Effects of Supplemental Lactoferrin on Serum Lactoferrin and IgG Concentrations and Neutrophil Oxidative Metabolism in Holstein Calves

Abstract

Lactoferrin (LF) is an iron-binding protein present in both colostrum and secondary granules of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs). We hypothesized that supplemental LF enhances neutrophil function in neonatal calves. Newborn calves were assigned to receive colostrum (C), colostrum LF (CLF, 1 g/kg), or milk replacer LF (MRLF, 1 g/kg). Serum (LF and IgG) and whole blood (neutrophil isolation) samples were obtained prior to treatment (day 0) and at 24 hours and 9 days of age. Serum IgG concentrations (mean SD) in C, CLF, and MRLF calves at 24 hours were 1,911 994 mg/dL, 2,181 625 mg/dL, and 0 mg/ dL, respectively. Serum LF concentrations in C, CLF, and MRLF calves on day 0 were 324 334 ng/mL (range 0-863 ng/mL), 135 158 ng/mL (range 0-429 ng/mL), and 318 337 ng/mL (range 0-964 ng/mL), respectively. LF concentrations in C, CLF, and MRLF calves at 24 hours were significantly higher (P .05), at 1,564 1,114 ng/mL (range 335-3,628 ng/mL, 2,237 936 ng/mL (range 31-3,287 ng/mL), and 3,189 926 ng/mL (range 1,736-4,120 ng/mL), respectively. Cytochrome c reduction in opsonized zymosan-treated or phorbol ester-treated cells was not significantly affected by supplemental LF provided at birth. Oral LF is absorbed in calves but does not alter PMN superoxide production and does not alter IgG absorption.

Serum Lactoferrin and Immunoglobulin G Concentrations in Healthy or Ill Neonatal Foals and Healthy Adult Horses

“…11 The results of the study reported herein also indicate that the concentration of lactoferrin in equine colostrum varies considerably with a mean concentration of 21.7 mg/ml. Although it cannot be definitively stated that the higher serum lactoferrin concentrations in 1-3-day-old healthy foals, as compared to serum lactoferrin concentrations before ingestion of colostrum, were the result of transfer of maternal colostral lactoferrin, the timing of the increase and the significant correlation between serum lactoferrin and IgG concentrations in these foals are evidence of this event.…”

“…10 In a separate study, 1-day-old calves had greater serum lactoferrin concentrations (1,565 6 1,114 ng/ml, SD) compared to presuckle values (324 6 334 ng/ml), though statistical comparison of these values was not provided. 11 However in this latter study, additional supplementation of colostrum or milk replacer with lactoferrin resulted in significantly greater increases in serum lactoferrin, compared to calves that received colostrum alone. 11 These results indicate that, at least in calves, the intestinal tract is capable of absorbing lactoferrin.…”

“…11 However in this latter study, additional supplementation of colostrum or milk replacer with lactoferrin resulted in significantly greater increases in serum lactoferrin, compared to calves that received colostrum alone. 11 These results indicate that, at least in calves, the intestinal tract is capable of absorbing lactoferrin.…”

“…9 Although direct correlation between bovine colostral lactoferrin and postsuckle serum lactoferrin concentrations in calves is lacking, 10 there is evidence that the serum concentration of lactoferrin increases in calves after the ingestion of colostrum, lactoferrin-supplemented colostrum, or milk replacer. 11 In addition to colostrum and milk, lactoferrin is also present in most exocrine secretions, and it is the release of lactoferrin from the secondary granules of neutrophils that serves as the principal source of lactoferrin in circulation and tissues. 8,9 The impact of the contribution of the neutrophilic source to the circulating lactoferrin concentration is underscored by the finding that the serum lactoferrin concentration is directly correlated with the neutrophil count in septic children.…”

Effects of lactoferrin on non-specific immune responses of gilthead seabream (Sparus auratus L.)

“…It was seen that the specific growth rates were unaffected by the dietary treatments. It has been reported that dietary Lf regulates hydroxyl radical production by mammalian macrophages, granulocytes and neutrophil leucocytes [15,47] but does not alter granulocyte superoxide production in Holstein calves [55]. In fish, no effect on non-specific immunity after 19 days of Lf administration in Atlantic salmon was observed [23] while rainbow trout specimens orally treated with bovine Lf showed enhanced phagocytic activities and superoxide anion production by macrophages [17,19].…”