Colostrum Research Articles

Effects of Receiving Two Initial Feedings of Colostrum on the Average Daily Gain and Health of Pre-Weaning Group Housed Holstein Heifer Calves.

Simple SummaryHigh levels of bioactive factors in colostrum may benefit the growth of dairy calves when provided after the loss of macromolecule absorption ability at the gastrointestinal level. We explored the effects of feeding two feedings of colostrum instead of only one on dairy calves and analyzed the impact of growth and disease during the pre-weaning period. Calf rearing accounts for a significant expense on farms. Therefore, raising calves without additional costs becomes important economically and for improving animal welfare. Feeding calves with two feedings of colostrum did not significantly affect growth but increased total serum protein in those calves.We studied the effect on average daily gain (ADG) and health of an additional colostrum feeding to Holstein dairy heifers 12–16 h after the first colostrum feeding, provided within 2 h of birth. Calves (n = 190) with an average birth weight of 38.8 kg (29.5–52.6 kg) were randomly enrolled in blocks to either the control (CON) or colostrum (COL). The CON received 3 L of acidified pasteurized whole milk, and the COL received 3 L of pasteurized colostrum [average: 25.5 (24.7–26.4)% Brix]. Calves were group-housed, weighed, withers height measured weekly. Serum was obtained and analyzed with a% Brix refractometer. Mixed linear models were used to assess the differences in ADG, body weight, and height between the treatment and control. There was no difference in ADG between the COL and CON. However, serum % Brix was higher in the COL group (9.7%) than in the CON group (9.2%). Calves in the COL had more antibiotic treatments for respiratory diseases but fewer antibiotic treatments for otitis than the CON. In conclusion, providing an extra feeding of colostrum did not contribute to ADG of Holstein heifers during the pre-weaning period but did provide them with a higher total serum protein concentration.

The concentrations of immunoglobulins in bovine colostrum determined by the gold standard method are genetically correlated with their near-infrared prediction

BackgroundThe quality of colostrum administered to calves is based on its concentration in immunoglobulins G (IgG, g/L). Immunoglobulins A (IgA) and M (IgM) are also present but at a lower level. The gold standard reference analysis for these traits, radial immunodiffusion, is time-consuming and expensive. In order to define breeding strategies that are aimed at improving colostrum quality in dairy cattle, a large amount of data is needed, and the use of indicator traits would be beneficial. In the study presented here, we explored the heritabilities of reference (radial immunodiffusion) and near infrared-predicted IgG, IgA, and IgM concentrations and estimated their genetic correlations. First, the colostrum of 765 Holstein cows from nine herds was sampled to perform a reference analysis and the near-infrared spectra (400–2500 nm) were stored. We used a calibration set (28% of the initial samples) that was representative of the herds and cow parity orders to develop prediction equations for IgG, IgA, and IgM concentrations. Finally, these traits were predicted in the validation set (72% of the initial samples) to estimate genetic parameters for the predictions. Genetic correlations between reference and predicted values of each trait were estimated through bivariate linear animal models.ResultsThe three near-infrared-predicted immunoglobulin fractions were genetically correlated with their reference value. In particular, the reference and predicted IgG concentrations were strongly correlated at both the genetic (0.854 ± 0.314) and phenotypic level (0.767 ± 0.019). Weaker associations were observed for IgA and IgM concentrations, which were predicted with lower accuracy compared to IgG. Simulation analyses suggested that improving colostrum quality by selective breeding in Holstein cattle based on near-infrared predicted colostrum immunoglobulins concentrations is feasible. In addition, less than 10 mL of colostrum are needed for spectra acquisition and thus implementation of such analyses is possible in the near future.ConclusionsThe concentrations of colostrum immunoglobulins can be predicted from near-infrared spectra and the genetic correlation between the reference and the predicted traits is positive and favourable, in spite of the large standard errors of the estimates. Near-infrared spectroscopy can be exploited in selective breeding of dairy cattle to improve colostral immunoglobulins concentration.

