Colostrum Protein Research Articles

A new insight into the exosome protein and lipid composition in camel colostrum and mature milk using comparative proteome and lipidomics analyses

A new insight into the exosome protein and lipid composition in camel colostrum and mature milk using comparative proteome and lipidomics analyses

Relationship Between Birthweight for Gestational Age and Colostrum Macronutrient Composition: A Comparative Analysis in Small, Appropriate, and Large for Gestational Age Infants.

Human milk and colostrum have been well studied; however, limited data are available on the variations in macronutrient content when compared across different infant weight categories for infants with similar gestational ages. To compare the colostrum macronutrient content of participants who delivered term infants classified as small for gestational age, appropriate for gestational age, and large for gestational age. In this exploratory cross-sectional observational study (N = 252), colostrum (on postpartum Day 2) was collected and categorized by gestational weight group. The protein, fat, carbohydrate, and energy levels of colostrum were measured using a mid-infrared human milk analyzer. Values were dichotomized at the median and compared using logistic regression. Median colostrum protein content was significantly higher in the small for gestational age (4.8 [IQR = 3-6.4] gr/dl) and large for gestational age (4.4 [IQR = 3.5-5.3] g/dl) groups compared to the appropriate for gestational age group (2.8 [IQR = 2.1-3.7] g/dl; p < 0.001). Median carbohydrate content was significantly higher in the large for gestational age group (5.3 [IQR = 4.2-6] g/dl) than appropriate for gestational age group (4.5 [IQR = 3.5-5.3] g/dl; p = 0.002). In multivariate analysis, being SGA or LGA was independently associated with higher milk protein content (OR 4.68; 95% CI [2.25, 9.77; p < 0.001; and OR 6.76; 95% CI [3.30, 13.87]; p < 0.001, respectively). Only being LGA was associated with higher carbohydrate content (OR 2.74; 95% CI [1.46, 5.16]; p = 0.002). Colostrum macronutrient content varies depending on whether the birthweight is small or large for gestational age. Studies are needed to investigate these potential associations and the clinical consequences of this relationship.

Comparative Phosphorylation Dynamics of Whey Proteins in Human Colostrum and Mature Milk: Implications for Infant Nutrition.

Phosphorylation is an important post-translational modification that affects protein function and biological processes. In this study, label-free quantitative phosphoproteomics was employed to systematically identify the phosphorylated proteins and their phosphorylation sites in human colostrum (HC) and mature milk (HM) whey. In human colostrum, 30 phosphorylation sites on 24 phosphoproteins were identified, whereas in mature milk, 9 phosphorylation sites on 8 phosphoproteins were detected. Functional analysis revealed that the phosphorylated proteins in colostrum were primarily involved in immune regulation and inflammatory responses, while those in mature milk were more associated with metabolic regulation and immune homeostasis to meet the nutritional and physiological needs of infants during later stages of development. These findings highlight the dynamic adaptability of breast milk components according to the developmental needs of the infant, providing an important scientific basis for the design of stage-specific infant formula.

Astral-data-independent acquisition depicts the dynamic landscape of milk fat globule membrane proteins in yak colostrum, transitional milk, and mature milk.

Astral-data-independent acquisition depicts the dynamic landscape of milk fat globule membrane proteins in yak colostrum, transitional milk, and mature milk.

Peptidomics profiling reveals the functions of endogenous peptides and parent proteins in donkey colostrum and mature milk

Peptidomics profiling reveals the functions of endogenous peptides and parent proteins in donkey colostrum and mature milk

301 Award Talk: Effects of maternal dietary live yeast supplementation on piglet intestinal development and proteome profiles of sow milk and piglet jejunal mucosa

