Cow Colostrum Research Articles

КОЛОСТРАЛЬНЫЙ ИММУНИТЕТ ТЕЛЯТ НА ФОНЕ ИММУНОКОРРЕКЦИИ ОРГАНИЗМА КОРОВ-МАТЕРЕЙ

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of immunostimulating drugs Salus-P-E and Bovistim-K on the quality of colostrum and the immune status of calves after drinking colostrum. Work was carried out on first-calf heifers of the Holstein breed. Three groups of deep-calving cows were selected according to the principle of analogue groups of 10 animals each. Cows of the 1st experimental group were injected intramuscularly in the middle third of the neck with Salus-P-E at a dose of 10 ml three times 60, 30 and 15 days before the expected date of calving, the 2nd experimental group – Bovistim-K at the same time and dose, in the control group, biological preparations were not used. Colostrum sampling was carried out twice: within 60 minutes after calving and 24 hours after calving. In the second series of experiments, we studied the clinical and physiological state and blood parameters of newborn calves after drinking colostrum. The colostrum of cows of the 1st and 2nd experimental groups contained more immunoglobulins than control samples by 23,8 and 27,67 g/l; total protein - by 3,08 and 3,32%; the level of caseins – by 0,34 and 0,22%, respectively. Against the background of immunocorrection of the organism of deep-calving mother cows, there is an increase in the amount of hemoglobin, total protein, reserve alkalinity and certain changes in the ratio of protein fractions of blood of newborn calves. In the first day of life, an increase in the blood serum of calves of the experimental groups was found compared to the control: albumin by 7,9 and 8,4%; α-globulins – by 18,6 and 15,7%, β-globulins – by 22,1 and 16,9%, γ-globulins by 24,4 and 21,4%, respectively. Drinking high-quality colostrum (Brix over 24) contributed to an increase in average daily gains in calves of the 1st and 2nd experimental groups by 18,2 and 20,2%. The use of immunostimulating drugs Salus-P-E and Bovistim-K increases the immunocompetent properties of colostrum, which contributes to the formation of a high level of colostral immunity in the body of newborn calves, reducing morbidity and improving growth and survival rates.

ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКА И ВЛИЯНИЕ МИКРОКАПСУЛЯЦИИ НА СТАБИЛЬНОСТЬ БИОПЕПТИДА В МОДЕЛИ IN VITRO

One of the ways to prevent the development of oxidative stress is the oral use of bioactive peptides. To ensure the targeted release of biologically active substances in the body, they are microcapsulated. The aim of the research is to characterize, predict, evaluate the antioxidant properties of a biopeptide and study the effect of microcapsulation on its stability in a model of the gastrointestinal tract. The molecular mass distribution of the peptide was evaluated by mass spectrometric method. Identification and characterization of the peptide was carried out using Protein NCBI and ARD databases. The antioxidant activity of the peptide was determined by DPPH, ABTS and FRAP methods. The microencapsulation of the peptide was carried out in a pseudo-boiling layer of 10 % maltodextrin solution. As a result of research, a peptide was isolated from trypsin hydrolysate of cow colostrum, its molecular weight, amino acid sequence, charge, hydrophobicity, isoelectric point, two- and three-dimensional structure were determined. Based on the obtained physicochemical characteristics of the peptide, a hypothesis about its antioxidant properties has been proposed, which has been confirmed in in vitro studies. It is proved that the microcapsulation of the peptide into a protective layer of maltodextrin ensures its stability in the model of the oral cavity and stomach and targeted release in the intestine in vitro.

EFFECT OF THE DRUG PROSTIMUL ON THE ENERGY METABOLISM AND NON-ENZYMATIC LINK OF THE ANTIOXIDANT SYSTEM IN THE PIGLETS WITH CONGENITAL HYPOTROPHY

