Colostrum Protein Research Articles

Phytogenic actives supplemented in hyperprolific sows: effects on maternal transfer of phytogenic compounds, colostrum and milk features, performance and antioxidant status of sows and their offspring, and piglet intestinal gene expression.

Phytogenic actives (PA) are plant-derived natural bioactive compounds that may promote livestock health and well-being, as well as improve growth performance and production efficiency. The current study aims to evaluate their effects on sows and their offspring. Eighty-one hyperprolific sows (up to parity 7) were assigned to 3 experimental treatments. Control sows were offered a nonsupplemented diet during gestation and lactation, and treated sows were fed the control diet supplemented with 1 g/kg of a blend of PA (BPA) in lactation (L) or during gestation and lactation (GL). An evaluation was made of placental and milk maternal transfer of these BPA and colostrum-milk features, sows and piglets antioxidant status, reproductive performance (litter size), body weight (BW) changes, weaning-estrus interval, and litter performance. Finally, piglet´s jejunum gene expression was measured. The BPA supplementation during gestation (GL) increased the number of piglets born alive (P = 0.020) and reduced (P < 0.05) the newborn piglets BW, while there were no differences among treatments on the suckling (day 20) and weaned (day 7) piglets BW (P > 0.05). Dietary phytogenic volatile compounds reached GL placental fluid, and milk of L and GL sows (P < 0.05). Moreover, colostrum protein in GL and milk fat content in L and GL were increased (P < 0.05). Milk of GL showed inhibitory activity against Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus (P < 0.05). Antioxidant status of GL sows showed an enhanced (P < 0.05) of catalase (CAT) and total antioxidant capacity levels at early gestation (day 35), whereas higher levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) enzymes at late gestation (day 110). Likewise, GL newborn piglets showed higher CAT levels, whereas both CAT and SOD levels in suckling piglets, as well as CAT, SOD, and GSH-Px in weaned piglets, were increased in L and GL (P < 0.05). Jejunum messenger ribonucleic acid abundance of suckling piglets in L and GL groups showed overexpression of barrier function MUC2, digestive enzyme IDO, and immune response PPARGC-α, TNF-α, TGF-β1, and IL-10 genes (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary BPA supplementation in hyperprolific sows increased the litter size (born alive) and improved the composition and bioactivity of colostrum and milk, besides, modified the antioxidant status of sows and their offspring, as well as the suckling piglets gut health gene expression. Several BPA volatile compounds were prenatal and postnatal maternally transferred (placental fluid and milk).

Proteomic analysis of whey proteins in the colostrum and mature milk of Xinong Saanen goats

Xinong Saanen goats are among the major dairy goats in China, and their milk is one of the major milk supplies for the Chinese dairy industry. To explore the whey proteome of Xinong Saanen goat milk, we analyzed the whey proteins of goat colostrum and mature milk using proteomic techniques. We identified a total of 314 and 524 proteins in goat colostrum and mature milk, respectively. Our data showed the first 3 functional categories of signal, disulfide bond, and secreted in both milk types. The most abundant Gene Ontology annotations in both milks were the biological process of positive regulation of extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK)1 and ERK2 cascade; the cellular component of extracellular exosome; and the molecular function of calcium ion binding. Goat colostrum whey proteins showed more disease-related pathways, and mature milk showed more pathways associated with metabolism. Moreover, we observed several pathways involved in intestinal mucosal immunity only in colostrum. Protein-protein interaction network and module analysis revealed that complement and coagulation cascades and Staphylococcus aureus infection were significant in the whey proteins of both milks, and carbon metabolism was more common for mature milk than for colostrum. These findings could provide useful information for the use of goat milk whey proteins in the Chinese dairy industry.