Abstract Maternal nutritional intervention is critical in shaping intestinal development of offspring. This study evaluated the effects of supplementing live yeast (LY, Saccharomyces cerevisiae) to sows during late gestation and lactation on piglet intestinal development, and the proteome profiles of sow milk and piglet jejunal mucosa. On d 77 of gestation, 40 sows were assigned to 2 dietary treatments: without (CON) or with (LY) live yeast supplementation at 0.05% of diet during gestation and 0.1% during lactation. Colostrum and milk samples were collected on d 0, 10, and 18 of lactation (n = 6). On postnatal days (PND) 0, 10, 18, and postweaning days (PWD) 7 and 14, one piglet from each of 10 sows per treatment was selected for intestinal tissue collection (n = 10). Results showed that maternal LY supplementation increased mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-6 on PND18 and IL-1β on PWD14 in the ileal mucosa (P &amp;lt; 0.05), with a tread towards higher IL-10 expression on PND18 (P = 0.08). Additionally, LY piglets had increased mRNA expression of superoxide dismutase 1 on PND10 and PWD14 in the ileal mucosa (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Compared to CON piglets, LY piglets also had increased protein abundance of E-cadherin on PWD7 and PWD14 in the jejunal mucosa (P &amp;lt; 0.05), with a tendency for greater E-cadherin on PND0 (P = 0.09). The LY piglets had higher protein abundance of occludin and claudin-4 in the jejunal mucosa on PWD14 (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Shotgun proteomic analysis revealed a higher abundance of immune-associated proteins, including Ig-like domain-containing protein and complement proteins (Complement C8 alpha chain and C1q domain-containing proteins) in the colostrum, and IgG heavy chain in d 10 milk of LY sows than CON sows, whereas the abundance of prostaglandin synthetase was greater in d 10 milk of CON sows than LY sows (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Additionally, milk fat globule EGF and factor V/VIII domain containing protein and Niemann-Pick C2 were found to be more abundant in both d 10 and d 18 milk of LY sows (P &amp;lt; 0.05). In the jejunal mucosa of suckling piglets, gene ontology enrichment analysis showed that differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) between CON and LY were enriched in pathways associated with chemical synaptic transmission, regulation of mitochondrial membrane potential, glycogen catabolic and biosynthetic processes. The DAPs were primarily involved in carbohydrate phosphorylation, muscle contraction, positive regulation of immunoglobulin production, and non-canonical nuclear factor kappa B signaling transduction after weaning (P &amp;lt; 0.05). In conclusion, maternal dietary LY supplementation increased immunomodulatory proteins in colostrum and proteins involved in lipid metabolism in milk, which may partly explain its impacts on neonatal intestinal development and alterations in the jejunal mucosal proteome related to energy metabolism, gut barrier function, and immune responses.

Effects of energy and amino acid intake during gestation on reproductive performance, milk composition, antioxidant status and placental nutrient transport in high-parity sows.

Appropriate nutritional strategies show promise for enhancing productive performance and longevity of sows. This study aimed to determine the effects of increased energy and amino acids (AA) intake during gestation on reproductive performance, milk composition, blood parameters, placental nutrient transport and antioxidant capacity of high-parity sows. A total of 72 Landrace × Yorkshire sows (seventh to ninth parity) were randomly assigned to dietary treatments consisting of combinations of 2 energy levels and 2 AA levels in a 2 × 2 factorial design. Blood and milk samples and placentas from sows were collected to measure biochemistry parameters, milk composition, antioxidant indexes, and indicators related to nutrient transport. The results showed that sows fed high energy reduced the number of live born piglets (p < 0.05), increased the birth weight of piglets (p < 0.05). Further observation showed that sows fed high energy decreased plasma progesterone at 30 and 60 days of gestation and plasma glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) at 90 days of gestation (p < 0.05), increased fat content in colostrum and average daily weight gain of piglets during lactation (p < 0.05). Moreover, high energy intake during gestation decreased mRNA expression of GPX and increased mRNA expression of glucose transporter 3 in the placenta (p < 0.05). High AA intake during gestation showed a tendency to increase litter birth weight and colostrum protein content (p < 0.10), and increased plasma urea nitrogen at day 110 of gestation and plasma T-SOD at day 90 of gestation (p < 0.05). Furthermore, sows fed high AA intake during gestation increased mRNA expressions of placental extracellular SOD and sodium-dependent neutral amino acid transporter 1 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, sows feed high energy during gestation negatively impacted fetal survival by reducing progesterone concentrations and antioxidant capacity, while simultaneously increasing piglet birth weight through enhanced placental nutrient transport. Moreover, sows received high AA during gestation exhibited better redox status and improved litter performance, which can be attributed to enhancements in antioxidant capacity and colostrum composition.