The article presents the results of a study on the effect of the drug Prostimul on the energy metabolism and nonspecific antioxidant system of the piglets with congenital hypotrophy. It has been revealed that the use of the drug Prostimul, which includes species-specific recombinant interferons alpha and beta and vitamins A, E and C, contribute to the normalization of metabolism in hypotrophic piglets, as seen by an increase in the concentration of glucose, albumins, triglycerides and total lipids on day 7. Thus, in the hypotrophic piglets treated with the drug Prostimul, the glucose concentration significantly increased by 14.51%, the concentration of albumins - by 11.92%, the blood concentration of triglycerides increased by 1.88 and 1.45 times, compared with the piglets in other groups. The blood concentrations of total lipids in the hypotrophic piglets receiving additional cow colostrum, and in the hypotrophic piglets receiving the drug "Prostimul" were by 1.34 and 1.32 times higher than in the normotrophic piglets. When assessing the nonspecific link of the antioxidant system, it has been noted that the drug Prostimul after administration to hypotrophic piglets contributes to the normalization of metabolic processes in the body, which in turn affects the increase in the antioxidant status and stimulation of nonspecific resistance of the body.

ПРИРОДНЫЙ И СИНТЕЗИРОВАННЫЙ ПЕПТИДЫ: СРАВНИТЕЛЬНАЯ АНТИМИКРОБНАЯ АКТИВНОСТЬ

A study of the comparative biological activity of a natural antimicrobial peptide isolated from trypsin hydrolysate of cow colostrum and its synthetic analogue was carried out. It was found that the isolated peptide consists of five amino acids and has a molecular weight of 407 Da. According to a search conducted on the Antimicrobial Peptide Database, the isolated peptide has 100 % similarity to the peptide AP01406 obtained from Eisenia foetida and has antiviral, antimicrobial and antitumor effects. The analysis of the chemical and physical properties of the peptide, screening of the results obtained by the Protein NCBI and Antimicrobial Peptide Database databases suggests that the isolated peptide has antimicrobial properties. A threephase synthesis of a natural analog peptide was carried out. It is proved that synthesized and natural peptides have antimicrobial and antifungal activity. The biological activity of the synthesized peptide is slightly higher than the natural one.

Determination of Antibacterial Efficacy of Lactoferrin Glycoprotein Obtained from Cow Colostrum

Objective: It was aimed to investigate the antibacterial effect levels of Lactoferrin protein in cow colostrum. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of lactoferrin protein obtained from a natural product on the growth of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aerugenosa and Staphylococcus aureus.
 Method: Lactoferrin at 4 different concentrations (100 mg/ml, 50 mg/ml, 25mg/ml and 12.5mg/ml) was impregnated on 6 mm discs prepared from filter paper and placed on the MHA plate and after incubation at 37˚C for 24 hours, inhibition was evaluated. The antibacterial effect levels of naturally obtained lactoferrin at different concentrations were compared.
 Results: It was determined that the antibacterial activity of lactoferrin against Gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa was higher than the other bacterial species in the study. It was determined that Lactoferrin at a concentration of 12.5mg/ml had the least inhibitory effect in the studied bacteria. It was concluded that E.coli and S. aureus were bacteria resistant to the antibacterial activity of lactoferrin.
 Conclusion: It was observed that this effect was limited in E.coli bacteria. In the light of these results, it was concluded that Lactoferrin, an antibacterial agent, has different antibacterial effects depending on the bacterial species and dose.

295 Effects of a Supraphysiological Oxytocin Injection After Parturition on Blood-Milk-Barrier Closure and Igg Transfer into Milk in Dairy Cows

Abstract Oxytocin (OT) can affect the blood-milk-barrier integrity by modulating the closure of tight junctions. Earlier research demonstrated a transfer of circulating immunoglobulins (Ig) into milk upon OT application during an LPS-induced mastitis. The role of OT in colostrogenesis, i.e., IgG transfer into colostrum, is not fully understood. Our study aimed at retarding the postpartum closure of the blood-milk-barrier and concomitantly prolonging the transfer of IgG into colostrum of dairy cows by a supraphysiological OT injection. Multiparous Holstein cows (n = 28) were enrolled. Blood and milk samples were collected at the first 2 milkings after parturition and milk yields were recorded. Ten cows received 50 IU OT i.v. at 30 min after the first milking (OT+30), 9 cows were injected 50 IU OT i.v. at 120 min before the second milking (OT-120), and 9 cows remained untreated (CTRL). Cows were milked at 6.7 ± 0.7 h after parturition (first milking) and 11.5 ± 0.3 h later (second milking). Milk was analyzed for fat, protein, lactose and IgG, serum albumin (SA), and electrolytes (Na, K, Cl) concentrations and for lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity. Concentration of α-lactalbumin (α-LA) was measured in blood plasma. Data were evaluated using a mixed model (SAS) with group, milking number, and group x milking number as fixed effects, and cow as random subject. In all groups, concentrations of protein, IgG, SA, LDH in milk decreased from first to second milking, while lactose content in milk increased (P < 0.05). Milk yield and milk fat content did not differ between first and second milking (P > 0.05). Concentration of α-LA in plasma tended to decrease from first to second milking. Treatments did not affect changes in blood and milk from first to second milking. In conclusion, a single injection of supraphysiological OT either at 30 min after the first milking postpartum or 2 h before the second milking postpartum did not retard the closure of the blood-milk-barrier in dairy cows. Furthermore, OT application did not prolong the active transport of IgG into milk after the first milking.

