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Quality, content and properties of colostrum are crucial for the neonate and its further development. Due to essential differences between intrauterine and extrauterine environment, the neonate is exposed to oxidative stress conditions. Colostrum apart from nutrient and immunological components should contain antioxidative systems necessary for the protection against reactive oxygen species. This review describes available data on enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants in colostrum. Due to the fact that the literature concerning bovine colostrum is scanty, the information based on bovine mature milk determinations as well as other species is provided. Bovine colostrum is used not only by calves, but also for the production of hyperimmunized colostrum, medicines or feed supplements. Quality of colostrum influences quality of mature milk. This is another reason, except from health of neonate, why antioxidative properties of bovine colostrum are of special importance and require further detailed elucidation.

Introduction. Human milk proteins are maximally adapted to physiological needs of a neonate. Thus, depending on the speed of the neonatal growth and development, the content of milk proteins changes, both in quantity and quality. Objective. The study was conducted in order to determine variations of total protein concentrations in milk in the first and third lactation week in lactating mothers of term and preterm neonates. Also, we analyzed the influence of the mode of delivery, neonatal Apgar score and parity on the concentration of human milk proteins in both lactation phases. Method. The study aims were evaluated on the sample of 48 women, of whom 33 were mothers of term neonates and 15 of neonates born between the 34th to 37th gestational weeks. Total protein level of the lactation milk from the middle phase was determined using the standard laboratory method (Lowry et al., 1951), and the obtained differences were analyzed by t-test. Results. Total protein concentration in term colostrum was 17.60-45.17 g/l (X=24.71?5.19), while in preterm colostrum it was 28.39-73.30 g/l (X=39.17?11.08). The total protein level of mature milk in women who had term delivery was 11.90-22.11 g/l (X=16.39?2.96), while in women who had preterm delivery it was 14.50-44.19 g/l (X=23.25?8.96). The obtained results indicated that total protein concentration in women who had preterm delivery was significantly higher than that of women who had term delivery, both in the colostral and mature phase of lactation. (p

To test the null hypothesis that mothers of asymmetric small for gestational age (SGA) infants produce milk with fatty acids composition similar to that of lactating mothers of appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) infants.We obtained human milk (HM) from 2 groups of lactating volunteers that gave birth to asymmetric SGA (study group) or AGA infants (control group). Each mother was asked to contribute by manual expression at least one of 3 samples: first 72 hours after labor (colostrum), day 2-7 postpartum (transitional milk) and 14 days post partum (mature milk). After lipid extraction using Folch's cold-extraction procedure fatty acids were analyzed using gas chromatography.A total of 108 samples were obtained in 60 women. In univariate analysis, there were no significant differences in any of the fatty acids concentrations examined between groups. This remained true when timing of the sample (colostrum, transitional or mature milk) or gestational age were introduced as confounders in analysis of variance (general linear model).Fatty acid composition of human milk is not affected by whether or not the infant was fetal growth restricted. We suggest that mothers of SGA infants may be reassured about the fat quality of their milk.

In the road for network medicine the newly emerged systems-level subpathway-based analysis methods offer new disease genes, drug targets and network-based biomarkers. In parallel, paired miRNA/mRNA expression data enable simultaneously monitoring of the micronome effect upon the signaling pathways. Towards this orientation, we present a methodological pipeline for the identification of differentially expressed subpathways along with their miRNA regulators by using KEGG signaling pathway maps, miRNA-target interactions and expression profiles from paired miRNA/mRNA experiments. Our pipeline offered new biological insights on a real application of paired miRNA/mRNA expression profiles with respect to the dynamic changes from colostrum to mature milk whey; several literature supported genes and miRNAs were recontextualized through miRNA-mediated differentially expressed subpathways.

The authors studied quality control procedures at human milk banks and nutritional profiles of 909 milk samples (from 195 donors, aged 15 to 45 years) from banked human milk (BHM) in Brasilia, Brazil. Number of donations per donor ranged from 1 to > 10 that consisted mostly of mature milk (90.9%) with a mean total energy of 529 +/- 85 kcal/L and a mean total lipid of 22.7 g/L +/- 13.2. Microbiological quality (titrable acidity-Dornic, degrees D) was suitable for infant feeding in 99.2% of samples (< 8 degrees D), ranging from 2 degrees D to 8 degrees D (mean 4.8 +/- 1.4 degrees D). Most BHM (98.1%) samples were dispensed to inpatient infants (1-7 days) diagnosed with respiratory distress (30.1%), prematurity (20.7%), metabolic distress (16.0%), jaundice (14.4%), bacterial infection (6.0%), pneumonia (3.3%), congenital cardiac distress (2.2%), or other conditions (6.2%). Well-motivated mothers and trained staff are serving and sustaining an important life-saving network with long-lasting impact on public health.

To analyze anti-rotavirus antibodies in human milk in order to determine their isotypes and neutralizing activity on rotavirus strains representing different viral serotypes.One hundred seventy-three milk samples (65 colostrum, 55 transitional milk and 53 mature milk) obtained from 65 mothers were analyzed along with 49 serum samples collected just before delivery. Total immunoglobulin A (IgA) and rotavirus-specific IgA and immunoglobulins G (IgG) antibodies were determined in milk and serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Neutralizing activity was evaluated by an immunoperoxidase focus reduction assay. Milk IgA was purified by binding to the lectin jacalin, elution and ultrafiltration.Total IgA antibodies were detected in all serum and milk samples analyzed. IgA levels decreased sharply during the replacement of colostrum by transitional milk, and more gradually from transitional to mature milk. These differences in IgA concentration during the 3 periods were statistically significant. Anti-rotavirus antibodies detected in human milk were exclusively of the IgA type, whereas both IgA and IgG anti-rotavirus antibodies were present in serum samples. Both milk and serum samples showed in vitro neutralization of the infectivity of rotavirus strains SA11, Wa and VA70, this activity being stronger toward the human rotavirus strain Wa. No correlation was however found between the inhibitory effect on rotavirus and the concentrations of IgA in human milk and serum samples.Anti-rotavirus antibodies are only partly responsible for the neutralizing activity detected in milk and serum. This result suggests that other components possessing suppressive activity against rotavirus must also be present.

