Bovine colostrum: Changes in lipid constituents in the first 5 days after parturition

Abstract

Despite the great interest paid to protein components in colostrum, fat also plays an important role in the supply of essential nutrients to provide energy, increase metabolism, and protect the newborn calf against microbial infections. This work aimed to elucidate levels of different fat components in colostrum, in particular fatty acid (FA), triglyceride (TG), cholesterol, and phospholipid contents. Colostrum samples from primiparous and multiparous (3-5 lactations) Holstein dams, fed the same ration indoors, were collected on the first 5d after parturition, analyzed, and compared with milk samples from the same cows collected at 5mo of lactation. Fat content during the first 5d of milking did not vary. However, the proportion of short-chain saturated FA increased and that of long-chain FA decreased. The concentration of n-3 FA was higher on the first day of calving than on the other days, with clear differences in the number and type of n-3 FA. Conjugated linoleic isomers and trans FA slowly increased from d 1 to 5, reaching a maximum at 5mo of lactation. Changes in the distribution profile of TG were observed as lactation progressed, with a shift from a prevalence of high-carbon-number TG (C48-50) on d 1 to a bimodal distribution (maxima at C38 and C50) on d 5, characteristic of mid-lactation milk. Cholesterol content was high in the first hours after calving and rapidly decreased within 48h. Colostrum sampled on d 1 also had a high content of phospholipids. Phosphatidylethanolamine and sphingomyelin were, respectively, lower and higher in the first 5d than in mid-lactation milk. The influence of lactation number on colostrum fat composition was also considered and significant results were obtained for all FA groups (except for polyunsaturated and n-6 FA) and TG content.

Nutritional and microbiological quality of bovine colostrum samples in Brazil

“…Previous studies showed that the ether extract concentration varied from 4.6 to 6.7% (Kehoe et al, 2007;Morril et al, 2012;Contarini et al, 2014) and similar values were observed in the present study. High-fat colostrum is desirable when there is a high demand for energy for the newborn, since calves are born with reduced energy reserves (Okamota et al, 1986) and have high energy requirements to maintain thermogenesis (Hammon et al, 2012).…”

“…Ether extract content influences the volume of produced colostrum, although few changes occur in the first five days after calving (Contarini et al, 2014). Previous studies showed that the ether extract concentration varied from 4.6 to 6.7% (Kehoe et al, 2007;Morril et al, 2012;Contarini et al, 2014) and similar values were observed in the present study.…”

“…In addition, Morril et al (2012) observed a protein concentration of 12.7% without a significant difference between parity and breed in protein contents, factors not tested in the present study. The difference among protein contents can also be a function of the different methodologies of analyses, colostrum volume (Godden, 2008), and colostrum collection time after calving (Contarini et al, 2014). Colostrum presents higher total protein, mainly cfu -colony-forming unit; IgG -immunoglobulin G.…”

Bovine colostrum: benefits of its use in human food

“…When studying the lipid components of bovine colostrum in the first 5 days after calving, Contarini et al (2014) observed that the colostrum had a different fat composition in the first 24 hours than the fluid produced after four or five days and the milk of half lactation, highlighting an abundant concentration of essential lipids for the neonate such as omega-3 and phospholipids (mainly sphingomyelin) and cholesterol, while concentrations for trans fatty acids like linoleic-conjugated acid were lower in the first hours of production.…”

Caracterização do manejo de bezerras, da qualidade nutricional e microbiológica do colostro e da atitude do tratador de bezerras

“…Em propriedades com volume de produção superior a 700 litros/dia o teor de matéria seca, proteína bruta e imunoglobulinas foram superiores as propriedades com produção inferior a 200 L/dia e na classe de 201 a 700 L/dia (p<0,05) (Tabela 2 CONTARINI et al, 2014). Pesquisas mostraram concentração em extrato etéreo variando de 4,6 a 6,7% MORRILL et al, 2012;CONTATINI et al, 2014).…”