Method development for the analysis of PBMC-mediated killing of K562 cells by bovine colostrum

BackgroundColostrum is the first milk that supplies newborns with immune supporting peptides. Due to its heterogeneous and variable characteristics, standardized assays for assessment of its biological activities are a challenge. The current set of studies were aimed to investigate the immune activity of bovine colostrum blends as well as develop a method to assess variability across different lots. MethodsImmune activity of a bovine colostrum blend was evaluated by their ability to enhance PBMC (peripheral blood mononuclear cell)-mediated killing of K562 cells. K562 cell killing was assessed by flow cytometry using DAPI. PBMCs derived from multiple healthy donors were initially investigated. Frozen PBMC aliquots from one of the highest responders were used for subsequent studies. Different doses and lots of product were assessed. Incubation time was also explored. ResultsBovine colostrum blend similarly reduced K562 cells number and these effects were often greater than the IL-2 positive control. Despite consistent efficacy at enhancing PBMCs-mediated K562 killing, the degree of the effect was significantly variable across different lots. These biological effects were largely dependent on the solubility of the product. ConclusionAssessment of PBMC-mediated killing of K562 cells by flow cytometry using DAPI can be a reliable method for measuring immune activity of bovine colostrum when the material is well-dissolved into solution and the same biological sample from a single donor is used.

Diverse Immune Effects of Bovine Colostrum and Benefits in Human Health and Disease.

The health benefits of bovine colostrum have extensively been studied, including immune effects mediated by immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, and casein, as well as by certain growth factors. Some of these effects are not directly related to the absorption of proteins from the intestinal tract. The ingestion of BC can modulate the function of subsets of lymphocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells and increase regulatory cytokines such as interleukin 10. In this review, we predominantly focused on evidence from human studies on benefits in health and disease. This review highlights that clear evidence of the prevention of infectious diseases in pre-term infants such as necrotizing enterocolitis, neonatal sepsis or prevention of cancer metastasis is lacking. This is clearly an area where translational science has to be strengthened, taking the considerable evidence from numerous ex vivo studies on cells and tissues and from animal interventions. The review focuses predominantly on human data.

A Phytocannabinoid Formula Containing Palmitoylethanolamide, Acmella Oleracea Extract, and Bovine Colostrum Filtrate Inhibited Cytokine and Chemokine Production in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Stimulated Ex Vivo

A phytocannabinoid formula containing copaiba essential oil, palmitoylethanolamide, Sichuan pepper extract, Acmella oleracea extract, cruciferous vegetable extracts blend, and bovine colostrum filtrate was tested for its ex vivo effect on inhibiting stimulated cytokine release in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Effects of the phytocannabinoid formula on the peripheral blood mononuclear cells viability were measured by alamarBlue™ to confirm no obvious cytotoxicity. The phytocannabinoid formula was compared to reference compounds for its ability to inhibit both the phytohemagglutinin-stimulated release of the cytokines from T-cells and the lipopolysaccharide-stimulated release of the cytokines from macrophages/monocytes in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The T cell cytokine responses measured were those of interleukins (interleukin-1β, interleukin-2, interleukin-4, interleukin-5, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, interleukin-10, and interleukin-13) and interferon-gamma, interferon gamma-induced protein 10, macrophage inflammatory protein-1α, and tumor necrosis factor-α. The macrophage and monocyte cytokine responses measured were of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, macrophage inflammatory protein-1α, and tumor necrosis factor-α. For the phytohemagglutinin-stimulated T cell production of cytokines, the peripheral blood mononuclear cells treated with the Phytocannabinoid formula at 2 μg/mL and 20 μg/mL showed significant inhibition of interleukin-2, interleukin-6, interleukin-5, interleukin-8, interleukin-10, interleukin-13, and interferon gamma-induced protein 10 production. The phytocannabinoid formula also significantly reduced the macrophage/monocyte production of interleukin-1β and interleukin-6. Results from the present study showed that the phytocannabinoid formula inhibited cytokines and chemokines production in ex vivo stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, suggesting a potential immunomodulatory effect.