Comparison Between Antenatal and Postnatal Colostrum From Women With and Without Type 1 Diabetes

BackgroundSupplementary feeding, colostrum or, in some countries, commercial milk formula, is given to newborns of women with Type 1 diabetes to prevent neonatal hypoglycemia. Few studies have explored the content of colostrum from women with Type 1 diabetes.Research AimsThis study aimed to investigate the macronutrients in colostrum collected during pregnancy and in the early postpartum period to compare colostrum contents in women with and without Type 1 diabetes.MethodsIn this cohort study, we collected colostrum among 20 women, 10 with and 10 without Type 1 diabetes, at 10 different time points in gestational weeks 36–40 and postpartum Days 1–5. We measured carbohydrates, protein, fat, and kilocalories in colostrum using a human milk analyzer; and we analyzed data using linear mixed models. In a follow-up analysis, we compared the content of colostrum from Day 1 with the nutritional values provided on the commercial milk formula, using a one-sample t test.ResultsThere were no mean differences in carbohydrates (6.6 g/100 ml; 95% CI [6.3, 6.9] vs. 6.7 g/100 ml; 95% CI [6.4, 7.0] p = 0.29); kilocalories (71.1 kcal/100 ml; 95% CI [62.9, 79.3] vs. 85.3 kcal/100 ml; 95% CI [77.2, 93.3] p = 0.21], and fat (2.7 g/100 ml; 95% CI [1.8, 3.6] vs. 2.3 g/100 ml; 95% CI [1.4, 3.2] p = 0.55) in colostrum when comparing women with and without Type 1 diabetes. However, antenatal protein differed at all timepoints tested (p = 0.01). Colostrum macronutrients on Day 1 differed from that of commercial milk formula and all other colostrum time points, except Gestational Week 38.ConclusionsOur study provides insights into antenatal and postnatal colostrum macronutrients among women with and without Type 1 diabetes. Further studies are needed to understand the effects of supplementary feeding using antenatal or postnatal colostrum or commercial milk formula on neonatal hypoglycemia.

Transference of passive immunity and growth in dairy calves born to dams with high or low somatic cell counts at dry-off and fed colostrum from cows with high or low somatic cell counts at dry-off.

Transference of passive immunity and growth in dairy calves born to dams with high or low somatic cell counts at dry-off and fed colostrum from cows with high or low somatic cell counts at dry-off.

Characterization of the colostrum proteome of primiparous Holstein cows and its association with colostrum immunoglobulin G concentrations

BackgroundThe objective was to characterize the colostrum proteome of primiparous Holstein cows in association with immunoglobulin G (IgG) content. Immediately after calving, colostrum samples were collected from 18 cows to measure IgG concentration. Based on colostrum IgG content, samples were classified through cluster analysis and were identified as poor, average, and excellent quality. The proteome was assessed with quantitative shotgun proteomics; abundance data were compared among the colostrum types; enrichment analysis of metabolic processes and proteins classes was performed as well. We also tested correlations between this proteome and blood globulin level of cows and passive immunity level of calves.ResultsOn average, 428 proteins were identified per sample, which belonged mainly to cellular process, biological regulation, response to stimulus, metabolic process, and immune system process. Most abundant proteins were complement C3 (Q2UVX4), alpha-S1-casein (P02662), Ig-like domain-containing protein (A0A3Q1M032), albumin (A0A140T897), polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (P81265), lactotransferrrin (P24627), and IGHG1*01 (X16701_4). Colostrum of excellent quality had greater (P < 0.05) abundance of serpin A3-7 (A2I7N3), complement factor I (A0A3Q1MIF4), lipocalin/cytosolic fatty-acid binding domain-containing protein (A0A3Q1MRQ2), complement C3 (E1B805), complement component 4 binding protein alpha (A0AAF6ZHP5), and complement component C6 (F1MM86). However, colostrum of excellent quality had lower (P < 0.05) abundance of HGF activator (E1BCW0), alpha-S1-casein (P02662), and xanthine dehydrogenase/oxidase (P80457). This resulted in enrichment of the biological processes predominantly for complement activation alternative pathway, complement activation, complement activation classical pathway, humoral immune response, leukocyte mediated immunity, and negative regulation of endopeptidase activity in excellent-quality colostrum. Additionally, some colostrum proteins were found to be correlated with the blood globulin level of cows and with the passive immunity level of calves (P < 0.05; r ≥ 0.57).ConclusionsThis study provides new insights into the bovine colostrum proteome, demonstrating associations between IgG levels and the abundance of other proteins, as well as the enrichment of metabolic processes related to innate immune response. Thus, results suggest that the colostrum proteomic profile is associated with the content of IgG. Future research should deeply explore the association of these findings with pre-calving nutrition status and blood composition of the cow, and with passive immunity transfer to the calf.