Ghrelin and its mRNA have recently been found in numerous human tissues including breast. The aim of this study was to compare the ghrelin levels in colostrum, mature and transitional milk and plasma in lactating women with plasma samples from non-lactating women. Venous blood samples were obtained from 17 healthy lactating women aged 22-35 years and from 16 age-matched controls. Colostrum, transitional and mature milk samples were collected just before suckling. The level of bioactive ghrelin was determined by RIA. Comparison of ghrelin values for lactating women showed significantly lower concentrations in colostrum (70.3 +/- 18 pg/ml), transitional milk (83.8 +/- 18pg/ml) and mature milk (97.3 +/- 13 pg/ml) than in the corresponding plasma samples (first day 95 +/- 16 pg/ml, 10th day 111 +/- 13 pg/ml and 15th day 135 +/- 16 pg/ml). The plasma concentrations were lower in the lactating than in the non-lactating women. Thus, the ghrelin levels in colostrum, transitional and mature milk were elavated concomitantly with increasing plasma ghrelin after delivery. The origin of milk ghrelin is not known, but it probably comes from the plasma.

of calibration values (SEC) were computed for total solids (0.986 and 0.919, respectively), fat (0.997 and 0.285, respectively), non-fatty solids (0.995 and 0.451, respectively), lactose (0.934 and 0.285, respectively) and protein (0.999 and 0.149, respectively). The calibration models developed were verified by cross validation. It follows from the study that FT-NIR spectroscopy can be used to determine the components of bovine colostrum. Colostrum, near-infrared, fat, non-fatty solids, total solids, lactose, protein Colostrum is the first mammary secretion after parturition. It is essential for nutrition, growth and development of the newborn. The composition of bovine colostrum is different from that of mature milk. It is not only a rich source of nutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins and minerals) but first and foremost it is a unique source of bioactive components. Some of the most important bioactive components are growth and antimicrobial factors. In the young, growth factors in the colostrum stimulate the growth and differentiation of various types of cells, and in adult individuals they help regenerate cells damaged by injury or disease and slow down the processes connected with ageing. Antimicrobial factors of colostrum provide passive immunity; they are indispensable for the development and regulation of the immune system; and they directly participate in defence responses against microorganisms (Pakkanen and Aalto 1997). When colostrum is processed for dairy products, its different composition, sensorial, physical and chemical properties cause problems. In most countries, colostrum is therefore excluded from bulk milk collection for treatment and processing in dairies for 5 days post partum ( Marnila and Korhonen 2003). In many countries, bovine colostrum and its specific components are commercially available as food supplements or colostrum substitutes for farm animals. They are given to newborn calves and piglets as prevention from some diarrhoeal diseases. Preparations made from the colostrum of hyper-immunized cows for the prevention from specific gastrointestinal diseases are now being introduced to both human and veterinary medicine. As more is known about its composition and biological effects, bovine colostrum is reasserting its position of a popular natural substance that humans can use as a supplement and for the treatment and prevention of a number of health problems. Colostrum-based preparations are recommended as supplements for sportsmen, or as products boosting the human immune system. There are over 4 000 clinical studies from all over the world that

This work analyzed the fatty acid composition of mature milk samples, weekly obtained from eight Brazilian women between the 4th and 13th lactation weeks. A questionnaire was weekly applied to observe their eating habits. Saturated fatty acids constituted 39.7% of the total fatty acids. De novo fatty acids and long chain saturated fatty acids presented levels of 15.9% and 23.8%, respectively. trans-Fatty acid content was very low (2.36%). Unsaturated fatty acids constituted 50.9% of the total fatty acids, with over half being monounsaturated fatty acids (27.6%). Polyunsaturated fatty acids showed levels of 23.3%, with high linoleic and α-linolenic acid contents (20.3% and 1.43%, respectively). Arachidonic acid had a content of 0.53%, while docosahexaenoic acid content was 0.14%, values considered adequate for the needs of breast-fed infants.

Aim To determine the concentration of vitamin K including K1 (phylloquinone) and K2 (menaquinone-n; MK-n) in the maternal milk of Japanese women. Methods We collected human milk samples from more than 4000 mothers living throughout Japan from December 1998 to September 1999, and analysed the contents of vitamin K1 and K2 in 834 of the samples. We defined as group A the 555 samples among them that met the following conditions: breast milk of mothers who were under 40 y old, not in the habit of smoking and/or using vitamin supplements, and whose babies showed no symptoms of atopy and whose birthweights were 2.5 kg or more. Vitamins extracted from the enzymatic hydrolysates of the human milk were purified with a Sep-Pak Plus silica cartridge, and then measured by a method based on high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) combined with coulometric reduction and fluorometric detection. Results The mean concentration of vitamin K (K1 + K2) of mothers of group A and all groups were 0.434 +/- 0.293 and 0.517 +/- 1.521 microg/100 ml (average +/- SD), respectively, and menaquinones containing 4, 6 and 7 isoprenoid residues could be detected in the milk samples. Vitamins K1 and MK-4 were found to be predominant in the milk samples, and the concentration of MK-4 in colostrum was higher than that of MK-4 in mature milk. We also found that the MK-7 concentration in the milk of mothers living in eastern Japan was higher than that of mothers living in western Japan. Conclusion The different features of vitamin K1 and MK-7 concentrations in the milk of Japanese women may be due to differences in dietary foods.