Bovine Colostrum for Human Consumption—Improving Microbial Quality and Maintaining Bioactive Characteristics through Processing

The main purpose of bovine colostrum, being the milk secreted by a cow after giving birth, is to transfer passive immunity to the calf. The calves have an immature immune system as they lack immunoglobulins (Igs). Subsequently, the supply of good quality bovine colostrum is required. The quality of colostrum is classified by low bacterial counts and adequate Ig concentrations. Bacterial contamination can contain a variety of human pathogens or high counts of spoilage bacteria, which has become more challenging with the emerging use of bovine colostrum as food and food supplements. There is also a growing risk for the spread of zoonotic diseases originating from bovines. For this reason, processing based on heat treatment or other feasible techniques is required. This review provides an overview of literature on the microbial quality of bovine colostrum and processing methods to improve its microbial quality and keep its nutritional values as food. The highlights of this review are as follows: high quality colostrum is a valuable raw material in food products and supplements; the microbial safety of bovine colostrum is increased using an appropriate processing-suitable effective heat treatment which does not destroy the high nutrition value of colostrum; the heat treatment processes are cost-effective compared to other methods; and heat treatment can be performed in both small- and large-scale production.

Physical Activity and Nutritional Influence on Immune Function: An Important Strategy to Improve Immunity and Health Status.

Physical activity (PA) and nutrition are the essential components of a healthy lifestyle, as they can influence energy balance, promote functional ability of various systems and improve immunity. Infections and their associated symptoms are the common and frequent challenges to human health that are causing severe economic and social consequences around the world. During aging, human immune system undergoes dramatic aging-related changes/dysfunctions known as immunosenescence. Clinically, immunosenescence refers to the gradual deterioration of immune system that increases exposure to infections, and reduces vaccine efficacy. Such phenomenon is linked to impaired immune responses that lead to dysfunction of multiple organs, while lack of physical activity, progressive loss of muscle mass, and concomitant decline in muscle strength facilitate immunosenescence and inflammation. In the present review, we have discussed the role of nutrition and PA, which can boost the immune system alone and synergistically. Evidence suggests that long-term PA is beneficial in improving immune system and preventing various infections. We have further discussed several nutritional strategies for improving the immune system. Unfortunately, the available evidence shows conflicting results. In terms of interaction with food intake, PA does not tend to increase energy intake during a short time course. However, overcoming nutritional deficiencies appears to be the most practical recommendation. Through the balanced nutritious diet intake one can fulfill the bodily requirement of optimal nutrition that significantly impacts the immune system. Supplementation of a single nutrient as food is generally not advisable. Rather incorporating various fruits and vegetables, whole grains, proteins and probiotics may ensure adequate nutrient intake. Therefore, multi-nutrient supplements may benefit people having deficiency in spite of sufficient diet. Along with PA, supplementation of probiotics, bovine colostrum, plant-derived products and functional foods may provide additional benefits in improving the immune system.

523 Late-Breaking: Non-nutrient Factors in Colostrum: Systems Biology of Mammary Derived Bioactive Proteins and Gut Receptors That Network Functions in the Bovine Neonate

Abstract Maternal-offspring coevolution has introduced the biological concept of “neonatal programming,” in which soluble proteins of varying abundance in bovine colostrum can have targeted activities in the calf gut. Still, the identities and developmental programming mechanisms of the full profile of colostrum proteins on transiently expressed gut receptors/transporters, as well as the ultimate functional responses in the calf, remain to be completely elucidated. The objective of this study was to address this gap in knowledge using systems biology. First, we biopsied the mammary gland and examined the transcriptome in primiparous and multiparous Holstein cows (at parturition/day 0 contrasted to 40–50 days after parturition; n = 4–5/group; FDR< 0.05) and used a bioinformatics algorithm to delineate transcripts coding proteins destined to be secreted into colostrum. In parallel, we analyzed the neonatal small intestine (0 day-old contrasted to 7 day-old; n = 3–5/group; FDR< 0.05) to identify transcripts that code for membrane receptors/transporters precise to the period of colostrum consumption. Integrative analysis of these results highlighted 44 possible signaling circuits (cutoff: >10 nCPM) directed by colostrum in the neonatal gut, providing a consolidated predictive understanding of colostrum-mediated effects that might occur in the neonate during this crucial period in development. These findings also represent the first mechanistic insight into mammary-sourced components that target the neonatal gut to regulate aspects of postnatal development that encompass intestinal maturation, gut-based secondary signaling, and establishment of the gut microbiome, all relevant to long-term health and development. Towards applications, these results are poised to offer novel opportunities to enhance commercial supplements via biomimicry to better reflect the physiology supporting neonatal growth and development.