Evaluation of factors associated with immunoglobulin, protein, fat and lactose concentrations in colostrum of dairy cows from Austria.

Calves rely on the passive transfer with immunoglobulins derived from colostrum. Currently, there is a lack of knowledge on colostrum management practices and colostrum quality on small scale family-owned dairy farms in Austria. The objectives of this study were to describe factors that are associated with immunoglobulin, protein, fat and lactose concentrations in dairy cow colostrum from the federal state of Salzburg. Therefore, an online questionnaire was designed to gather information on general farm characteristics. Further, the farmers collected individual colostrum samples and completed a detailed accompanying questionnaire for each sample. Immunoglobulin levels were determined by using a Brix refractometer and protein, fat and lactose by standardized laboratory methods. Linear mixed effect models were built to test factors associated with colostrum immunoglobulin, fat, protein and lactose concentrations. In total, 1,050 colostrum samples from 72 dairy farms were collected. The number of calvings per year was distributed as follows: ≤10 calvings: 8.3% of the farms, 11 to 20: 31.9%, 21 to 30: 29.2%, 31 to 40: 15.3% and ≥ 41 calvings: 15.3%. Overall, the median Brix value was 22.0% (7.3-36.1%). The number of samples with good and poor-quality colostrum was 517 and 528, respectively. Cow-level factors significantly affecting colostrum Brix% were parity, calving season, ante partum colostrum leakage, time lag between parturition and colostrum collection. In total, a subset of 307 colostrum samples from 39 farms from pure-breed dual-purpose Simmental cows were further analysed for protein, fat and lactose concentration. The median concentration for fat was 5.1% (0.5-18.5%), protein 14.6% (4.2-27.5%) and lactose 2.3% (0.2-5.0%). The cow-level factors affecting protein concentration were similar to the factors influencing Brix%. Fat concentration was influenced by the time lag between calving and colostrum collection and by parity. The present study confirmed the factors, which are currently known to have an impact on colostrum quality. This was the first large scale approach in the federal state of Salzburg to survey colostrum management including colostrum sample collection. The range of colostrum quality was wide (7.3% Brix to 36.1% Brix) therefore many calves will be at risk of receiving poor quality colostrum as defined by a Brix of ≤ 22%.

Effects of supplemental feeding of Chinese herbal mixtures to perinatal sows on reproductive performance, immunity, and breast milk quality of sows

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of supplementary feeding with Chinese herbal mixtures on perinatal sows, focusing on their reproductive performance, immunity and breast milk quality. Sixty healthy pregnant sows (Large white, 4 parities) were randomly allocated into five treatment groups (n = 12 per group): the control group received a basal diet, the TRT1 group received a basal diet supplemented with 2 kg/t Bazhen powder (BZP), while the TRT2, TRT3, and TRT4 groups received a basal diet supplemented with 1 kg/t, 2 kg/t, and 3 kg/t Qi-Zhu-Gui-Shao soothing liver and replenishing blood powder (QZGSP), respectively. The trial lasted for a duration of 5 weeks, commencing from day 100 of gestation and concluding on day 21 postpartum. The results showed that supplemental feeding of 2 kg/t and 3 kg/t QZGSP to periparturient sows significantly improved reproductive performance to different degrees, as evidenced by the shortened farrowing intervals and increased average daily feed intake and milk yield. Supplemental feeding of 2 kg/t and/or 3 kg/t QZGSP significantly elevated levels of IL-4, IL-10, IgG, and IgA in sow serum while reduced levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in sow serum. In addition, supplemental feeding of 2 kg/t and 3 kg/t QZGSP to perinatal sows significantly increased the protein and fat content in colostrum and milk. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing data in colostrum and milk microbiota revealed that supplemental feeding of QZGSP to perinatal sows is influenced the composition of colostrum and milk composition in sows. Specifically, at the genus level, a decrease in the relative abundance of Escherichia-Shigella, Staphylococcus and Streptococcus was observed in the TRT3 and/or TRT4 groups on day 0 of lactation. The findings from this study indicate that supplemental feeding of 2 kg/t and 3 kg/t QZGSP significantly improved the reproductive performance, immunity and milk quality in sows. Therefore, QZGSP is a beneficial feed additive for perinatal sows.

