research found that the levels of basic components in milk decreased significantly when compared to colostrum, except for lactose content which showed an increase.
- There was also a significant reduction in the total bacteria count and somatic cell count correlated with an increase in resistance and urea level.
- The observed changes were linked to different contribution levels of particular protein fractions and their relative proportions. Specifically, lower levels of γ-Casein, β-Casein, Serum Albumin, and α-Lactalbumin were found in colostrum compared to milk.
- While there was no relation between lactation stage and β-Casein content, the concentration of Serum Albumin and α-Lactalbumin increased in subsequent milkings.
- The level of G class immunoglobulins decreased significantly, with its highest level found in colostrum. No significant differences were observed between the 3rd and 6th weeks of lactation.
Implications
- The study brings forth important insights into the dynamic changes in the composition and physicochemical properties of mare’s milk and colostrum over different lactation stages.
- These findings can potentially be applied in the realm of equine health and nutrition, providing valuable information on the dietary needs of newborn foals and the effect of lactation stage on the nutritional quality of mare milk.
Cite This Article
APA
Pecka E, Dobrzański Z, Zachwieja A, Szulc T, Czyż K.
(2011).
Studies of composition and major protein level in milk and colostrum of mares.
Anim Sci J, 83(2), 162-168.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1740-0929.2011.00930.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Institute of Animal Breeding, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Chemical Phenomena
- Colostrum / chemistry
- Female
- Horses / metabolism
- Horses / physiology
- Lactation / physiology
- Milk / chemistry
- Milk / metabolism
- Milk Proteins / analysis
- Milk Proteins / metabolism
- Time Factors
Citations
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