PSVII-41 Mare colostrum and milk composition through 36 h post-parturition

Abstract Sixteen Quarter Horse mares (mean±SEM; 12±5 yr; 5.1±1.0 BCS; 579±9 kg BW) were used to evaluate the time course of the nutrient profile of colostrum and milk following parturition. Mares received a commercial concentrate designed to meet NRC (2007) requirements for gestating mares and were fed to maintain a BCS between 5 and 7. Horses were group housed in dry lots with ad libitium access to coastal Bermudagrass hay and water. As soon as parturition was observed, colostrum was collected by hand pre-suckle (0 h post-parturition), and at 6, 12, 24, and 36 h post-parturition. Samples were evaluated for concentrations of protein, fat, lactose, somatic cell count (SCC), urea nitrogen, and non-fat solids (NFS) by a commercial laboratory. Differences between means were determined using PROC MIXED in SAS (v9.4) with time as a repeated measure. Following parturition, colostrum protein and NFS decreased from h 0 to 6 (protein: 13.1±0.7 to 9.7±0.8%; NFS: 20.9±0.8 to 16.8±0.9%) and from h 6 to 12 (P0.04). Protein continued to show a trend for a decrease from h 12 to 24 (P = 0.08), plateauing around 3%. NFS remained around 10% from h 12 to 36. Conversely, lactose did not change from h 0 to 6 (3.6±0.2 to 3.9±0.2%) but increased from 6 to 12 h (5.5±0.2%) post-parturition (P &amp;lt; 0.0001). Fat, SCC, and urea nitrogen remained unchanged through 36 h post-parturition. These results indicate colostrum protein concentration decreases as early as 6 h post-parturition, and the non-fat solid portion of milk shifts from primarily proteins to lactose. However, the impact of these changes on foal health should be more clearly defined.

PSIII-29 Effects of late gestational tall fescue forage system on spring-calving beef cow performance, circulating metabolites, and colostrum quality

Abstract Multiparous cows [n = 56; 639 ± 73 (SD) kg initial BW; 5.3 ± 0.4 initial BCS; 5.9 ± 3.0 yr of age; February 16, 2016 average calving date] were allocated by BW, BCS, age, and expected calving date to strip-graze endophyte-infected stockpiled tall fescue (STF; n = 4 pastures; 12.5% CP, 59.5% NDF; DM basis) or consume ad libitum endophyte-infected tall fescue hay (n = 4 uncovered drylots; 7.5% CP, 65.3% NDF; DM basis) for the last 75.0 ± 11.9 d of gestation. At 13.5 ± 1.6 d pre-calving, STF cows were moved to drylots and fed tall fescue haylage (12.6% CP, 61.7% NDF; DM basis). Effects of forage system were included in the model with pen as experimental unit. For gestational metabolites, effects of forage system, day, and their interaction were included with day as a repeated measure. Forage system did not affect (P ≥ 0.35) cow BW. Cows fed STF had greater (P ≤ 0.06) BCS than hay-fed cows at d 32 and 62 of study. Forage system did not affect (P ≥ 0.12) gestational plasma glucose or triglycerides. Serum non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) were greater (P ≤ 0.005) in hay-fed cows at d 32 and 82 of study and less (P = 0.02) at d 62 of study. After study initiation, serum urea N was greater (P ≤ 0.002) in STF-fed cows than hay-fed cows. At colostrum sampling (6.8 ± 0.9 h postpartum), forage system did not affect (P ≥ 0.10) circulating NEFA, glucose, or triglycerides. Cows fed STF had greater (P ≤ 0.002) serum and colostrum urea N than hay-fed cows. Forage system did not affect (P ≥ 0.17) colostrum protein, lactose, triglyceride, or immunoglobulin concentrations. In conclusion, grazing STF improved cow BCS and altered cow metabolic status but did not affect colostrum quality.

398 Effects of protein level and supplemental methionine in late-gestation on colostrum quality and passive immunity transfer in beef cattle

