Short description
(English)
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Colostrum is the natural feed for the newborn which is crucial to build up a disease resistance during the first weeks of life. This study will investigate the functional basis of colostrum formation. We will establish the capacity of immunoglobulin mass transfer per unit time while verifying and identifying regulating endocrine factors. In addition, we will conduct immunoglobulin kinetic studies during the three mammary phases nonlactation, colostrogenesis, and copious milk production.
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Partners and International Organizations
(English)
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AT, BE, BG, CH, CZ, DE, DK, EE, EL, ES, FI, FR, HR, IE, IL, IT, LT, MK, NL, NO, PL, RO, RS, SE, SI, TR, UK
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Abstract
(English)
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Colostrum is the exclusive feed for the newborn and its immunoglobulin content is crucial to build up a disease resistance during the first weeks of life in newborn calves. This study investigates the relationship between endocrine profiles and colostrum formation during lactogenesis. Timing of parturition as well as lactogenesis and colostrum formation in the mammary gland are regulated via endocrine signals. Changes of progesterone (P4) and prolactin (PRL) are key events that mediate the initiation of both parturition and onset of lactation including colostrum formation. Twenty-three multiparous cows were randomly assigned to two groups: control (PP, n=11) milked for the first time 4 h post-calving, and a treatment (AP, n=12) group that was already milked approximately 1 d before calving and again at 4 h after parturition. Colostrum yield before and after parturition was recorded and proportional samples were analyzed for total IgG, fat, protein and lactose. Blood samples for the analyses of P4 and PRL were collected at 8 h intervals for 4 d pre-partum until calving, and another sample was taken at 4 h after parturition. Data out of this study suggest that synthesis and secretion of constituents into first colostrum do not only depend on changes in PRL and P4.
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