A Neuroprotective Bovine Colostrum Attenuates Apoptosis in Dexamethasone-Treated MC3T3-E1 Osteoblastic Cells.

Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIO) is one of the most common secondary forms of osteoporosis. GIO is partially due to the apoptosis of osteoblasts and osteocytes. In addition, high doses of dexamethasone (DEX), a synthetic glucocorticoid receptor agonist, induces neurodegeneration by initiating inflammatory processes leading to neural apoptosis. Here, a neuroprotective bovine colostrum against glucocorticoid-induced neuronal damage was investigated for its anti-apoptotic activity in glucocorticoid-treated MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells. A model of apoptotic osteoblastic cells was developed by exposing MC3T3-E1 cells to DEX (0–700 μM). Colostrum co-treated with DEX was executed at 0.1–5.0 mg/mL. Cell viability was measured for all treatment schedules. Caspase-3 activation was assessed to determine both osteoblast apoptosis under DEX exposure and its potential prevention by colostrum co-treatment. Glutathione reduced (GSH) was measured to determine whether DEX-mediated oxidative stress-driven apoptosis is alleviated by colostrum co-treatment. Western blot was performed to determine the levels of p-ERK1/2, Bcl-XL, Bax, and Hsp70 proteins upon DEX or DEX plus colostrum exposure. Colostrum prevented the decrease in cell viability and the increase in caspase-3 activation and oxidative stress caused by DEX exposure. Cells, upon colostrum co-treated with DEX, exhibited higher levels of p-ERK1/2 and lower levels of Bcl-XL, Bax, and Hsp70. Our data support the notion that colostrum may be able to reduce DEX-induced apoptosis possibly via the activation of the ERK pathway and modulation of the Hsp70 system. We provided preliminary evidence on how bovine colostrum, as a complex and multi-component dairy product, in addition to its neuroprotective action, may affect osteoblastic cell survival undergoing apoptosis.

Effectiveness of visible – Near infrared spectroscopy coupled with simulated annealing partial least squares analysis to predict immunoglobulins G, A, and M concentration in bovine colostrum

Visible - near infrared spectroscopy coupled with variable selection using simulated annealing PLS regression was tested to predict immunoglobulin fractions (g/L) of bovine colostrum, namely IgG, IgA and IgM. Immunoglobulins were quantified in 678 samples using the gold standard radial immunodiffusion. Samples were divided in calibration (50%) and validation (50%) datasets. Maximum number of selected variables were limited to 200 and root mean squared error in cross validation (RMSECV) was used as loss function. Performance of the final model developed using the calibration dataset was assessed on the validation dataset. Overall, simulated annealing PLS improved validation RMSECV compared to ordinary PLS regression by 3% to 17%. The present study demonstrated the effectiveness of the calibration model for accurate quantification of IgG, the most abundant immunoglobulin of bovine colostrum (RMSECV = 13.28 g/L; R2 = 0.83). These outcomes could be useful to assess colostrum quality intended for animal and human usage.

Ghee Butter from Bovine Colostrum Reduces Inflammation in the Mouse Model of Acute Pancreatitis with Potential Involvement of Free Fatty Acid Receptors.