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of metabolizable protein (MP) level and supplemental rumen-protected methionine (RPM) on colostrum quality and passive immunity transfer from beef cows fed during late-gestation. One hundred and forty-seven pregnant Angus crossbred cows and heifers were randomly assigned to one of six dietary treatments based on a 3 x 2 factorial arrangement. Diets included feeding to 90%, 100% and 110% MP requirements (NRC, 2016), offered with (without) 9 g/d of RPM. Cattle were individually fed a partially mixed ration (60% haylage/40% straw for cows; 70% haylage/30% straw for heifers) with supplements top-dressed daily for approximately 56 d prior to calving. Immediately after calving, a colostrum sample was collected from each dam for analysis of milk components, total protein, and IgG concentrations. Two d post-calving, serum samples were collected from each calf for analysis of total protein and IgG concentrations. A refractometer was used to estimate total protein as a preliminary estimate of the transfer of maternal IgG and total IgG concentrations were later determined using Radial Immunodiffusion (RID). Data were analyzed as a completely randomized block design using Proc GLIMMIX in SAS. Level of MP, RPM, and their interaction did not influence concentrations of fat, protein, BHB or SCC in colostrum (P ≥ 0.12). Supplementation of RPM decreased concentrations of MUN (45.92 vs. 54.51 ±3.17 mg/dl; P = 0.04), but did not change IgG (14.66 vs. 15.90 ±0.87 g/dl; P = 0.29). While MP level during gestation did not affect total protein or IgG concentrations in calf serum (P ≥ 0.64), providing supplemental RPM decreased total protein (5.79 vs. 6.33 ±0.13 g/dl; P = 0.002) and IgG concentrations in calf serum (3.44 vs. 4.30 ±0.25 g/dl; P = 0.01). These results suggest that providing supplemental methionine for beef cows during gestation may alter colostrum quality and decrease serum protein and IgG in offspring.

Colostrum composition of cows after twin- and triplet-calving

Abstract Earlier we determined the colostrum and milk composition of cows after single- and twin-calving as well as the changes in the composition as a function of postpartum time. It was established that the dry matter, protein, whey protein, and immunoglobulin-G (IgG) content of the first-milked colostrum immediately after calving was significantly higher with twin-calving cows than with single-calving animals. As regards the other components, there were no significant differences among the animals. During the last years, we managed to collect the first-milked colostrum from five cattle after triplet-calving. The composition of these samples were determined by the methods we used earlier at twin-calving animals, and the results were compared to the colostrum composition of single- and twin-calving animals. It was found that although as an effect of triplet-calving the protein and IgG content of colostrum increased, the difference was not significant between twin- and triplet-calving animals. We are aware that others have not reported data from the point of view of the colostrum composition of twin-calving, and in the case of tripletcalving our results are unique in the world. In our publication, we report on the results of our investigations.

The effects of applying ME values for high or low-oil corn distillers dried grains with solubles originating from prediction equations on the reproductive performance, colostrum and blood composition as well as diet digestibility for sows in late gestation

This experiment was conducted to apply metabolizable energy (ME) values for high or low-oil corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) originating from prediction equations on the reproductive performance, colostrum and blood composition as well as diet digestibility of sows in late gestation. On d 85 of gestation, 84 sows (Landrace × Yorkshire with an average parity of 3.91) were allotted to 1 of 7 treatments in a 2 × 3 factorial with a positive control with 12 sows per treatment. Sows were fed corn-soybean meal-based diets supplemented with either a high-oil or de-oiled corn DDGS at 1 of 3 inclusion rates (15, 30, or 45%). The control diet was corn-soybean meal-based. The experimental diets were formulated using ME values obtained from prediction equations for corn DDGS and NRC (2012) for other ingredients. There were no differences in the reproductive performance of sows fed these diets. The concentrations of protein in colostrum and serum of sows fed the diets containing de-oiled corn DDGS were lower compared with sows fed high-oil corn DDGS (P < 0.05). The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter (DM) and gross energy (GE) decreased as the inclusion rates of corn DDGS in the diet increased (P < 0.05), while the DE in these diets did not differ. Both the ATTD of crude protein (CP) and digestible CP for sows fed the diets containing de-oiled corn DDGS were lower compared with sows fed high-oil corn DDGS (P < 0.05). The ATTD of ether extracts for sows fed the diets containing de-oiled corn DDGS was higher compared with sows fed diets containing high-oil corn DDGS (P < 0.05) and the ATTD of oil increased linearly as the inclusion rates of corn DDGS increased (P < 0.001). In conclusion, prediction equations for ME for high-oil and de-oiled corn DDGS can be used to formulate diets for sows in late gestation without any negative effects on reproductive performance.