Lactoferrin-Anchored Tannylated Mesoporous Silica Nanomaterials-Induced Bone Fusion in a Rat Model of Lumbar Spinal Fusion.

Lactoferrin (LF) is a potent antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial agent found in cow and human colostrum which acts as an osteogenic growth factor. This study aimed to investigate whether LF-anchored tannylated mesoporous silica nanomaterials (TA-MSN-LF) function as a bone fusion material in a rat model. In this study, we created TA-MSN-LF and measured the effects of low (1 μg) and high (100 μg) TA-MSN-LF concentrations in a spinal fusion animal model. Rats were assigned to four groups in this study: defect, MSN, TA-MSN-LF-low (1 μg/mL), and TA-MSN-LF-high (100 μg/mL). Eight weeks after surgery, a greater amount of radiological fusion was identified in the TA-MSN-LF groups than in the other groups. Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed that new bone fusion was induced in the TA-MSN-LF groups. Additionally, osteocalcin, a marker of bone formation, was detected by immunohistochemistry, and its intensity was induced in the TA-MSN-LF groups. The formation of new vessels was induced in the TA-MSN-LF-high group. We also confirmed an increase in the serum osteocalcin level and the mRNA expression of osteocalcin and osteopontin in the TA-MSN-LF groups. TA-MSN-LF showed effective bone fusion and angiogenesis in rats. We suggest that TA-MSN-LF is a potent material for spinal bone fusion.

Influence of premix for dairy cattle on milk productivity and milk quality of simmental breed cows

The paper shows the results of testing a new premix developed by scientists of the North Kazakhstan University named after M. Kozybayev. The aim of the study was to determine the effectiveness of the new premix compared to the manufactured P-60-1. For this purpose, 3 groups of heifers of 10 heads were formed (1 – control, 2 group – diet with premix PSVM-1, 3 group – PSVM-2). The inclusion in the concentrate part of the silage-hay-hay rations of heifers instead of the premix P-60-1 produced by the feed industry, the premixes PSVM-1 and PSVM-2 developed by us allowed us to increase the concentration in the dry matter of the cobalt rations to 0,49 mg, copper – to 8,60–8,67 mg, zinc – to 30,4–30,6 mg, manganese – up to 44–45 mg, vitamin A – up to 3250–3300 м.е. and vitamin D – up to 1289–1276 м.е. The milk yield of the experimental groups of animals at a probability level of p<0,05 exceeded the control by 1,5 kg per day. The content of milk fat in the colostrum of cows of group 3 increased (6,18±0,18% versus 5,13±0,16 in the control) and vitamins A and D, which is very important for the normalization of metabolism in the body of a newborn calf at a probability level of p<0,001. Enriching the diet of animals with vitamin and mineral complex allowed the heifers of the experimental groups to get more growth live weight from 72 to 140 g in the third group per day at p<0,001.

Microbiocenosis of adenocarcinoma tissue in colon cancer patients with different preoperative preparation