We verified whether smoking during lactation influences breast milk cytokine (interleukin [IL]-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-α) levels 30 to 32 days after delivery. The study group comprised 24 postpartum women who declared smoking5 cigarettes per day. The control group included 45 nonsmoking postpartum women. Compared with nonsmoking women, smokers were characterized by significantly higher breast milk concentrations of IL-1α (P = 0.04), whereas no significant intergroup differences were observed in terms of remaining analyzed cytokines. Moreover, both groups were characterized by a similar fraction of women with detectable cytokine levels.

Colostrum addition to milk for consumption is an unlawful practice. Furthermore, the higher whey protein/casein ratio of colostrum compared with milk causes severe technological problems. A high concentration of immunoglobulins has been generally accepted as an index of colostrum presence in milk. In this work, the levels of IgG have been determined by a non-competitive ELISA in 3,248 bulk bovine milk samples from different regions of Spain throughout one year. The mean value for IgG concentration obtained from all the samples was 0.257±0.122 mg/ml, within the range generally considered as acceptable for mature milk. The mean concentration obtained for all the samples collected in the spring was 0.288±0.125 mg/ml, significantly higher than the values found at the other seasons. The finding of some samples with very high values of IgG would suggest that the determination of immunoglobulin levels periodically would be a good parameter to control milk quality.

Health risk of exposure to three major toxic metals Cd, Pb and Hg were assessed in healthy breastfeeding women aged 29.5±4.9 (19-44 yrs) who gave birth during 2012/13 in the maternity ward of General County Hospital in Zadar, the largest city in mid-coastal Croatia. Data on smoking and dietary habits (with focus on seafood consumption) by self-ascertainment and stated number of amalgam dental fillings as sources of toxic metal exposure were collected by questionnaire. Metal levels in maternal blood and breast milk samples (elements were analysed by ICP-MS) served as biomarkers of exposure. As biomarkers of toxic metal effects, we measured total antioxidant status (TAS) in breast milk samples (in total N=147) of three lactation stages: colostrum (up to day 4), transitory milk (between days 5 and 14) and mature milk (between days 20 and 30 postpartum) by Antioxidant Assay Kit (Cayman Chemical Company, USA) based upon the ability of antioxidants to inhibit the oxidation of ABTS. Maternal cigarette smoking was positively correlated with Cd concentrations in maternal blood and mature milk and Pb in transitory milk. Positive correlations were also found between seafood consumption and total Hg in maternal blood and mature milk and between the number of maternal amalgam dental fillings and total Hg in colostrum and transitory milk. Values of TAS (expressed in mmol/L of Trolox equivalents) determined in colostrum, transitory milk and mature milk samples were: 1.35±0.74, 1.49±0.79 and 1.48±0.80. The absence of differences in TAS values between different breast milk types in relation to maternal smoking and dietary habits suggest that exposure to potential oxidative agents, including three main toxic metals, in the study cohort did not reach levels to disrupt the protective antioxidant capacity of breast milk, which might point to possible health risks in postpartum women and their progeny.

WOS: 000352786400003 Due to the oxidative stress conditions at birth, newborn needs some immunological and antioxidative protection after birth. The present study was conducted to point out the oxidant and antioxidant activity of human breast milk throughout the lactation. For this purpose, the levels of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, lactoferrin, superoxide dismutase, and catalase was determined in colostrum, transition milk, and mature milk. Milk samples were collected from 20 volunteer mothers at 24-48 h of delivery and 7 and 14 days after delivery. The skimmed milk was used for determination of the levels of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, and lactoferrin and the activities of the catalase and superoxide dismutase enzymes. As the lactation period proceeded, the malondialdehyde level increased and the levels of nitric oxide and lactoferrin as well as the activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase decreased. Colostrum has a high antioxidant capacity, and these antioxidants decrease during the lactation period owing to the changing need of the growing infant. The results of this study revealed the importance of breastfeeding immediately after the birth to take the advantage of colostrum. Scientific Research Fund in the University of KirikkaleKirikkale University [2009/04] This research was supported by the Scientific Research Fund in the University of Kirikkale project no. 2009/04.

[Objectives]:The objective of this work was to elucidate the influence of extremely premature birth (gestational age 24-27 weeks) on the microbiological, biochemical, and immunological composition of colostrum and mature milk. [Methods]: A total of 17 colostrum and 34 mature milk samples were provided by the 22 mothers of extremely preterms who participated in this study. Bacterial diversity was assessed by culture-based methods, whereas the concentration of lactose, glucose, and myo-inositol was determined by a gas chromatography procedure. Finally, the concentrations of a wide spectrum of cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and immunoglobulins were measured using a multiplex system. [Results]: Bacteria were present in a small percentage of the colostrum and milk samples. Staphylococci, streptococci, and lactobacilli were the main bacterial groups isolated from colostrum, and they could be also isolated, together with enterococci and enterobacteria, from some mature milk samples. The colostrum concentrations of lactose and glucose were significantly lower than those found in mature milk, whereas the contrary was observed in relation to myo-inositol. The concentrations of most cytokines and immunoglobulins in colostrum were higher than in mature milk, and the differences were significant for immunoglobulin G3, immunoglobulin G4, interleukin (IL)-6, interferon-γ, interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-13, IL-17, macrophage-monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and macrophage inflammatory protein-1β. [Conclusions]: The bacteriological, biochemical, and immunological content of colostrum and mature milk from mothers of extremely preterm infants is particularly valuable for such infants. Efforts have to be made to try that preterm neonates receive milk from their own mothers or from donors matching, as much as possible, the gestational age of the preterm., This work was supported by the CYTED (IBERFUN 110AC0386), CSD2007-00063 (FUN-C-FOOD, Consolider-Ingenio 2010), and AGL2010-15420 projects from the Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (Spain).