Antioxidant activities of enzymatic‐hydrolysed proteins of dromedary (Camelus dromedarius) colostrum

This work investigated the antioxidant activities of dromedary colostrum proteins before and after hydrolysis by pepsin, trypsin, α‐chymotrypsin, pancreatin and papain. The enzymatic hydrolysis affected the degrees of hydrolysis, electrophoretic profiles, molecular weight distribution and hydrophobic/hydrophilic properties of the generated peptides. The antioxidant activities were evaluated using four antioxidant assays, including 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′‐azinobis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical‐scavenging activities, ferric reducing power and ferrous ion chelating activity. Interestingly, the antioxidant activities of dromedary colostrum proteins were enhanced after enzymatic hydrolysis. The highest antioxidant potential was obtained by pancreatic hydrolysates (P ≤ 0.05). These results suggest that dromedary colostrum protein hydrolysates are an important source of natural antioxidant peptides.

Comparative analysis of whey proteins in donkey colostrum and mature milk using quantitative proteomics.

Donkey milk is attracting increasing attention as a nutritional milk source similar to human milk. In this study, we carried out qualitative and quantitative analysis of the donkey whey proteome using a label-free proteomic approach, combined with parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) as a validation method. A total of 300 whey proteins were identified in donkey colostrum (DC) and donkey mature (DM) milk, of which 18 were differentially expressed (P < 0.05) between the two types of milk. Gene ontology (GO) analysis showed that differentially and uniquely expressed proteins were mainly involved in cellular processes, response to stimulus, metabolic processes, and biological regulation. Their molecular functions included binding, catalytic activity, and molecular functional regulation, and their main annotated areas of origin were the cell, cell-part, and the extracellular region. Most differentially and uniquely expressed proteins were linked with malaria, systemic lupus erythematosus, or antigen processing and presentation. Our results provide insight into the complexity of the donkey whey proteome and molecular evidence for nutritional differences between different lactation stages.

Storage related changes in spray dried colostrum preparations

Colostrum, bioactive rich mammary secretion obtained immediately after parturition, is endowed with immunity boosting compounds such as immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, lysozyme, growth factors, etc. The colostrum feeding is recommended for imparting passive immunity to children with poor immune status. However, immunoprophylactic and therapeutic properties of colostrum are best preserved in dried form. Immunoglobulin rich spray dried colostrum protein concentrate (CPC) and colostrum whey protein isolates (CWPI) were evaluated for their storage stability at 4 and 25 °C in the HDPE jar and laminates. There was significant (p < 0.05) effects of storage time and temperature on the immunoglobulin (Ig) levels in powders. However, the reduction in activity of Ig of CPC powder was significantly higher at 25 °C and for HDPE jar as compared to one stored at 4 °C and laminates. The pH and acidity of the spray dried CPC and CWPI powders indicated absence of microbiological spoilage during storage, however, their total plate counts increased significantly (p < 0.05) with progression of storage period. The insolubility index of both powders increased progressively. Moisture sorption isotherm indicated sigmoid curve for both powders. Findings suggested that lower storage temperature coupled with use of laminates could be employed to prolong the shelf-life of colostrum powders.