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory disease that causes severe tissue damage. Ghee butter from bovine colostrum (GBBC) is a clarified butter produced by heating milk fat to 40 °C and separating the precipitating protein. As colostrum mainly contains fatty acids (FAs), immunoglobulins, maternal immune cells, and cytokines, we hypothesized that it may exert anti-inflammatory effects. We investigated the effects of GBBC on experimental AP in mice. Two intraperitoneal (ip) injections of L-arginine (8%) were given 1 h apart to generate the AP murine model. After 12 h from the first L-arginine injection, mice were divided into the following experimental groups: AP mice treated with GBBC (oral gavage (po) every 12 h) and non-treated AP mice (po vehicle every 12 h). Control animals received vehicle only. At 72 h, mice were euthanized. Histopathological examination along with myeloperoxidase (MPO) and amylase/lipase activity assays were performed. In a separate set of experiments, FFAR1 and FFAR4 antagonists were used to verify the involvement of respective receptors. Administration of GBBC decreased MPO activity in the pancreas and lungs along with the microscopical severity of AP in mice. Moreover, treatment with GBBC normalized pancreatic enzyme activity. FFAR1 and FFAR4 antagonists tended to reverse the anti-inflammatory effect of GBBC in mouse AP. Our results suggest that GBBC displays anti-inflammatory effects in the mouse model of AP, with the putative involvement of FFARs. This is the first study to show the anti-inflammatory potential of a nutritional supplement derived from GBBC.

Quantitative analysis of differentially expressed milk fat globule membrane proteins between donkey and bovine colostrum based on high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry proteomics

This study was designed to provide novel insights into milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) proteins in donkey colostrum (DC) and bovine colostrum (BC) using quantitative proteomics. In total, 179 (DC) and 195 (BC) MFGM proteins were characterized, including 71 shared, 108 DC-specific, and 124 BC-specific proteins. Fifty-one shared proteins were selected as differentially expressed MFGM proteins, including 21 upregulated and 30 downregulated proteins in DC. Gene ontology analysis showed that these proteins were mainly enriched in cellular components, including the extracellular exosome, extracellular space, and plasma membrane. Additionally, they were further involved in metabolic pathways, including cholesterol metabolism, the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor signaling pathway, and purine metabolism. Furthermore, several key protein factors with high connectivity were identified via protein-protein interaction analysis. These results provide more comprehensive knowledge of differences in the biological properties of MFGM proteins in DC and BC as well as pave the way for future studies of the nutritional and functional requirements of these important ingredients toward the development of dairy products based on multiple milk sources.

Bovine Colostrum Silage: Physicochemical and Microbiological Characteristics at Different Fermentation Times.

Bovine colostrum silage (BCS) is a technique used by milk producers for the conservation of bovine colostrum. However, it is necessary to ensure the safety and quality of BCS, as this food will be supplied to the animals. This study aimed to compare the physicochemical and microbiological compositions of colostrum silage at different fermentation times with milk and bovine colostrum (BC) quality parameters. BC samples were obtained from Jersey animals from one dairy farm. The BC samples (n = 21) were placed in 500-mL plastic bottles, stored vertically and anaerobically fermented for periods of 61–437 days. The following parameters of the physicochemical composition of the BCS were evaluated: acidity, protein, total solids and ash, using the methodologies of Adolfo Lutz Institute (2008). The microbiological analysis was developed according to the methodology proposed by Saalfeld et al. (2013), with adaptations. The acidity, total solids and protein over fermentation time (group 1: 61 to 154, group 2: 200 to 273, and group 3: 280 to 437 days) were not significantly different (P > 0.05). The ash content was significantly different (P < 0.05) in groups 1 and 3 and showed a decrease (moderate negative correlation of −0.63) with increasing fermentation time. Positive correlations were observed between total solids and the protein and ash contents. The genus of microorganisms with the highest occurrence was Lactobacillus spp. (95.2% of BCS) and those of lesser occurrence included Escherichia spp., Actinomadura spp., Streptococcus spp. and Leuconostoc spp. (4.8% of BCS). BCS has a physicochemical composition similar to BC and showed changes during the fermentation period; however, the presence of pathogenic microorganisms in BCSs reinforces the need to further explore the quality parameters for BCS to ensure the safety of animals who receive this food.