Purpose of the study. To assess the effect of inclusion of lactoglobulin in complex preoperative preparation of colon cancer patients on their tumor and resection line tissue microbiota.Materials and methods. 40 patients with colon cancer stages II–III, in whom the operation was the first stage of treatment, during standard preoperative preparation, were injected with a preparation of antibodies against opportunistic intestinal microorganisms obtained from colostrum of immunized cows, 2 g twice a day orally before surgery for 3 days (total dose of 12 g) (main group); 40 patients received standard antibiotic prophylaxis (control group). The quantitative composition of the microbiota was determined in the samples of the removed tumor and tissue of the resection line.Results. The total microbial contamination of the tumor was 9.2 times lower in the main group relative to the control group; the frequency of E.coli and Clostridiae excretion was also statistically significantly lower (p = 0.004 and 0.03, respectively). In the tumors of patients of the main group out of twelve studied representatives of microorganisms, the number of six was statistically significantly lower than in control group, and three of those found in the control group were not detected. Since they were potentially pathogenic (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, fungi of the Candida spp.), the microbial composition of the tumor of patients in the main group can be considered more favorable than the control group. Similar differences were noted in non-t umor intestinal tissue, in which the content of Enterobacter spp, Streptococcus, Clostridiae, Peptostreptococci was statistically significantly lower than in the control group.Conclusion. Thus oral administration of colostrum antibodies caused positive changes in tumor and colon tissue microbiota. We suggest the application of lactoglobulin to be useful for surgical treatment of such patients taking into account the possible impact of microbiota in patients’ response to chemo- and immunotherapy.

Prediction of antimicrobial activity of a food peptide and evaluation of its effectiveness in vitro

Food antimicrobial peptides are increasingly relevant in the treatment of bacterial infections and have a number of advantages in comparison with drugs: slower emergence of resistance in bacterial strains, high activity against antibiotic films and immunomodulatory properties. The physico-chemical properties causing antimicrobial properties include: cationic charge, hydrophobicity, molecular weight and amino acid sequence. Promising sources of antimicrobial peptides are milk proteins, in particular, cow colostrum proteins. The aim of the work is to extract a peptide from the pepsin hydrolysate of cow colostrum, predict its antimicrobial activity using a bioinformatic approach and confirm its effectiveness in vitro. The molecular mass distribution of the peptide was evaluated by mass spectrometric method. The analysis of mass spectra was carried out using the Mascot program, the Peptide Fingerprint option – using the Protein NCBI database. Microsequencing was performed using a MiSeq sequencer. Modeling of the spatial structure of the isolated peptide was carried out using the Schrodinger Maestro molecular modeling program. The antimicrobial activity of the peptide was studied by the disco-diffusion method on gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The peptide has been isolated from the pepsin hydrolysate of cow colostrum, which is absent in the known proteomic bases Protein NCBI and AVPdb and, accordingly, its biological activity and functions have not been studied. The resulting peptide belongs to linear alpha-helical peptides consists of 11 amino acid sequences ANRKLRANKSR with a molecular weight of 8.2 kDa, an isoelectric point at 12.79, a charge of +5 (cationic), hydrophilicity (hydrophobicity) +20.84 Kcal*mol-1. As a result of in vitro studies, it was found that the isolated peptide has antimicrobial activity against E. coli ATCC 25922 and B. subtilis and antimicrobial action against C. albicans.

Short communication: The biological value of transition milk: analyses of immunoglobulin G, IGF-I and lactoferrin in primiparous and multiparous dairy cows.

Colostrum (the first mammary gland secretion after calving) is known to contain high concentrations of nutrients as well as bioactive substances (including immunoglobulins, growth factors, and antimicrobial factors) to ensure neonatal survival. Due to its immunomodulatory, antibacterial, and antiviral activities, bovine colostrum has been used not only in calves but also in the prevention and treatment of human gastrointestinal and respiratory infections. Transition milk is the mammary secretion from the second milking to the sixth, which may contain these bioactive compounds to a lesser extent. The objective of the present study was to measure IGF-I, immunoglobulin G (IgG), and lactoferrin (LTF) concentrations in colostrum and transition milk of primiparous and multiparous cows to further assess its potential use in veterinary and nutraceutical applications. The results demonstrated that the concentrations of these three bioactive molecules decrease from the first milking to the tenth. Concentrations of IGF-I and LTF were greater in multiparous than in primiparous cows. Also, lactation number interacted with milking number in IGF-I, since primiparous cows had a smoother decline of IGF-I concentrations than multiparous ones. Overall, transition milk from the second milking showed a 46% decrease in the analysed colostrum bioactive molecules. Therefore, further studies are needed to apply this knowledge in neonate farm management practices or in developing pharmaceutical supplements from farm surpluses.

