Abstract
ABSTRACTLactoferrin (LF) is a prominent protein in milk, and is present in many other secretory fluids and white blood cells. The variation of LF content in milk is possibly regulated by multiple environmental factors such as milk composition and endogenous factors. In this study, we analysed the variations of LF in both milk and plasma of 20 Xinong Saanen goats and its related factors. Firstly, LF content in colostrum was 222.6 ± 41.57 μg/mL, and then throughout the lactation period the mean concentrations remained stable, ranged between 34.61 and 51.94 μg/mL. The LF concentration in plasma fluctuated between 173.56 and 246.20 μg/mL during the entire lactational period. There was no correlation between the milk and plasma LF concentrations (P > .05). However, LF in milk was closely correlated with milk lactose, protein and SNF contents (P < .01), but not with milk fat and total solids (P > .05). In addition, LF concentration in milk was correlated with the lactation stage (P < .01). Further studies are required to investigate these factors that cause LF variations in the milk of Xinong Saanen goat.
Highlights
Lactoferrin (LF) is an iron-binding glycoprotein in the transferrin family, and found in milk, many other secretory fluids and white blood cells (Gonzálezchávez et al 2009; Ammons and Copié 2013)
The variation of LF content in milk is possibly regulated by multiple environmental factors such as milk composition and endogenous factors
We analysed the variations of LF in both milk and plasma of 20 Xinong Saanen goats and its related factors
Summary
Lactoferrin (LF) is an iron-binding glycoprotein in the transferrin family, and found in milk, many other secretory fluids and white blood cells (Gonzálezchávez et al 2009; Ammons and Copié 2013). Because of the wide array of important biological functions, LF and its related affecting factors are greatly investigated (Chen and Mao 2004). Harmon (1994) reported that LF concentrations in milk relate to somatic cell counts (SCC), stage of lactation and milk yield (private communication). Milking frequency may be one of the main factors which have influence on the LF concentration. Shortterm changes of milking frequency during early lactation have been shown to produce an immediate and a longterm effect on milk yield in stall-fed cows and affect proliferation of mammary cells as well as expression of the major milk protein genes. Milking frequency and the globulousness of the udder in Tinerfena breed goats were correlated with milk yield and milking ability (Capote et al 2006). We take lactation stage and milk composition into account
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