Lysozyme activity in buffalo milk in relation to the period of lactation, parity of animal, weather conditions and udder infections was studied. Effect of storage and heat processing of milk on lysozyme activity was determined. Lysozyme activity was higher in buffalo milk than in cow milk. Buffalo colostrum showed lysozyme activity 5 times of that in mature milk. Lysozyme activity in buffalo milk was not influenced by the parity of animal and the stage of lactation, however, it increased during extreme whether conditions (winter and summer). Lysozyme in both cow and buffalo milk exhibited maximum activity at pH 7.4. Buffalo milk lysozyme was fully stable while the cow milk lysozyme was partly inactivated by pasteurization (low temperature-long time as well as high temperature-short time treatments). Lysozyme in buffalo milk was more stable than in cow milk during storage and heat treatment. A 10 to 50-fold increase in milk lysozyme activity was observed in mastitic cows. An assay of lysozyme activity in milk can be used to diagnose mastitis in cattle but not in buffaloes. Some buffaloes exhibited 1000 fold greater lysozyme activity and moderately raised somatic cell count in milk, but there was no sign of mastitis in these animals. A possible role of milk lysozyme in prevention of mastitis in buffaloes is discussed.

Milk contains 3–6% of fat, of which the dominant component is triacylglycerol (TAG). Over 100 TAG groups can be readily detected in any non-enriched milk sample by LC-MS; most TAG groups contain several isomers (TAG molecules with different fatty acid composition), which cannot be fully resolved chromatographically by any single stationary phase. TAG profile of mature milk from 19 cows was surveyed in this study for eight consecutive months using RP-LC-Orbitrap MS. It was found that TAG profile of milk was not constant throughout the milking season and the seasonal pattern varied with TAG groups. The overall unsaturation level of TAG was stable from October 2013 to January 2014, decreased in February/March 2014 and then increased from April and peaked in May 2014. In addition to the seasonal fluctuation in TAG profile, the proportion of different isomeric species within a TAG group also changed substantially across seasons. However, the proportion of different positional isomers within a given TAG group does not seem to vary during the milking season. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the seasonal change of milk lipid at the TAG group and isomer level.

We evaluated gross composition, energy value, and fatty acid profile of colostrum, transitional, and mature milk of lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris (L., 1758)) from Argentina. Samples were obtained from six healthy animals kept in captive or semicaptive conditions. Protein content varied over time from 6 to 19 g/100 g of milk; carbohydrates varied from 2.4 to 5.4 g/100 g of milk; fat varied from 2.4 to 17.3 g/100 g of milk. Energy value also varied over time, with colostrum having the highest value.Fatty acid profile revealed a unique pattern in tapir milk, characterized by the presence of higher amounts of lauric, myristic, and pentadecanoic acids than in milk from other equids. Traces of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) were measured, being the only trans fatty acid detected in tapir milk. Neither butyric acid (C4:0) nor fatty acids longer than C18 were found in tapir milk. The characteristics of tapir milk include high concentration of fat, caseins, and whey proteins. Gross composition and saturated fatty acid to unsaturated fatty acid (SFA/UFA) ratio of tapir milk were more similar to that of horse milk than rhinoceros milk. The present study sheds light on tapir fatty acid metabolism and on nutritional requirements of their newborns, which can be used to improve conservation and management strategies. Furthermore, different periods of lactation were evaluated in this species for the first time, thus contributing to the general knowledge of milk from other members of the order Perissodactyla Nous avons évalué la composition brute, la valeur énergétique et le profil des acides gras du colostrum, du lait de transition et du lait mature de tapirs terrestres (Tapirus terrestris (L., 1758)) d’Argentine. Des échantillons ont été obtenus de six animaux en santé gardés dans des conditions de captivité ou de semi-captivité. La concentration de protéines variait dans le temps de 6 a` 19 g/100 g de lait, celle de glucides, de 2,4 a` 5,4 g/100 g de lait, et celle de lipides, de 2,4 a` 17,3 g/100 g de lait. La valeur énergétique variait également dans le temps, le colostrum présentant la valeur la plus élevée. Le profil des acides gras du lait de tapir présentait une distribution singulière caractérisée par des quantités plus importantes des acides laurique, myristique et pentadécanoïque que celles du lait d’autres équidés. Des traces d’acide linoléique conjugué (ALC) ont été mesurées, ce dernier étant le seul acide gras trans détecté dans le lait de tapir. L’acide butyrique (C4:0) et des acides gras plus longs que C18 n’ont pas été détectés. Les caractéristiques du lait de tapir comprennent de fortes concentrations de lipides, de caséines et de protéines de lactosérum. La composition brute et le rapport des acides gras saturés et des acides gras non saturés (AGS/AGN) du lait de tapir ressemblaient plus a` ceux du lait de jument qu’a` ceux du lait de rhinocéros. L’étude jette un nouvel éclairage sur le métabolisme des acides gras chez les tapirs et sur les besoins nutritifs de leurs nouveau-nés qui peut server a` améliorer les stratégies de conservation et de gestion. De plus, différentes périodes de lactation ont été évaluées pour la première fois chez cette espèce, ce qui contribue également a` accroître les connaissances générales sur le lait d’autres membres de l’ordre des périssodactyles. Fil: Van Nieuwenhove, Carina Paola. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Centro de Referencia para Lactobacilos; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo; Argentina Fil: Pérez, María Eugenia. Fundación Miguel Lillo; Argentina Fil: Hernandez, Marcela Beatriz. Fundación Miguel Lillo; Argentina Fil: Luna Pizarro, Patricia del Carmen. Universidad Nacional de Jujuy. Facultad de Ingeniería. Centro de Invest.en Tecnología Alimentaria; Argentina