Genetic parameters of colostrum traits in Holstein dairy cows

The main objective of this study was to assess the genetic background of colostrum yield and quality traits after calving in Holstein dairy cows. The secondary objective was to investigate genetic and phenotypic correlations among laboratory-based and on-farm-measured colostrum traits. The study was conducted in 10 commercial dairy herds located in northern Greece. A total of 1,074 healthy Holstein cows with detailed pedigree information were examined from February 2015 to September 2016. All cows were clinically examined on the day of calving and scored for body condition. All 4 quarters were machine-milked, and a representative and composite colostrum sample was collected and examined. Colostrum total solids (TS) content was determined on-farm using a digital Brix refractometer. Colostrum fat, protein, and lactose contents were determined using an infrared milk analyzer, and energy content was calculated using National Research Council (2001) equations. Dry period length (for cows of parity ≥2), milk yield of previous 305-d lactation (for cows of parity ≥2), age at calving, parity number, season of calving, time interval between calving and first colostrum milking, and milk yield were recorded. Each trait (colostrum yield and quality traits) was analyzed with a univariate mixed model, including fixed effects of previously mentioned factors and the random animal additive genetic effect. All available pedigrees were included in the analysis, bringing the total animal number to 5,662. Estimates of (co)variance components were used to calculate heritability for each trait. Correlations among colostrum traits were estimated with bivariate analysis using the same model. Mean percentage (±SD) colostrum TS, fat, protein, and lactose contents were 25.8 ± 4.7, 6.4 ± 3.3, 17.8 ± 4.0, and 2.2 ± 0.7%, respectively; mean energy content was 1.35 ± 0.3 Mcal/kg and mean colostrum yield was 6.18 ± 3.77 kg. Heritability estimates for the above colostrum traits were 0.27, 0.21, 0.19, 0.15, 0.22, and 0.04, respectively. Several significant genetic and phenotypic correlations were derived. The genetic correlation of TS content measured on-farm with colostrum protein was practically unity, whereas the correlation with energy content was moderate (0.61). Fat content had no genetic correlation with TS content; their phenotypic correlation was positive and low. Colostrum yield was not correlated genetically with any of the other traits. In conclusion, colostrum quality traits are heritable and can be amended with genetic selection.

358 Comparison of analytical methods for determination of nutrient concentration in beef cow colostrum and milk

Abstract Our primary objective was to determine the validity of Dairy Herd Improvement Association (DHIA) nutrient composition analysis for beef cow colostrum and milk by comparing DHIA with wet chemistry assays for protein, lactose, and milk urea nitrogen (MUN). A secondary objective was to analyze the change in milk nutrient composition over time in beef cattle. Colostrum and milk were collected from multiparous, fall-calving, Sim-Angus cows [n = 43; BW: 649 ± 80 (SD) kg; BCS: 5.3 ± 0.5; age: 4.3 ± 1.2 yr]. Colostrum was collected from a single rear-quarter pre-suckling, and milk was collected during 4-h milk yields at 35 and 60 d post-calving. Sub-samples were sent for DHIA analysis and frozen for colorimetric assays utilizing commercial kits run on a UV-visible light microplate reader. Analytical methods were compared using a general linear model, and nutrient composition across day was analyzed using a mixed model with day as a repeated effect. When comparing wet chemistry and DHIA colostrum analysis, r2 were 0.142 (P = 0.06), 0.348 (P = 0.002), and 0.0004 (P = 0.91) for protein, lactose, and MUN, respectively. Colostrum protein analyses had a negative relationship, whereas lactose was positive. For 35 d milk, r2 were 0.217 (P = 0.002), 0.128 (P = 0.02), and 0.248 (P = 0.001) for protein, lactose, and MUN, respectively. Comparing 60 d milk, r2 (P &lt; 0.001) were 0.706, 0.314, and 0.381 for protein, lactose, and MUN, respectfully. All milk relationships were positive. There was an effect of day on nutrient concentrations, where colostrum contained greater (P &lt; 0.001) protein than 35 and 60 d milk, whereas lactose and MUN were greatest (P &lt; 0.001) in 35 d milk, and lowest (P &lt; 0.001) in colostrum. These data indicate that beef cow colostrum and milk require wet chemistry analysis for improved accuracy.

Development of functional egg-free flan using whey proteins and evaluation of heat-induced gel properties

Traditional flan is a pudding composed of egg, milk and sugar. In the present study, egg was substituted by colostrum or whey protein concentrate (WPC) as a source of whey proteins in order to develop a new functional dairy dessert. These formulations were compared with those of traditional or imitation flan (starch and hydrocolloids as a substitute for egg). Texture, viscosity, water holding capacity (WHC), sensory properties and antioxidant activity of flans were evaluated. The results showed that imitation flan had the highest hardness, gumminess and chewiness, while traditional flan was the highest in cohesiveness and springiness. However, colostrum flan behaved almost similar textural properties with those of traditional and WPC flans. The values of apparent viscosity and WHC were in the same range for colostrum, WPC and traditional flans. However, the viscosity and WHC of imitation flan were higher than those of other flans. Colostrum or WPC-flan possessed the highest antioxidant activity. Sensory characteristics of flan improved by addition of colostrum or WPC compared with imitation flan. Also, addition of colostrum or WPC did not significantly affect consumers acceptability compared to traditional flan. Flan containing colostrum or WPC provide a new recipe and could therefore be an effective functional dairy dessert with high antioxidative activity.

