“Whey” proteins of milk of the red ( Macropus rufus) and eastern grey ( Macropus giganteus) kangaroo

Abstract

1. 1. A comparison is made of gel electrophoretic patterns of the “whey” proteins of the milk of red ( Macropus rufus) and eastern grey ( Macropus giganteus) kangaroos at various stages of lactation. Qualitative and quantitative changes occur with time during the mature phase of lactation of both types. Their onset is related solely to the stage of lactation. “Whey” proteins are isolated and characterised and the nature of protein changes determined for the first time. 2. 2. The anodic electrophoretic pattern is divided into 6 main zones (designated A–F in order of decreasing mobility) and 2 cathodic zones (G and H) that are only detected in the milk of M. giganteus. 3. 3. Zones A, B and C are milk specific. Zone B is present throughout lactation in both species and is an α-lactalbumin. Zones A and C are present only in late lactation, zone C, usually, but not always, appearing first. Zone A is an α-lactalbumin in M. giganteus, but is not an α-lactalbumin in M. rufus. Zone C appears to be the same protein in both species and is possibly a β-lactoglobulin. 4. 4. Zone D is kangaroo serum albumin and zone E is possibly a β 2-microglobulin, Zone F contains three main iron (III) binding bands whose relative intensity varies with stage of lactation. Their intensity differs from the corresponding blood serum transferrin bands. 5. 5. Zone H of Macropus giganteus is a lysozyme. 6. 6. Lactose is present in the milk, but is not the principal sugar. 7. 7. The significance of the results is discussed.