Analgesics are one of the most prescribed drugs during the postpartum period to prevent and treat pain and inflammatory disease. The focus on analgesics during breastfeeding has increased because of lack of information and fatal codeine intoxication in a breastfed neonate. Ibuprofen has an advantageous benefit-risk ratio profile compared with codeine. There is a lack of information on drug transfer into human milk, thus ibuprofen intake during breastfeeding may be debated. Consequently, there is a dilemma whether to terminate breastfeeding or drug therapy. The objective of this study was to determine the relative infant dose of ibuprofen.The first week after the delivery, each woman received ibuprofen to treat pain or inflammatory disorders (mean dose, 1012 ± 96 mg/d). Just after the third dose of ibuprofen, 1 milk sample and 2 blood samples were obtained after 1 week of breastfeeding. Ibuprofen concentrations in breast milk and blood were measured by using high-performance liquid chromatography.Twenty women were included after written informed consent, and 13 gave their breast milk and blood samples. The mean ibuprofen milk concentration was 360 ± 160 mcg/L. The mean fat milk concentration was 3.23 ± 1.15 g per 100 mL, and the mean milk protein concentration 0.87 ± 0.27 g per 100 mL. The ibuprofen transfer infant dose (theoretical infant dose) was 68 mcg·kg-1·d-1 (8-262 mcg·kg-1·d-1), and the relative infant dose was0.38% (0.04%-1.53%) of the weight-adjusted maternal daily dose, which equals 0.2% of the infant dose.The results confirm that the transfer of ibuprofen into breast milk decreases with the protein concentration and the duration of lactation. These results suggest that the use of ibuprofen is compatible with prolonged breastfeeding after the early postpartum stage.

IgA, IgA1, and IgA2 concentrations were determined in 81 defatted human milk samples: colostrum (days 1-5, n = 42), transitional milk (days 6-14, n = 18) and mature milk (days 15-75, n = 21) by immunonephelometry. Correlations were found between total IgA levels and the concentrations of both IgA subclasses (P < 0.0001). The levels of the three molecules decreased over lactation with significant differences (P < 0.05) between colostrum and transitional milk levels and between colostrum and mature milk. Colostral IgA1 and IgA2 mean concentrations dropped respectively from 10.89 +/- 2.12 g/L, and 15.41 +/- 2.10 g/L to 1.83 +/- 0.73 g/L and 3.40 +/- 1.25 g/L in transitional milk reaching finally to 0.36 +/- 0.07 g/L and 0.27 +/- 0.06 g/L in mature milk. IgA2 concentrations were higher than those of IgA1 when the total IgA level was high. The IgA2 levels in colostrum could be an adaptation resistance of IgA to potentially harmful pathogens able to secrete IgA proteases and also a way to regulate colonization of the microflora in the newborn.

The influence of stages of lactation on the mineral and trace elementconcentrations of breast milk collected from 20 healthy lactating women ina Nigeria population was investigated using instrumental neutron activationanalysis (INAA) and proton induced X-ray emission (PIXE) analysis. The breastmilk samples were divided into colostrum (day 1–5), transitional (day6–13) and mature milk (day 14–28). The result of the study showthat colostrum milk has a significantly higher mean concentration of Ca, Cl,Cu, Fe, Mg, Na and Zn than the transitional and mature milk. Furthermore,the mean concentrations of Fe, Mg, Na and Zn in transitional milk were foundto be significantly higher when compared with the mature milk. It was alsoobserved from the semi-log plot of the concentration of the elements againstdays of lactation that the concentration of all the elements decreased significantlythroughout the lactation period studied with Cu, Fe and Zn concentration showingthe greatest decline, particularly in the early stages of lactation.

Total fat content was 32.8 +/- 14 g/L in camel milk (10-240 days post partum) or 30.1 +/- 19.5 g/L in colostrum (1-7 days post partum). Triacylglycerols accounted for 96% of the total lipids in milk. Triacyglycerols of camel milk contained saturated fatty acids (66.1%) and unsaturated fatty acids (30.5%). The predominant saturated fatty acids were 16:0 (34.9%) 14:0 (14.5%) and 18:0 (9.7%). The content of these fatty in acids in colostrum was lower (52.4%) than that of mature milk. The colsotrum contained a relatively high amount of 18:1 (25.4%), and 16:1 (13.9%), with the remainder being a mixture of dienoic and trienoic long-chain fatty acids. Triacylglycerols contained low amount of short-chain fatty acids (C4-C8). There is a high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids in camel colostrum and milk.

