660. Properties and composition of colostrum from Egyptian buffaloes and cows

Abstract

The properties and composition of buffaloes' colostrum have been compared with those of cows' colostrum. The most significant differences found between the two may be summarized as follows:(1) Buffaloes' colostrum was richer in total solids, lactose, total N, globulin N and proteose-peptone N than cows' colostrum.(2) Buffaloes' colostrum had a much wider range of fat content than cows' colostrum. A distinct difference between the two colostrums lay in the fact that while buffaloes' colostrum was definitely poorer in fat content than normal buffaloes' milk, cows' colostrum was richer in fat content than is normal cows' milk.Changes in buffaloes' mammary secretion during the transition period from colostrum to milk.The following is a summary of the most significant trends in the properties and composition of buffaloes' mammary secretion during the transition period:(1) The specific gravity, acidity and chlorine decreased until they reached a normal value at the fifth milking. This compares well with the trends reported in the literature for cows' mammary secretion during the transition period.(2) The pH increased gradually until it reached its normal level before the fifth milking.(3) The highest level of total solids occurred at the first and second milking, and dropped sharply at the third milking to the level normally found in buffaloes' milk.(4) Changes in the lactose content from the second milking onwards were very slight. This contrasts with the known trend during the transition period in cows, when a gradual increase from a low level at the first milking to higher levels at the following milkings is noticeable.(5) The total N, globulin N, albumin N and proteose-peptone N decreased from relatively high levels at the first and second milkings to lower levels at later milkings, and thus closely followed the trend shown by the total solids.Buffaloes' mammary secretion may be considered comparable in its composition to normal buffaloes' milk and suitable for human consumption from 5 to 7 days after parturition.