Published in Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science, Vol. LIX
Written by Natik H. ALKUDSI, Duaa A. HUSSEIN
Lactoferrin is a biologically active glycoprotein of the transferrin family found mainly in milk and to a lesser extent in other biological fluids as well as the secondary granules of neutrophils. As an iron-binding molecule, Lactoferrin is involved in the transport and excretion of iron but also known to bind to proteins such as IgA, casein, lysozyme and to DNA. This study aimed at establishing the relationships between Lactoferrin in cow milk and the concentration of minerals and amino acids. Ten Holstein Frisian cows in their first lactation were used in this study. Colostrum sample were collected immediately after parturition and milk samples were collected weekly for the first 60 days of lactation. Concentrations of minerals and amino acids in colostrum and milk samples were determined and used to construct the relationships between these variable and Lactoferrin concentration. The concentration of Lactoferrin in the colostrum was higher (P<0.05) than in milk (732.8 vs 350.3mg /L). The concentration of Lactoferrin in milk declines with advancing lactation. The concentrations of some minerals (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and iron) in colestrum were 130 mg / L, 0.82%, 76.00 mg / L and 16.52 ppm respectively. The correlation coefficient between the lactoferrin and calcium, phosphorus, magnesium were positive and signifecant namely, 0.665, 0.268 and 0.289 respectively. The correlation coefficient between lactoferrin and iron was negative and significant (- 0.614) . Moreover, the correlation coefficient between Lactoferrin and the methionine and Lucien were positive and highly significant (0.18125 and 0.33908 respectively), While with the non-essential amino acids was being positive and significant. It conclusion, lactoferrin has a tight relationship with main milk components, being has an important role for birth calves through its high percentages in colostrum. Also, the repeatability between lactoferrin and minerals has a pronounced importance for birth calves growth.
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