The lactoferrin content variation and its related factors in milk of Xinong Saanen goats

Abstract

Lactoferrin (LF) is a prominent protein in milk, and is present in many other secretory fluids and white blood cells. The variation of LF content in milk is possibly regulated by multiple environmental factors such as milk composition and endogenous factors. In this study, we analysed the variations of LF in both milk and plasma of 20 Xinong Saanen goats and its related factors. Firstly, LF content in colostrum was 222.6 ± 41.57 μg/mL, and then throughout the lactation period the mean concentrations remained stable, ranged between 34.61 and 51.94 μg/mL. The LF concentration in plasma fluctuated between 173.56 and 246.20 μg/mL during the entire lactational period. There was no correlation between the milk and plasma LF concentrations (P > .05). However, LF in milk was closely correlated with milk lactose, protein and SNF contents (P .05). In addition, LF concentration in milk was correlated with the lactation stage (P < .01). Further studies are required to investigate these factors that cause LF variations in the milk of Xinong Saanen goat.

Keywords

• Lactoferrin
• Milk
• Xinong Saanen goat