Physico–chemical composition and antioxidant potential of buffalo colostrum, transition milk, and mature milk

Abstract

The present study focused on monitoring the physico–chemical parameters, microbiological quality, minerals, and antioxidant potential of colostrum samples collected from buffaloes (n = 20) until 10th milking (twice-daily milking) after partum. Solids not fat (SNF), fat (%), protein (%), and ash (%) decreased with time, while pH gradually increased. There was a significant (p < .05) effect regarding milking after partum on all the investigated minerals, that is, Ca, Mg, Na, K, Fe, and Zn. Regarding Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), the maximum value (107.05 mg/100g Trolox equivalent (TE)) was observed in buffalo colostrum in the first milking of the postpartum period. Similarly, the maximum value (39.66 mg/100g gallic acid equivalent (GAE)) of total phenolics (TP) was also observed in the colostrum of 1st milking after partum. As indicated, it may be concluded that buffalo colostrum collected during the first 2 days after parturition might be a rich source of nutrients and antioxidant agents. Practical applications In the present study, the contents of fat (%), protein (%), ash (%), and solids not fat (%) were high in colostrum at the beginning of the postpartum period. Similarly, high levels of minerals and improved antioxidant potential were observed in colostrum until 4th postpartum milking. Therefore, it may be suggested that buffalo colostrum collected during the first 2 days of the postpartum period could fortify human organism due to its health benefits as a result of the presence of increased quantities of bioactive compounds.