Suitability of Protein Content Measured by MilkoScan FT-Plus Milk Analyzer to Evaluate Bovine and Ovine Colostrum Quality.

Simple SummaryA rapid and reliable method for assessing colostrum quality is needed to ensure enough immunoglobulins available to offspring in order to avoid the failure of the passive transfer of immunity. This study evaluates MilkoScan FT-plus as a rapid tool for the evaluation of immunoglobulin content indirectly by protein content measurement and thus colostrum quality with a particular focus on bovine and ovine colostrum. The results indicate that MilkoScan FT-plus has good agreement with the reference method for the measurement of immunoglobulin concentration in colostrum represented by the radial immunodiffusion method.The objective of this study was to evaluate MilkoScan FT-plus for the estimation of the immunoglobulin G (IgG) content in bovine and ovine colostrum. Between April and May 2016, a total of 94 colostrum samples (54 from Simmental dairy cows and 39 from Sarda ewes) were collected within 6 h (T0) and after 24 h (T24) from parturition. Colostrum samples were subjected to the radial immunodiffusion (RID) assay for the quantification of IgG and to MilkoScan FT-plus for the estimation of protein content (TP, %), which was then used as an indirect method for the evaluation of colostrum quality. To compare the two methods, correlation and regression analysis of IgG quantification by RID and protein (%) content estimation by MilkoScan FT-plus data was performed using Procedure CORR and Procedure REG of SAS, respectively (version 9.3, SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). Thresholds for the classification of good colostrum quality (as determined by RID assay, the gold standard method) were set at 50 g of IgG/L in cows and 20 g of IgG/L in ewes. The concentration of IgG in bovine colostrum assayed by RID showed a variation ranging from 41.45 to 199.97 g/L with an average of 99.85 ± 40.84 g/L at T0, and from 2.83 to 75.93 g/L with an average of 19.76 ± 19.01 g/L at T24. Regarding ovine colostrum, the concentration of IgG assayed by RID ranged from 34.45 to 156.32 g/L with an average value of 77.82 ± 37.58 g/L at T0, and from 5.6 to 69.74 g/L with an average of 27.90 ± 19.81 g/L at T24. Colostrum TP ranged from 3.70 to 23.96% for bovine colostrum and 6.32 to 22.88% for ovine colostrum using MilkoScan FT-plus. MilkoScan FT-plus and RID data were highly and significantly correlated (r = 0.91 for bovine and r = 0.94 for ovine colostrum), and regression analysis showed a strong relationship between IgG concentration provided by RID assay and TP provided by MilkoScan FT-plus (R2 = 0.84 and 0.88 for bovine and ovine, respectively). Optimal cut-off points for the greatest accuracy of TP (%) determined by MilkoScan FT-plus were 12.8% in cows [with 88.9% sensitivity (Se) and 100% specificity (Sp)] and 9% in ewes (with 96.7% Se and 100% Sp). In conclusion, these outcomes indicate that MilkoScan FT-plus as an indirect method may be a reliable tool for the estimation of the total IgG concentration and quality in bovine and ovine colostrum. Moreover, the cut-off levels of 12.8% for bovine and 9% for ovine of TP, seem sufficient to ensure that all poor-quality colostrum can be classified as such, with only a low proportion of good-quality colostrum being misclassified as poor-colostrum, thereby increasing the probability of delivering good-quality colostrum to new-born calves and lambs.

Performance of Hanwoo calves fed a commercial colostrum replacer versus natural bovine colostrum.