Quantitative phospholipidomics and screening for significantly different phospholipids in human colostrum and milk, and dairy animal colostrum

Phospholipids (PLs) in milk have various physiological functions. Herein, the dynamic alterations of PLs between human colostrum, transitional and mature milk were studied by phospholipidomics. Additionally, the PL profiles of human colostrum and six dairy animal colostrum (mare, camel, goat, cow, yak, and buffalo colostrum) were characterised and compared. The difference between human colostrum, transitional and mature milk was primarily from the decrease of phosphatidylcholine content. Glycerophospholipid metabolism was the most relevant of the 27 metabolic pathways involved in lactation. Camel colostrum was the most similar to human colostrum, with respect to PLs. This study helps to understand the PL alteration mechanisms of human colostrum and milk, and provides a reference for the refined simulation of human colostrum and the selection of infant formula raw materials.

"In vitro antimicrobial and synergistic effect of fermented Indian zebu (Sahiwal) cow colostrum whey derived peptides with Lactobacillus rhamnosus against pathogenic bacteria".

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-023-05776-2.

Holştayn İneklerde Bir Laktasyonda Üretilen Toplam Kolostral IgG’nin Araştırılması

Since dairy cows have greater milk production than beef cows, because of the dilution of IgG colostrum of dairy cows assumed to be of poorer quality compared with beef cows. The objective of the present study was to investigate quality of colostrum and total IgG produced in a lactation by Holstein cows. The average colostrum volume at the first seven milking were measured as 5.42 L, 6.73 L, 8.55 L, 9.26 L, 8.44 L, 9 L, 10.01 L respectively. The average total colostrum produced by cows in the first 3 days period was calculated as 57.41L. The average colostrum IgG concentration were calculated as 90.81 mg/ml, 68.67 mg/ml, 58.40 mg/ml, 37.33 mg/ml, 15.22 mg/ml, 10.7 0mg/ml, 5.9 mg/ml respectively for each milking. In conclusion, enough colostrum and IgG are produced in the first 3 days in Holstein cows for calf feeding. In addition to this, there is huge opportunity that excessive amount of IgG and colostrum could be processed for other by-products.

Исследование антиоксидантных свойств пептидов, выделенных из молозива коров

Purpose. Evaluation of the antioxidant activity of peptides isolated from trypsin hydrolysate of cow colostrum. Materials and Methods. Based on the data obtained, it is possible to consider the possibility of using this peptide in the development of functional food products. However, it should be borne in mind that biologically active peptides have a number of disadvantages, in particular, low stability in the gastrointestinal tract, and can react with other biologically active substances in the composition of a food product and in the human body. Results. The antioxidant activity of peptides was determined by the DPPH method. Solutions of Trolox (6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-2-carboxylic acid) of known concentration were used as the standard solution. All spectrophotometric measurements were carried out using a CLARIOstar micro-tablet reader (BMG Labtech, Germany).Studies of the antioxidant activity of peptides with a known molecular weight and sequence of amino acids isolated from enzymatic hydrolysate of cow colostrum have been carried out. The functions of these peptides are not presented in the scientific and technical domestic and foreign literature. The antioxidant activity was determined by the DPPH method. It was found that the peptide with the amino acid sequence SQKKKNCPNGTRIRVPGPGP, consisting of 20 amino acids and having a molecular weight of 20 kDa, has an antioxidant activity of 0.128±0.008 mmol eq. Trolox/l, the antioxidant properties of the other peptides studied have not been established. It can be assumed that the antioxidant activity of peptides depends on the sequence and number of amino acids. Conclusion. Based on the data obtained, it is possible to consider the possibility of using this peptide in the development of functional food products. However, it should be borne in mind that biologically active peptides have a number of disadvantages, in particular, low stability in the gastrointestinal tract, and can react with other biologically active substances in the composition of a food product and in the human body.