Since little is known about the effect of selenium on the fatty acid profiles (FAP) of human breast milk, the purpose of this study was to measure the effect of habitual dietary selenium (Se) intake on this profile in plasma and breast milk. Subjects were lactating women from three locations in China where habitual selenium intakes are extremely low (Xichang), adequate (Beijing), or extremely high (Enshi). Plasma and milk samples were obtained within seven days of parturition (early samples) or within eighteen months postpartum (mature samples) and analyzed for selenium concentration, glutathione peroxidase (Gpx) activity and FAP. Plasma and milk selenium concentrations were significantly lower in the samples from women from Xichang and significantly higher in those from Enshi when compared to those from Beijing. Plasma Gpx activity, however, was higher in samples from Beijing than Xichang or Enshi. In contrast, the early breast milk samples had similar Gpx activity regardless of location. The mature samples, however, followed the same trend as plasma with the samples obtained from the women in Beijing having the highest activity. Of the unsaturated fatty acids examined, the concentration of linoleic acid, 18:2(n-6), in both plasma and milk was greater in the samples from Beijing when compared to those from Xichang or Enshi. Thus dietary selenium appears to influence the fatty acid composition in human breast milk, but influences Gpx activity only in mature milk samples.

A prospective, observational study was made into the effects of vitamin E intake on serum levels of the same during the third trimester of pregnancy, and on breast milk vitamin E levels. The study subjects were a group of 57 healthy, lactating mothers between 18 and 35 years of age. Vitamin E intake was determined during the third trimester of pregnancy using a 5-day dietary record (including a Sunday) and by recording the quantities provided by supplements. HPLC was used to determine vitamin E concentrations in maternal serum, transitional milk (days 13–14 of lactation) and mature milk (day 40 of lactation). Only 3.5% of subjects took vitamin E supplements during pregnancy. The addition of this intake to that provided by the diet produced no notable change in the results. 68.4% of third trimester subjects took

Human oral polymorphonuclear neutrophils (OPMN) generate reactive oxygen species even in the absence of stimulants. Because OPMN from newborn babies are exposed to colostrum and mature milk, the biological properties of these cells including the generation of reactive oxygen species might possibly be affected by the constituents of colostrum and milk. The present work reports the effects of colostrum and mature milk, including the effects of storage at low temperature, on superoxide generation by OPMN. Fresh colostrum and mature milk did not affect either endogenous or formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine-induced generation of superoxide by OPMN. However, superoxide generation stimulated by phorbol myristate acetate or arachidonic acid was inhibited by colostrum and mature milk presumably due to binding of the ligands to milk proteins. During the storage of milk at 4°C, free forms of unsaturated long-chain fatty acids increased, and there was concomitant increase in the ability of milk to generate superoxide radicals in OPMN. Kinetic analysis suggested that colostrum and mature milk regulate superoxide generation by OPMN, thereby modulating the bactericidal activity of these cells in the oral cavity.

The levels of complement fractions C3 and C4 were assayed in human milk in a classic nephelometric assay adapted to this secretion. Concentrations of these molecules were measured in 667 milk samples obtained sequentially from 76 volunteer lactating mothers during the first 12 weeks of lactation. Immunonephelometry was performed using skimmed milk samples diluted 10 times and yielded reproducible (coefficients of variation in within- and between-run precision lower than 9% for C3 and than 14% for C4) and accurate (linear recovery in dilution-overloading assay) data. High concentrations (mean ± SE) were found for C3 (199.32 ± 16.35 mg/L) and C4 (113.42 ± 11.16 mg/L) in colostrum samples (n = 159; days 1–5). A significant (P < 0.001) and rapid decrease was observed in transitional milk samples (n = 198; days 6–14), containing 57.71 ± 5.18 and 72.39 ± 4.98 mg/L of C3 and C4, respectively. Stable lower levels were noted in mature milk samples (n = 310; days 15–84) at 30.36 ± 1.57 mg/L for C3 (P < 0.001) and 53.38 ± 3.61 mg/L for C4 (P < 0.05). The decrease rate was different for C3 and C4, yielding a reversal of the C3/C4 ratio between colostrum and more mature milk.

In 79 human milk samples (days l-293 post partum) from 46 healthy mothers 19 trace elements (Ba, Be, Bi, Cd, Co, Cs, Cu, Hg, La, Li, Mn, MO, Pb, Rb, Sb, Sn, Sr, Tl, and Zn) were determined to investigate the concentrations of trace elements in human milk, the changes of elemental concentrations during the course of lactation and during the event of breast feeding. Except for cobalt, showing an 100% increase during the course of lactation, for essential trace elements (Cu, p < 0.005; Mn, p < 0.05; MO, p < 0.0001 and Zn, p < 0.0001) a highly significant decrease in their concentrations in human milk could be observed. Generally, concentrations of toxic elements, such as Cd, Hg, and Tl decreased in early mature milk to 11 to 20% of the concentrations in colostrum, except Pb showing a much slower decrease. Concentrations of other elements of potential interest, such as Ba, Be, La, Li, and Sb were higher in colostrum than in mature milk. Trace elements, such as Bi, Cs, and Sr showed no change during the course of lactation. During an event of breast feeding concentrations of the essential trace elements Cu and MO showed a tendency to increase. Concentrations of Zn tended to decrease in transitory milk and to increase in mature milk during a single feed, whereas concentrations of Ba, Cs, Rb, and Sr decreased in human milk towards the end of an event of breast feeding. Our data indicate a fluctuation of up to 60% of the actual concentrations of Ba, Cs, Cu, MO, Rb, and Sr in human milk during an event of breast feeding. Beside the time period of sampling, this fact has to be considered whenever milk samples are collected, to obtain comparable data about elemental concentrations in human milk. 0 1998 Elsevier