Immunoglobulin G content and colostrum composition of different goat and sheep breeds in Switzerland and Germany

Colostrum represents the sole source to acquire humoral immunity and is an important energy source for newborn lambs and goat kids. However, colostrum composition (i.e., the contents of IgG, fat, protein, and lactose) is affected by various factors such as parity and litter size and, potentially, by breed. In the present study, we examined the colostrum composition of different goat and sheep breeds raised for milk and meat production in Switzerland and Germany. Ten goat breeds (Anglo-Nubian, Appenzell, Boer, Bunte Deutsche Edelziege, Chamois-colored, Grisons Striped, Peacock, Saanen, Toggenburg, and Valais Blackneck) and 10 sheep breeds (Brown-Headed Meat, East Friesian Milk, German Blackheaded Mutton, Gray Horned Heath, Lacaune Dairy, Merino Land, Swiss Black-Brown Mountain, Swiss Charollais, Swiss White Alpine, and Valais Blacknose) were involved in this study. First colostrum samples were obtained from ewes (n = 100) and goats (n = 116) between 10 and 390 min after parturition and analyzed for total IgG, fat, protein, and lactose contents. Colostral IgG concentrations varied between 4.8 and 75.0 mg/mL in goats, and between 6.2 and 65.4 mg/mL in ewes, and the time interval between milking and parturition did not affect colostral IgG concentrations. In goats, the highest IgG concentrations were found in Boer (meat-type; 61.0 ± 10.3 mg/mL; mean ± SD) and the lowest concentrations were observed in Bunte Deutsche Edelziege (milk-type; 26.5 ± 12.5 mg/mL). In sheep, East Friesian Milk and Lacaune Dairy showed the lowest colostral IgG concentrations (17.9 ± 7.3 and 20.2 ± 8.0 mg/mL, respectively), and the highest values were observed in the Merino Land breed (44.2 ± 15.7 mg/mL). The lowest fat and protein concentrations and concomitantly highest lactose concentrations were observed in colostrum of East Friesian Milk and Lacaune Dairy sheep. Parity number did not affect colostrum composition in sheep or goats. In contrast, colostral fat content was higher in ewes bearing twins and triplets than in those carrying singletons. Increasing litter size tended to be associated with higher protein and lower lactose concentrations in ovine (i.e., singletons vs. twins vs. triplets) and caprine colostrum (i.e., singletons vs. twins), whereas colostral IgG concentrations were not affected by litter size. In conclusion, IgG and concentrations of other colostrum constituents showed a wide range in goats and ewes and were mainly affected by the type of breed.

Variability of Serum Proteins in Chinese and Dutch Human Milk during Lactation.

To better understand the variability of the type and level of serum proteins in human milk, the milk serum proteome of Chinese mothers during lactation was investigated using proteomic techniques and compared to the milk serum proteome of Dutch mothers. This showed that total milk serum protein concentrations in Chinese human milk decreased over a 20-week lactation period, although with variation between mothers in the rate of decrease. Variation was also found in the composition of serum proteins in both colostrum and mature milk, although immune-active proteins, enzymes, and transport proteins were the most abundant for all mothers. These three protein groups account for many of the 15 most abundant proteins, with these 15 proteins covering more than 95% of the total protein concentrations, in both the Chinese and Dutch milk serum proteome. The Dutch and Chinese milk serum proteome were also compared based on 166 common milk serum proteins, which showed that 22% of the 166 serum proteins differed in level. These differences were observed mainly in colostrum and concern several highly abundant proteins. This study also showed that protease inhibitors, which are highly correlated to immune-active proteins, are present in variable amounts in human milk and could be relevant during digestion.

Colostral and mature breast milk protein compositional determinants in Qingdao, Wuhan and Hohhot: maternal food culture, vaginal delivery and neonatal gender.