The Relationship Between Lactation Period and Colostrum Age With Colostrum Protein Content of Friesian Holstein (FH) Dairy Cattle in KPSP Setia Kawan, Pasuruan District

Colostrum is the secretion of the udder glands after the cow gives birth and is given to the calf for 3-5 days. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the lactation period and colostrum age on the colostrum protein content of FH dairy cows. This research was conducted at KPSP Setia Kawan, Pasuruan. The research was conducted in August-November 2022. The research materials were FH dairy cows with lactation periods 1,2,3, and cow colostrum which were analyzed with the Lactoscan Milk Analyzer. The research method uses case study method and purposive sampling. Research using simple linear regression analysis and correlation. The results of the regression equation study the relationship between the lactation period and colostrum protein content, namely Y =5.22+0.46X with a correlation value (r)=0.158 and a coefficient of determination (R2)=0.025. The results of the regression equation for the relationship between colostrum age and colosrum protein content are Y=10.79-1.55X with a correlation value (r)=0.88 and a coefficient of determination (R2)=0.77. The conclusion of the study is that there is a positive relationship between the lactation period and colostrum protein and there is a negative relationship between colostrum age and colostrum protein. Keywords : FH dairy cattle, colostrum, lactation period, colostrum protein.

Determination of potential probiotic properties of lactic acid bacteria isolated from colostrum milk

Colostrum milk has been used as a source for isolating many probiotic bacteria since it contains many helpful probiotic microorganisms. Because of the huge microorganism diversity and functionality of colostrum, there is opportunity to isolate bacteria and analyze their probiotic potential. Comparing the diversity of probiotic bacteria in milk from postpartum periods is also crucial. In the current study, Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) cultures were isolated from cow colostrum milk. The 28 cultures were isolated, but only 2 were characterized as LAB by their colony and molecular characterization, Gram nature, catalase, antibiotics, and pepsin tolerance. As a result of molecular identification tests, the isolates were identified as Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus paracasei with 99-100% homology. These two isolates could survive in the presence of gastric and intestinal conditions. These isolates also showed antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. The results demonstrated that LAB species isolated from colostrum milk exhibited promising probiotic properties and seemed favorable for use in pharmaceuticals and foods.

Feeding reduced levels of trace minerals in proteinate form and selenium-yeast to transition cows: Performance, trace minerals, and antioxidant status, peripheral neutrophil activity, and oocyte quality

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of inorganic trace minerals (TM) and reduced levels of TM by using proteinate forms of Co, Zn, Mn, and Cu, and Se-yeast in diets of transition cows on performance, TM concentrations in colostrum, plasma, and liver, blood metabolites, antioxidant status, peripheral neutrophil activity, and oocyte quality. Thirty-two Holstein cows (22 multiparous and 10 primiparous cows) were enrolled in this study from 30 d before the expected calving date to 56 DIM. Cows were blocked according to body condition score, parity, and previous milk yield and randomly assigned to one of the following treatments: control (CON), with TM (Zn, Cu, Mn, and Co) supplied in form of sulfate and Se as sodium selenite to meet or exceed requirement estimates of the National Research Council; and proteinate trace minerals (PTM), with TM supplied bound with AA and peptides at 50% of CON levels and inorganic Se replaced with Se-yeast at 100% of CON level. Treatments were supplied until 56 DIM. Eight cows were removed from the study because of early calving (n = 3) or health issues (n = 5); thus, data of 24 cows (16 multiparous and 8 primiparous cows) were used in the statistical analysis. No differences between treatments were detected on nutrient intake or digestibility. Total excretion of purine derivatives was decreased when feeding PTM during the prepartum period. Feeding reduced levels of TM in proteinate form resulted in greater yield of milk (27.7 and 30.9 kg/d for CON and PTM, respectively) and protein (0.890 and 0.976 kg/d) between wk 5 and 8 of lactation. No treatment differences were detected for feed efficiency, milk somatic cell count, and milk urea nitrogen. Cows fed PTM had lower milk fat concentration during the 56 d of evaluation (4.08 and 3.74% for CON and PTM, respectively). Selenium concentration was greater in colostrum of cows fed PTM compared with CON (48.5 and 71.3 µg/L for CON and PTM, respectively), whereas Zn, Cu, and Mn concentrations were not different. Cows fed PTM showed lower liver Cu concentration compared with CON (51.4 and 73.8, respectively). Plasma concentrations of Mn and Zn were lower, but plasma Se concentration tended to be higher with PTM treatment. Feeding PTM resulted in greater blood concentrations of urea-N (16.6 and 18.2 mg/dL for CON and PTM, respectively) and β-hydroxybutyrate (0.739 and 0.940 mmol/L). Counts of lymphocytes were higher with PTM but counts of monocytes were lower in complete blood cell count. No differences were observed in serum concentrations of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. No differences were detected in phagocytosis and oxidative burst potential of neutrophils after incubation with bacteria. Cows fed PTM had fewer viable oocytes per ovum pick-up in comparison with CON (8.00 and 11.6). Feeding PTM to transition cows may sustain performance without altering neutrophil activity despite some alterations in blood TM concentrations. More studies should be performed to evaluate production and fertility measurements when reducing TM dietary levels by using proteinate forms and Se-yeast with larger number of animals.