Bioactive Peptides in Greek Goat Colostrum: Relevance to Human Metabolism.

Colostrum is essential for the survival and development of newborn mammals. This primary source of nourishment during the first days of infant life is rich in functional components conductive to the enhancement of neonate immunity and growth. Compared with mature milk, a higher protein and peptide content is observed in colostrum, whilst it is low in fat and carbohydrates. The functional properties of colostrum are closely linked to the release of bioactive peptides during the gastrointestinal digestion of colostrum proteins. Our study aimed to comprehensively analyze the whey proteome of colostrum from indigenous Greek goats and to examine the influence of bioactive peptides released during digestion on human metabolism. Colostrum and mature milk samples from healthy ewes were subjected to nanoLC-MS/MS analysis, revealing differentially expressed proteins. These proteins were functionally characterized and subjected to in silico digestion. Using machine learning models, we classified the peptide functional groups, while molecular docking assessed the binding affinity of the proposed angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)- and dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV)-inhibitory peptides to their target molecules. A total of 898 proteins were identified in colostrum, 40 of which were overexpressed compared with mature milk. The enzymatic cleavage of upregulated proteins by key gastrointestinal tract proteases and the downstream analysis of peptide sequences identified 117 peptides predicted (with >80% confidence) to impact metabolism, primarily through modulation of the renin-angiotensin system, insulin secretion, and redox pathways. This work advances our understanding of dietary bioactive peptides and their relevance to human metabolism, highlighting the potential health benefits of colostrum consumption.

Maternal fish oil supplementation enhances nutrient transport in the placenta and milk biosynthesis in the mammary gland via the GPR120 signaling pathway.

Maternal fish oil supplementation enhances nutrient transport in the placenta and milk biosynthesis in the mammary gland via the GPR120 signaling pathway.

Dietary 25-Hydroxycholecalciferol Supplementation from Day 85 of Gestation to Farrowing Enhances Performance, Antioxidant Capacity, and Immunoglobulins of Sows and Newborn Piglets.

In this study, the aim was to evaluate the effects of dietary 25-hydroxycholecalciferol supplementation from day 85 of gestation on performance, antioxidant capacity, and immunoglobulin level of sows and newborn piglets. On day 85 of gestation, forty Landrace × Yorkshire gestating sows (average body weight of 241 ± 6.8 kg; average parity of 3.47 ± 0.6) were allotted into two treatments (20 replicates per treatment) based on parity, body weight, and back fat thickness. From day 85 of gestation to farrowing, sows were fed a normal vitamin D3 diet as control (containing 50 μg/kg vitamin D3; CON), or a 25-hydroxycholecalciferol-supplemented diet (containing 50 μg/kg 25-hydroxycholecalciferol). Compared with CON, dietary 25-hydroxycholecalciferol supplementation increased (p < 0.05) protein and fat content in colostrum and the average birth body weight of newborn piglets. Sows fed 25-hydroxycholecalciferol showed increased (p < 0.05) apparent total tract digestibility of crude protein compared with CON. Diets supplemented with 25-hydroxycholecalciferol also increased (p < 0.05) the content of superoxide dismutase (SOD), and tended to increase (p = 0.06) the total antioxidant capacity content and reduce (p = 0.09) the malondialdehyde (MDA) level in colostrum. An increase (p < 0.05) in the content of SOD and a reduction (p < 0.05) in the content of MDA in the serum of newborn piglets was also observed in the 25-hydroxycholecalciferol treatment compared with CON. Dietary 25-hydroxycholecalciferol supplementation also enhanced (p < 0.05) the immunoglobulin G content and reduced (p < 0.05) the concentration of tumor nuclear factor-α in the serum of sows, as well as reducing (p < 0.05) the content of immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin A in the serum of newborn piglets compared with CON. Supplementation of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol in sow diets increased (p < 0.05) the content of alkaline phosphatase in the serum and colostrum of sows, the concentration of insulin and crosslap in serum of sows, and the serum calcium content of newborn piglets compared with CON. In conclusion, dietary 25-hydroxycholecalciferol supplementation from day 85 of gestation could enhance performance, antioxidant capacity, and immunoglobulin in sows and newborn piglets.