Supplying a sufficient amount of high-quality colostrum is a prevailing challenge in Hanwoo calf production systems. This study aimed to describe the efficiency of a lacteal-derived colostrum replacer versus natural bovine colostrum (from Holstein) fed to Hanwoo calves. Forty newborn Hanwoo calves (25 males and 15 females; 30.7 ± 3.15 kg body weight [mean ± standard deviation]) were blocked by sex and birth weight and fed either natural colostrum or a commercial colostrum replacer. Calves displayed a narrow difference in the evolution of body weight and structural body dimensions when they received a commercial versus natural colostrum. Minor differences existed in the starter and total dry matter consumption between calves fed natural or commercial colostrum. Although the colostrum source had no significant effects on days to first diarrhea (average of 7.6 days; p = 0.17), the duration of diarrhea was longer in natural colostrum-fed calves (3.2 vs. 4.5 days; p = 0.04). Consumption of natural colostrum resulted in greater mean serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) on day 2 (14.7 vs. 10.8 ± 0.92 mg/mL) and day 7 (8.21 vs. 5.12 ± 0.82 mg/mL) of calf life, resulting in a greater proportion of commercial colostrum-fed calves (50% vs. 15%; day 2) to experience failure of passive transfer of immunity (serum IgG < cutoff point of 10 mg/mL). Overall, growth rate, body frame development, and incidence of diarrheal disease were not different in both groups. These results suggested that the colostrum replacer product tested in this study could be an alternative to natural colostrum derived from Holstein cow in securing calf growth and health in Hanwoo calf-rearing operations.

The effectivity of bovine colostrum and Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) on the improvement of Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) and Takeda G-Protein Coupled Receptor-5 (TGR5) level in post-hepatectomy Wistar rats

Background: The factor affecting the liver's healing process after resection in liver malignancy is liver fibrosis. Bovine Colostrum (BC), as one of the anti-fibrosis products of the liver, improves hepatic fibrosis and reduces hepatocyte damage caused by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Meanwhile, Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) is a new therapeutic source after resection. MSC is able to differentiate into specific cells in the healing process. This study aims to determine the effects of BC, MSC, and a combination of both in terms of increasing Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) and Takeda G-Protein Coupled Receptor-5 (TGR5) levels in Wistar rats post hepatectomy 50% with liver fibrosis.Methods: This study is an experimental study with a randomized control trial design. Subjects were 25 Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) which were divided into 5 groups: Sham (surgery only), K (Control), K1 (CCL4 +BC), K2 (CCL4 + MSC), and K3 (CCL4 + MSC +BC). Blood was also taken to assess ALP and TGR5 at Day-3, Day-7, and Day-10 of treatment. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 for Windows.Results: A significant differences are found in ALP in the Sham group with K2 (p = 0.014) and the K2 group with K1 (p=0.026) on day 10. Significant differences in TGR5 are found in the Sham and K2 groups (p=0.009), control with K2 (p=0.014), K2 with K1 (p=0.007) on day 3. On day 7 in the control group with the combination (p=0.013). The test results showed that TGR5 on day 3 had a moderate significant strong correlation on ALP levels on day 10 (r=0.596; p=0.014).Conclusion: The combination of BC and MSC was not better than the administration of BC or MSC only in increasing ALP and TGR5 levels in rats with liver fibrosis after hepatectomy 50%.Based on this study, the administration of MSC is recommended.

Bovine Colostrum Supplementation Improves Bone Metabolism in an Osteoporosis-Induced Animal Model.

Osteoporosis is characterized by bone loss. The present study aims to investigate the effects of bovine colostrum (BC) on bone metabolism using ovariectomized (OVX) and orchidectomized (ORX) rat models. Twenty-seven-week-old Wistar Han rats were randomly assigned as: (1) placebo control, (2) BC supplementation dose 1 (BC1: 0.5 g/day/OVX, 1 g/day/ORX), (3) BC supplementation dose 2 (BC2: 1 g/day/OVX, 1.5 g/day/ORX) and (4) BC supplementation dose 3 (BC3: 1.5 g/day/OVX, 2 g/day/ORX). Bone microarchitecture, strength, gene expression of VEGFA, FGF2, RANKL, RANK and OPG, and bone resorption/formation markers were assessed after four months of BC supplementation. Compared to the placebo, OVX rats in the BC1 group exhibited significantly higher cortical bone mineral content and trabecular bone mineral content (p < 0.01), while OVX rats in the BC3 group showed significantly higher trabecular bone mineral content (p < 0.05). ORX rats receiving BC dose 2 demonstrated significantly higher levels of trabecular bone mineral content (p < 0.05). Serum osteocalcin in the ORX was pointedly higher in all BC supplementation groups than the placebo (BC1: p < 0.05; BC2, BC3: p < 0.001). Higher doses of BC induced significantly higher relative mRNA expression of OPG, VEGFA, FGF2 and RANKL (p < 0.05). BC supplementation improves bone metabolism of OVX and ORX rats, which might be associated with the activation of the VEGFA, FGF2 and RANKL/RANK/OPG pathways.