Genetic Parameters of Serum Total Protein Concentration Measured with a Brix Refractometer in Holstein Newborn Calves and Fresh Cows.

The objective was to estimate the genetic parameters of serum total protein concentration in newborn calves (calfSTP) and post parturient dairy cows (cowSTP). The study included 1013 calves and 989 cows from 10 dairy farms. Calf blood samples were collected 24-48 h after parturition while cow blood and colostrum samples were collected in the first 24 h after calving. Blood serum total protein and colostrum total solids content were determined using a Brix refractometer. Chemical analysis of colostrum was performed with Milkoscan. Univariate mixed linear models were used to estimate the heritability of calfSTP and cowSTP and their genetic and phenotypic correlations with colostrum traits. The heritability estimates of calfSTP and cowSTP were 0.21 and 0.20 (p < 0.05), respectively. Strong genetic correlations (r > 0.90) were detected between calfSTP and colostrum total solids and protein content (p < 0.05). Corresponding phenotypic correlations were 0.31-0.33 (p < 0.05). No genetic or phenotypic correlations were detected with colostrum fat content while the respective correlations with lactose were negative (-0.82 and -0.19, p < 0.05). No genetic correlations were detected between cowSTP and colostrum traits and only a low negative phenotypic one with lactose was detected. The results confirm that genetic selection aiming to improve the passive transfer of immunity in newborn calves and general fresh cow health would be feasible.

Technical note: colorimetric methods for accurate determination of nutrient composition in beef cow colostrum and milk.

Our objectives were to develop colorimetric methods to accurately measure nutrient concentrations of beef cow colostrum and milk, to determine if the yield of colostrum from a single rear quarter is representative of complete collection of colostrum in beef cows, and to compare data from our developed colorimetric methods with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis to determine the accuracy of FTIR for beef cow colostrum and milk. In Exp. 1, colostral weight and volume of the most full rear quarter were compared with complete collection of colostrum from post-calving, unsuckled beef heifers. Both volume and weight had r2 = 0.85 (P < 0.001) between single-quarter and 4 quarter yields. In Exp. 2, colostrum (n = 35) and milk at d 35 (n = 42) and d 60 (n = 38) of lactation were collected from multiparous, fall-calving, crossbred beef cows. Subsamples were submitted for FTIR analysis and frozen for colorimetric analysis. Colorimetric analyses were developed for lactose, triglycerides (measure of fat), protein, and urea N. To validate method accuracy, spike recoveries were determined for lactose (96.8% average) and milk protein (100.1% average), triglyceride concentration was compared with fat concentration determined by the Mojonnier method (r2 ≥ 0.91, P < 0.001), and colostral or milk urea N was compared with serum urea N from the same sampling day (r2 ≥ 0.72, P < 0.001). Coefficients of determination between colorimetric methods and FTIR were determined for colostrum, d 35 milk, and d 60 milk. Colostral lactose concentration from FTIR was positively associated (r2 = 0.24, P = 0.01) with colorimetric analysis, but there was no relationship (r2 ≤ 0.09, P ≥ 0.14) between methods for colostral fat, protein, or urea N. Milk nutrient composition was positively associated for all nutrients measured at d 35 (r2 = 0.28 to 0.58, P < 0.001), and coefficients of determination strengthened for all nutrients measured at d 60 (r2 = 0.38 to 0.82, P < 0.001). In conclusion, colostrum yield of a single rear quarter can be used to indicate complete collection of colostrum for beef cows, and colorimetric methods developed have adequate accuracy for beef cow colostral and milk nutrient analysis. Based on our analyses, nutrient composition of beef cow colostrum was not accurately analyzed by FTIR. Accuracy of FTIR for beef cow milk varies with component and may be affected by the day of lactation.