In this work we have measured selenium concentration in 204 individual serum samples and in 105 human milk samples to compare the selenium levels in Finland after 10 years' selenium supplementation to neighbouring districts: North Estonia, Karelia in Russia, and St. Petersburg. Samples were collected between 1992 and 1994 and analysed with Zeeman graphite furnace AAS. Highest selenium concentrations were found from Finnish human milk (mean concentration in mature milk 19.2 μg/L, range 16–43 μg/L) and serum samples (mean 111.1 μg/L, range 71–163 μg/L). Selenium levels were low in the Karelian district (mean 11.5 μg/L, range 7–29 μg/L in colostrum milk), but in St. Petersburg levels were near to the levels in Finland (mean 21.9 μg/L, range 12–53 μg/L in colostrum milk and mean 88.3 μg/L, range 50–130 μg/L in serum. In Estonia we found unexpectedly low levels for selenium in human milk (mean 11.2 μg/L and range 9–14 μg/L in colostrum milk in Tallinn) and serum samples (48.2 μg/L, range 38–58 μg/L in Tallinn and 63.0 μg/L, range 31–104 μg/L in Rakvere). J. Trace Elem. Exp. Med. 10:225–232, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

The purpose of this study was to explore the use of mothers' own milk (colostrums, transitional milk, and mature milk) as oral care in the ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)-prevention bundle of mechanically ventilated preterm infants weighing 1500 g or less.Mechanically ventilated preterm infants weighing 1500 g or less admitted to a regional level III NICU in the Gulf South between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2009.Retrospective descriptive.Oral care with mothers' own milk was implemented as part of the VAP-prevention bundle in the neonatal intensive care unit in the fourth quarter of 2007. Using retrospective deidentified data retrieved from the electronic medical record, the primary and secondary outcome variables were collected among eligible infants (≤1500 g) admitted January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2007 (before implementation) and January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2009 (after implementation). Sample characteristics, including infant gestational age, birth weight, and gender, as well as maternal age, type of delivery, and incidence of maternal chorioamnionitis, were also collected. Data analysis included frequencies and distributions to summarize sample characteristics and variables of interest. Appropriate tests for differences were conducted on outcome variables between the before and after groups of the human milk oral care intervention.The feasibility outcome variable included nursing compliance with the oral care procedure. The safety outcome variable included record of any adverse events associated with the oral care procedure. The efficacy health outcomes included the rate of positive tracheal aspirates, positive blood cultures, the number of ventilator days, and length of stay.Infant age (26.1-26.6 weeks) and weight (840-863 g) were similar in the before (n = 70) and after (n = 68) sample subjects. There were no statistically significant differences in ventilator days, χ² (46, n = 115) = 46.22, P = .46, and length of stay, χ (75, n = 115) = 78.78, P = .36, between groups. Although the rate of positive tracheal aspirates and positive blood cultures reduced after implementation of oral care with mothers' own milk, these differences were not statistically significant (U(47) = 250, z = -7.1, P = .48; U(47) = 217.5, z = -1.44, P = .15).There were no statistically significant differences in the rates of positive tracheal aspirates and blood cultures after implementation of oral care with mothers' own milk. The findings of this study suggest that using mothers' own milk as part of the VAP-prevention bundle is a feasible and safe practice; however, further research is needed to determine the immunological benefits of this practice.

Copeptin, adropin and irisin are polypeptide hormones implicated in energy homostasis and diabetes. The purposes of this study were (1) to compare the copeptin, adropin and irisin concentrations between colostrum, transitional and mature milk and plasma in lactating women with and without GDM and (2) to compare these values with those from non-lactating women. Venous blood samples were obtained before suckling from 15 healthy lactating women aged 26-30 years, 15 lactating women with GDM aged 26-32 years, and 14 age-matched controls aged 25-31 years. Colostrum, transitional milk and mature milk samples were collected just before suckling. The concentration of copeptin was determined by EIA while the concentrations of adropin and irisin were determined by ELISA. The levels of copeptin, adropin and irisin in the colostrum were significantly higher than those in transitional and mature milk samples from healthy women; also, transitional milk had higher copeptin, adropin and irisin concentrations than mature milk. The amounts of copeptin in the colostrum and transitional milk were significantly higher than in mature milk samples from women with GDM, while the amounts of adropin and irisin were significantly lower. The relative concentrations of copeptin, adropin and irisin in the plasma samples from these groups of women were similar to those in the colostrum, transitional and mature milk samples, but the latter concentrations were higher than those in the plasma. These peptides could influence the regulation of metabolic pathways and the postnatal growth and development of different organs in the newborn.