Effects of guanidine acetic acid supplementation from gestation to lactation on reproductive performance, colostrum quality, blood biochemistry, and intestinal microflora diversity of sows.

This experiment aimed to study the effects of guanidine acetic acid (GAA) on reproductive performance, lactation performance and blood biochemical indices of sows, as well as the performance of offspring piglets. A total of 20 sows (Landrace × Yorkshire, parity 4) were used. Half of the sows in each parity were fed a control diet (CG; basic diet, n = 10) or GAA diet (basic diet +1 g/kg GAA, n = 10) from the 85th day of gestation until weaning. The study results are presented as follows: Supplementation of GAA from late gestation to lactation did not adversely affect sow feed intake, backfat thickness, or blood routine indexes (p > 0.05). GAA supplementation showed a tendency to increase the number of healthy piglets and their birth activity (p = 0.06; p = 0.08), while significantly increasing the IUGR score of piglets (p < 0.05). GAA supplementation significantly increased colostrum protein content (p < 0.05) and tended to increase daily milk yield in sows (p = 0.07). GAA supplementation increased the level of immunoglobulin A in sow colostrum (p < 0.05) and showed a tendency to increase proline content (p = 0.10). GAA supplementation significantly decreased triglyceride content in sow cord blood (p < 0.05), with no significant effects observed on HDL-C, LDL-C, TC, and GLU (p > 0.05). GAA supplementation significantly increased eNOS levels in sow cord blood (p < 0.05), while showing no significant effects on IL-6 and IL-10 (p > 0.05). GAA supplementation did not significantly affect the α diversity of sow intestinal flora (ACE, Shannon, Chao1, Simpson, observed_otus, pielou_e, and good_cover), but PCoA analysis revealed differences in intestinal flora structure between groups. Additionally, GAA decreased the relative abundance of Sarciha and unidentified_ruminococcaceae and increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus, Parabacteroides, and Pedobacter in the gut. GAA boosts nitric oxide synthase in sows' umbilical cord blood, enhancing placental blood vessel development. This improves piglet health and vitality, increases beneficial gut bacteria (Lactobacillus, Parabacteroides, Pedobacter), and raises colostrum protein levels and lactation volume, leading to better piglet growth and performance.

Proteomic and Transcriptomic Profiling Revealed Vital Molecular Events in the Transition from Goat Colostrum to Mature Milk.

As an important nutrient source in large areas of the world, goat milk is favored by more and more consumers; however, the composition, nutritional value, and regulation mechanism of goat milk are not fully characterized. Mammary gland development is as important as detailed annotation of protein composition to address the physiological and nutritional values of goat milk. In the present study, 4353 colostrum and mature goat milk proteins were identified. The abundance of 118 proteins was significantly different between colostrum and mature milk proteins. Our results indicate that the milk protein changes were associated with a network of mammary gene expression changes; importantly, the prime factors include enhanced mammary growth/development, decreased protein translation, attenuated protein folding, and lower lip/carbohydrate metabolism. The present study provides insights into the changes in mammary metabolisms during the transition from colostrum to mature milk, which can help deeply explore the difference and regulation mechanism of active milk protein in colostrum and mature milk and provide references for the identification and functional study of bioactive milk proteins in colostrum.