Breast milk proteins are essential to infants as they provide nutrition and protection. This study evaluated multiple factors that might influence breast milk proteins to identify the determinants that lead to inter-individual and longitudinal differences. Five major breast milk proteins (β-casein, α-lactalbumin, lactoferrin, serum albumin and κ-casein) from breast milk samples collected from 55 mothers in three cities (Hohhot, Wuhan and Qingdao) in China were analyzed using a validated ultraperformance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method. Various factors were statistically evaluated for their associations with breast milk proteins: mother's age, parity, delivery mode, infant gender and infant birthweight. Although decreased in concentrations, the proportions of β-casein and α-lactalbumin increased from colostrum (33.8% and 26.8%) to mature milk (40.3% and 31.6%), respectively. Mothers of older age were found to produce a lower concentration of total protein. Compared with vaginal delivery, caesarean section was associated with lower concentrations of κ-casein, lactoferrin and β-casein in mature milk. Infant gender influenced breast milk proteins in colostrum: mothers who delivered a girl tended to produce more κ-casein, lactoferrin and total protein. Furthermore, regional differences were found, and mothers from Hohhot produced significantly higher concentrations of α-lactalbumin and lactoferrin than those from Qingdao and Wuhan. This regional difference might be linked to the different dietary patterns of these mothers among cities. Our study deepens the understanding of breast milk protein dynamics in Chinese population and provides evidence on potential determinants, which can serve as guidance for infant nutrition optimization.

Late gestation diet supplementation of resin acid-enriched composition increases sow colostrum immunoglobulin G content, piglet colostrum intake and improve sow gut microbiota

Resin acid-enriched composition (RAC) mainly containing tall oil fatty acid with an active component of resin acid (RA) can improve the microbial population in the digestive system, change the microbial fermentation, and improve the feed conversion ratio. We investigated the effects of dietary supplementation of RAC on sow colostrum yield (CY), colostrum composition and gut microbiota. Tall oil fatty acid and RA are commonly termed RAC and CLA, pinolenic, abietic, dehydrobiotic acids are characteristic components of RAC. The experiment was conducted in three trials in three respective herds. Sows were fed with a control diet and the same diet supplemented with 5 g RAC/day per sow during the last week of gestation. The 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing technique was used to assess sows’ faecal microbiota populations at farrowing. Colostrum nutritional composition, acute phase proteins (APPs) and immunoglobulin (Ig) content were also assessed. Individual piglets were weighed at birth and 24 h after the birth of first piglets in order to calculate CY and later at 3 to 4 weeks to calculate average daily gain. The RAC-fed sows had significantly higher IgG levels (P<0.05) in all three herds but treatment did not influence colostrum IgA and IgM concentration. There were no significant differences in colostrum protein, lactose and fat content in sows of the two diet groups (P>0.05), but those fed RAC had higher levels of colostrum serum amyloid A. Colostrum yield was significantly higher in RAC-fed sows in herds 2 and 3 with heavier piglets between 3 and 4 weeks of age (P<0.05), but not in herd 1 (P>0.05). Resin acid-enriched composition supplementation significantly increased some beneficial and fermentative bacteria (Romboutsia and Clostridium sensu stricto) than the control diet (P<0.01) while some opportunistic pathogens (Barnesiella, Sporobacter, Intestinimonas and Campylobacter), including Proteobacteria, were suppressed. Therefore, RAC added to the sow diet at late pregnancy increases colostrum IgG, colostrum availability for neonate piglets, and seems to promote better maternal intestinal microbial sources.

Effect of calorific intake on proteomic composition of colostrum in dairy cows

The amount of concentrated feed supplied to a dairy cow affects milk yield. However, there is no evidence of a relationship between the colostrum proteomic composition and energy intake. We supplied 30 heifers (4–24 months old, two groups of 15 heifers each) with either a normal diet and high-energy diet to investigate the correlation between energy intake and colostrum protein composition. Colostrum milk proteins were analysed on the day of calving and on the third day following calving using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and peptide mass fingerprinting (PMF). Five proteins were identified as differentially expressed between the two feeding groups in the colostrum on the day of calving. The levels of αS2-casein precursor and β-casein was higher in the colostrum from the high-energy diet group (HEG), whereas the levels of IgG3 heavy chain constant region, non-classical MHC class I antigen isoform X2, and β-casein A2 variant were higher in the normal-diet group (NEG) colostrum. Twelve differential proteins were identified on the third day: β-lactoglobulin, αS2-casein, zinc-α2-glycoprotein, lactoferrin, fibrinogen gamma-B chain isoform X1, non-classical MHC class I antigen isoform X2, complement C3, gelsolin isoform A precursor, vitamin D-binding protein isoform X1, immunoglobulin gamma 1 heavy chain constant region, IgG3 heavy chain constant region and polymeric immunoglobulin receptor. All were present at higher levels in the normal-diet group colostrum than in the high-energy diet group colostrum, although the milk yield from mature cows was lower in the normal-diet group. In conclusion, a high-energy diet can enhance milk production; however, the levels of immune-related factors are higher in the colostrum of cows fed a normal diet.