Effect of spectral pretreatment on qualitative identification of adulterated bovine colostrum by near-infrared spectroscopy

Identifying the adulterated bovine colostrum is helpful to guarantee the quality of colostrum products and protect the legitimate rights of consumers. Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy technology has been proved to be able to predict the main compositions of milk, but the scattering of particles in colostrum has big effect on obtained NIR spectra. To know the effect of spectral pretreatment on qualitative identification of adulterated bovine colostrum by NIR spectroscopy, 154 bovine colostrum samples adulterated with mature milk at the mass concentration of 0–50% were prepared, and their NIR spectra in 833–2500 nm were pretreated using Savitzky-Golay smoothing (S-G), second derivative (SD), multiple scatter correction (MSC), SD after S-G (S-G + SD) and MSC after S-G (S-G + MSC) in this study. The results showed that MSC was the optimum spectral pretreatment method, and the partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) model based on full spectra after MSC pretreatment had the highest sensitivity (84.62%), specificity (100%) and accuracy rate (94.74%). Compared with the established PLS-DA model with the spectra without any pretreatment, the accuracy rate was improved by 5.27%. The additional experiment showed that the developed method had good identification performance. This study provides a fast and accurate detection method for qualitative identification of adulterated bovine colostrum.

Supplementation of Diets With Bovine Colostrum Influences Immune and Gut Function in Kittens.

In its early life a kitten faces many significant events including separation from its mother, re-homing and vaccination. The kitten is also slowly adapting to their post-weaning diet. Recent advances in companion animal nutrition have indicated that functional ingredients such as colostrum can help support the immune system and gastrointestinal health. Here we report for the first time the effect of feeding a diet containing 0.1% spray dried bovine colostrum (BC) to growing kittens on gut-associated lymphoid (GALT) tissue responses, systemic immune responses, and on intestinal microbiota stability. BC supplementation induced increased faecal IgA expression, and a faster and stronger antibody response to a rabies vaccine booster, indicative of better localised and systemic immune function, respectively. BC supplementation also helped to maintain kittens' intestinal microbiota stability in the face of a mildly challenging life event. These results show that BC supplementation can help strengthen the immune system and enhance the gut microbiota stability of growing kittens.

Influence of first colostrum pasteurization on serum immunoglobulin G, iron, and activity of gamma-glutamyltransferase in newborn dairy calves.

Background and Aim:Colostrum pasteurization is an established procedure in dairy farms in developed countries. This practice can improve the health status of the offspring by reducing several pathogens. This study aimed to focus on the pasteurization of bovine first colostrum and its influence on certain important bioactive components.Materials and Methods:This study was conducted in Holstein-Friesian bull calves, which were randomly divided into two groups and fed with 6 L of untreated (UT, n=10) or 6 L of heat-treated (HT, 63.5°C for 30 min, n=10) colostrum from their own dam within the first 12 h after birth. Blood samples were taken before, 24 h, and 48 h after first colostrum intake to determine the concentrations of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and iron and the activity of gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) in the serum.Results:The level of IgG was not affected by pasteurization (p=0.19). However, a slower increase in GGT activity (p<0.05) and a lower serum iron concentration (p=0.04) were observed in the HT group.Conclusion:It can be concluded that pasteurization influences the absorption of colostrum components and therefore, the passive transfer of immunity, although the level of IgG was not affected by pasteurization in this study.