Effect of Dietary Standardized Ileal Digestible Arginine to Lysine Ratio on Reproductive Performance, Plasma Biochemical Index, and Immunity of Gestating Sows.

The aim of this study was to determine the optimal SID Arg: Lys ratio for maximizing the reproductive performance, immunity and biochemical parameters of sows during gestation, the colostrum composition, and the performance of their offspring. A total of 174 multiparous sows were randomly allocated to five treatment groups varying in dietary SID Arg: Lys ratios (0.91, 1.02, 1.14, 1.25 and 1.38) through modification of the levels of Arg or alanine supplementation (the total level of nitrogen was the same in all treatments). The results showed that increasing the dietary SID Arg: Lys ratio increased the number of piglets born alive (p < 0.05, linear and quadratic). The number of stillborn piglets, the birth weight variation of born alive piglets, the birth interval (p < 0.05, linear and quadratic) and the number of mummies (p < 0.05, quadratic) reduced with increasing the dietary SID Arg: Lys ratio. Broken-line regression analysis indicated that the optimal SID Arg: Lys ratio requirement for gestating sows to maximize the number of piglets born alive was 1.25. The content of non-fat solid, total solid, protein, and energy in colostrum increased linearly and quadratically (p < 0.05) with increasing dietary SID Arg: Lys ratio. Additionally, when increasing the dietary SID Arg: Lys ratio, the concentration of IgA (p < 0.05, quadratic) and IgM (p < 0.05, linear and quadratic) of plasma increased at day 90 of gestation; IgG (p < 0.05, linear and quadratic) concentration increased at day 110 of gestation of sows. The dietary SID Arg: Lys ratio had an increasing effect (p < 0.05, linear and quadratic) on plasma insulin levels at day 90 of gestation. Furthermore, there were increases in plasma concentrations of nitric oxide and ornithine at day 110 of gestation, Arg at day 90 and 110 of gestation (p < 0.05, linear and quadratic) and total protein at day 110 of gestation (p < 0.05, linear) with increasing dietary SID Arg: Lys ratio. The results of our study indicated that increases in the dietary SID Arg: Lys ratio during gestation resulted in an increase in the number of piglets born alive, a decrease in birth intervals, and an improvement in immunity and colostrum composition. The optimal SID Arg: Lys ratio for gestating sows to maximize the number of piglets born alive was 1.25.

PSX-26 The effect of N-carbamylglutamate supplementation during the last third of gestation on maternal nutritional status and colostrum quality of nutrient-restricted twin-bearing ewes

Abstract Maternal nutrient restriction in twin-bearing ewes reduces the colostrum protein content, resulting in reduced postnatal growth and greater lamb mortality in twin- compared with single-bearing ewes. N-carbamylglutamate (NCG), an analogue of N-acetylglutamate increases endogenous arginine synthesis and is postulated to influence fetal growth and development and potentially lamb survival. The effect of maternal supplementation with NCG in mid-late gestation on colostrum quality and nutrient status of nutrient-restricted ewes has not been reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of oral maternal supplementation with NCG during mid–late gestation in nutrient restricted twin-bearing ewes on maternal body weight (BW) gain, body condition score (BCS), nutritional status and colostrum composition. Twin-bearing ewes (n = 20), managed in individual pens, were orally dosed once-daily with 60 mg/kg BW NCG in a water carrier from 100 d of gestation (dg) to lambing and were compared with unsupplemented controls (CON; n = 21). The ewes received a ration based on alfalfa (12.12% CP and 2.10 Mcal/kg ME) and pasture (6.85% CP and 2.13 Mcal/kg ME) hay, covering 50% of National Research Council nutritional requirements for twin-bearing ewes to reflect commercial conditions. Maternal BW and BCS were recorded every 10 d, from 100 dg until lambing. Maternal blood samples were collected at 130 dg and 30 min after lambing and plasma beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), total protein, albumin and urea were evaluated. Colostrum was collected 30 min after the second lamb was delivered and fat, non-fat solids, density and protein contents were determined. The effect of treatment on ewe BW, BCS were analyzed using REML analysis in R (lme4 R package) with time (dg) and treatment (and their interaction) as fixed effects. Plasma and colostrum metabolites were analyzed using REML with treatment as the fixed effect. Ewe BW increased (P &amp;lt; 0.0001) and BCS decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.0001) with advancing gestation, but there was no effect of treatment (P &amp;gt; 0.05). At 130 dg plasma urea was a 12% greater (P = 0.02) and albumin tended to be 4% greater (P = 0.08) in NCG compared with CON ewes, but no treatment effect on BHB or total protein content was observed (P &amp;gt; 0.05). No treatment effect on maternal plasma metabolites were observed post lambing (P &amp;gt; 0.05). Colostrum protein content was 21% greater in NCG compared with CON (P = 0.04) ewes, but fat, non-fat solids or density (P &amp;gt; 0.05) did not differ between groups. Collectively, these results suggest that supplementation of nutritionally restricted ewes with 60 mg/kg BW from 100 dg to lambing may alter maternal nitrogen metabolism and colostrum protein content. The potential impact of these changes on lamb growth and/or survival, warrants further investigation. *Funded by FONDECYT Project N°1221042; AgResearch Strategic Science Investment Fund SSIF-A25765 and INIA Kampenaike.