Evaluation of proteins in sheep colostrum via laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy and multivariate analysis

Colostrum is essential to guarantee normal and healthy feeding in newborn ruminants during the first hours. In the present work, Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), as a spectrochemical analytical technique, and principal component analysis (PCA) as a multivariate analysis method were used to evaluate colostrum compared to mature milk of sheep to plan the nutritional strategies for newly born lambs. Samples of colostrum have been collected from thirty-three Barki ewes. The sheep were milked every 12 h three times after birth, the fourth sample of mature milk is taken from milking in the 7th day postpartum. The spectrochemical analytical results depicted that the intensities of CN and C2 spectral bands, and C 247.86 nm atomic line (as an indicator for protein content in LIBS spectra) are higher in colostrum than that in milk. This relationship has been confirmed by measuring the total protein in the same samples conventionally. The relation between calcium and protein percentage has also been demonstrated. Moreover, it has been shown that the higher is the CN bands’ intensity the lower is the bacteria count in colostrum samples, owing to the high levels of lactoferrin with its antibacterial effect. The qualitative analysis of LIBS data using PCA led to a pronounced discrimination between colostrum and mature milk. The present study demonstrates that it is, in principle, possible to make use of the analytical and chemometric results in dairy farms to evaluate sheep colostrum to manage the nutritional strategies for the lambs.

Dietary supplementation with yeast hydrolysate in pregnancy influences colostrum yield and gut microbiota of sows and piglets after birth.

Dietary supplementation with yeast derivatives (YD) contributes to the health and physiology of sows and piglets, but few studies have focused on how it influences gut health and performance of sows and piglets. The goal was therefore to examine whether YD, based on brewer’s yeast hydrolysate added to pregnancy diet, would affect colostrum composition, yield (CY) and gut microbiota of sows and piglets. Sows were allocated to either a control diet (n = 19) or a control diet supplemented with 2g YD/kg (n = 18) during the pregnancy. Piglets suckling belonging to the control sows (n = 114) and supplemented sows (n = 108) were also included in the study. Gut microbiota populations of sows at farrowing and piglets at one and four weeks of age were assessed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Colostrum samples were examined for nutritional composition and immunoglobulin (Ig) content. All piglets were individually weighed at birth and 24 hours later in order to calculate CY, and later at four weeks to calculate average daily gain (ADG). Protein, lactose and dry matter content of colostrum did not significantly differ between the two groups, while sows fed YD had higher levels of fat in their colostrum (P < 0.05). Immunoglobulin A, IgM and IgG levels in colostrum did not differ between the two groups (P >0.05). Colostrum yield was lower in the control than that in YD group (3701g vs. 4581 g; P <0.05). Although the YD supplementation did not change fecal bacteria diversity in sow, more beneficial and fermentative bacteria (Roseburia, Paraprevotella, Eubacterium) were found in the YD fed group (P <0.01) while, some opportunistic pathogens, including Proteobacteria, especially the genera Desulfovibrio, Escherichia/Shigella and Helicobacter, were suppressed. Piglets at one week of age from sows fed YD had more beneficial microbial populations with significant diversity and fewer opportunistic pathogens. Additionally, we established a Pearson’s correlations between CY, colostrum components, piglet birth weight and fecal microbiota. Therefore, YD added to the sow diet during pregnancy increases colostrum availability and its energy content for neonate piglets, also promoting beneficial maternal microbial sources for neonate.