Effect of close-up metabolizable protein supply on colostrum yield, composition, and immunoglobulin G concentration and associations with prepartum metabolic indicators of Holstein cows

The prepartum diet as well as individual metabolic status of the cow influences colostrum parameters. The objectives of this study were to 1) investigate the effect of increasing prepartum dietary MP supply on colostrum yield, composition, and immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration, and 2) identify prepartum metabolic indicators associated with these outcomes. Multiparous Holstein cows (n = 96) were blocked by expected calving date and randomly assigned to 1 of 2 prepartum diets formulated to contain a control (CON; 85 g of MP/kg DM; 1,175 g of MP/d) or high (HI; 113 g of MP/kg DM; 1,603 g of MP/d) level of MP starting at 28 d before expected calving. Both prepartum diets were formulated to supply Met and Lys at an equal amount of 1.24 and 3.84 g/Mcal of metabolizable energy (ME), respectively. Metabolic indicators were determined in serum (albumin, glutamate dehydrogenase, cholesterol, aspartate transaminase, total protein, total bilirubin, and IgG) or plasma (Ca, glucose, fatty acids, BHB, and urea nitrogen) twice weekly in a subset of cows (n = 60). Colostrum was harvested at 3.6 ± 2.4 h from calving and yield as well as concentrations of IgG, fat, protein, and Ca were determined. Cows were retrospectively grouped based on the typical volume of colostrum needed for 2 colostrum meals (<6 or ≥ 6 kg), IgG concentration (<100 or ≥ 100 g/L), as well as the median concentrations of fat (<4.4 or ≥ 4.4%), protein (<16.5 or ≥ 16.5%), Ca (<0.21 or ≥ 0.21%), and total colostrum ME (<8.65 or ≥ 8.65 Mcal). Data were analyzed using mixed effects ANOVA, with repeated measures where applicable. Feeding HI tended to increase colostrum yield in cows entering parity 2 (9.4 vs. 7.2 ± 0.9 kg), but treatment did not affect yield from cows entering parity ≥3 (5.1 vs. 6.4 ± 1.0 kg). Supply of MP did not affect concentrations of IgG, fat, protein, or Ca. Cows that produced ≥ 6 kg vs. those producing <6 kg of colostrum had lower plasma concentrations of glucose. Metabolic indicators were not associated with IgG group. Colostrum fat ≥4.4% was associated with cows having lower prepartum concentrations of glucose, total protein, albumin, and aspartate transaminase activity. Colostrum protein ≥ 16.5% was associated with lower circulating serum IgG and elevated cholesterol. Elevated glucose as well as lower cholesterol and BHB concentrations were associated with colostrum Ca ≥ 0.21%. Further, higher albumin and fatty acids as well as lower glucose concentrations were associated with a greater colostrum energy output. In conclusion, increasing prepartum MP supply tended to increase colostrum yield in cows entering parity 2, but did not affect the composition or IgG concentration. The observed associations between metabolic indicators and colostrum parameters suggest that slight adjustment in metabolism during late gestation might be necessary to support colostrogenesis, but the causality of these relationships should be considered.