Estudio no experimental, prospectivo y comparativo para evaluar los niveles de macronutrientes en la leche madura de madres adolescentes. Fueron analizadas 52 muestras de leche madura de madres sanas y eutróficas, divididas en 2 grupos: Grupo A n=24 constituido por la leche de madres adolescentes de 10 a 18 años y Grupo B n=28 conformado por leche de madres adultas de 19 a 35 años, quienes acompañaban a sus hijos 1 a 6 meses de edad hospitalizados desde agosto 2009 a agosto de 2010. Las muestras fueron analizadas para determinar las concentraciones de carbohidratos, lípidos y proteínas. Las características maternas de los grupo A y B respectivamente fueron; etnia mestiza el 59,4% y el 39,9%, promedio de índice de masa corporal: fue de 23,55±1,01 kg/m2 y 24,2±0,38 kg/m2. Fueron primigestas 87,5% en el A y 35,7% en el B. Edad de los niños entre 1 a 2 meses: grupo A 66,6% y grupo B 71,4%. Edad maternal: grupo A 75% tenían entre 16 y 18 años y en el B 28,5% tenían entre 19 y 21 años. En A la concentración de proteínas fue 1,8±0,7 g/100ml y en B 1,9±0,7 g/100ml. La concentración de grasas en las adolescentes fue 3,8±1,5 g/100ml y en las adultas 3,9±1,3 g/100ml. La concentración de los carbohidratos en las adolescentes fue 6,8±0,8 g/100ml y en las adultas 6,6±0,9 g/100ml, siendo P>0,05 no estadísticamente significativo en los 3 casos. La concentración de macronutrientes en la leche madura de madres adolescentes y el valor energético de la misma fue similar al de las madres adultas. This is a comparative, prospective and non-experimental study that evaluated the level of macronutrients in teenage mothers’mature breastmilk. The sample was represented by mature milk of 52 healthy and eutrophic mothers, divided in two groups: A n=24 constituted by adolescent mothers’s milk among 10 and 18 years and B n=28 formed by adult mothers’s milk among 19 and 35 years who accompanied their children 1-6 months of age hospitalized, from august 2009 to august 2010. The samples were analyzed to determine concentrations of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. The maternal characteristics of group A and B respectively were: mestizo ethnicity 59.4% and 39.9%, average BMI: were 23.55 ± 1.01 kg/m2 and 24.2 ± 0.38 kg/m2. Primiparous were 87.5% in A and 35.7% in B. Age of children aged 1-2 months was 66.6% (A) 71.4% (B). Maternal age: group A 75% had between 16 and 18 years and group B 28.5% were between 19 and 21 years. About macronutrient concentrations, median protein level in A was 1,8 ± 0,7 g/100ml and 1,9 ± 0,7 g/100ml for B median fat concentration in teenage group was 3,8 ± 1,5 g/100ml and in adults 3,9 ± 1,3 g/100ml. Median carbohydrates level in teenage was 6,8 ± 0,8 g/100ml and in B Group was 6,6 ± 0,9 g/100ml, being non statistically significative in all three cases. The macronutrient concentrations and energetic value in teenage mothers’s mature breastmilk were similar than the adult mother’s milk.

[Objective]: The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of Holder pasteurisation of human colostrum on a variety of microbiological, biochemical, and immunological parameters. [Methods]: Colostrum samples from 10 donors, and 8 samples of mature milk used as controls, were heated at 62.5 C for 30 minutes. Bacterial counts and the concentration of furosine, lactose, myoinositol, glucose, lactulose, cytokines, and immunoglobulins were determined before and after the heat treatment. [Results]: Mean bacterial counts in nonpasteurised colostrum samples oscillated between 2.72 and 4.13 log10 colony-forming units per millilitre in the agar media tested. Holder pasteurisation led to the destruction of the bacteria originally present in the samples. Furosine was detected in all samples before pasteurisation and increased significantly after the heat treatment (from 6.60 to 20.59 mg/100 g protein). Lactulose content was below the detection limit in nonpasteurised colostrum, but it was detected in all samples and quantified in 7 of them (from 10.68 to 38.02 mg/L) after Holder pasteurisation. Lactose, glucose, and myoinositol concentrations did not change after Holder pasteurisation. The concentrations of most cytokines and immunoglobulins were significantly higher in colostrum than in mature milk samples. Immunoglobulin content, both in colostrum and in milk samples, was reduced during pasteurisation, whereas, among cytokines, only macrophage inflammatory protein-1β, interleukin-7, and granulocyte-macrophage-colony- stimulating factor concentrations were affected by this heat treatment. [Conclusions]: Lactulose and furosine content could be used as heat treatment indicators in colostrum samples. Holder pasteurisation modified the immunological profile of both colostrum and mature milk. Copyright © 2013 by European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition and North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition.

We have reported that milk of Northern Sudanese women contained very low level of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). This was puzzling since the mothers were not malnourished and some had claimed to eat fish from time to time. War-displaced Southern Sudanese live in Khartoum City and its vicinity. They are distinct in genetic background and traditional dietary culture from the Northerners. Milk DHA is influenced by diet and ethnicity. Fatty acid content of Southern Sudanese milk, and six of the popular River Nile fish species were evaluated. Mature milk compared with transition milk had lower arachidonic (AA, 0.6±0.19 vs. 0.75±0.3; p

The fatty acid (FA) composition of breast milk throughout the period of lactation is fairly well understood. What is not known, however, is the FA composition of breast milk at the interface of physiology and pathology of pregnancy. We therefore decided to analyse and compare the differences in the FA composition of transitional and mature milk of mothers who delivered small for gestational age (SGA) neonates born at term; infants delivered at 35-37 weeks of gestation, that is 'late preterm'; and that of mothers who gave birth to appropriate for gestational age neonates (AGA).The FAs were analysed by HPLC equipped with MS detector.We found differences in the percentage share of the studied FA pool regarding levels of capric, lauric and gadoleic acids. Comparing transitional and mature milk, the greatest diversity was seen in the group of mothers of AGA neonates and the least was noted in the group of mothers of SGA neonates.Both 'late prematurity' and reduced neonatal weight of children born at term affect the FA composition of breast milk. Even a small degree of fetal malformation alters the composition of breast milk, which is probably related to the child's needs and condition.

International audience; Using ultra performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry we identified for the first time glutamine-N-alpha-conjugates of the fatty acids (E)/(Z)-3-methylhex-2-enoic acid and (R)/(S)-3-hydroxy-3-methylhexanoic acid as well as cysteinylglycine-S-conjugates of (R)/(S)-3-methyl-3-sulphanylhexan-1-ol and (R)/(S)-3-sulphanylhexan-1-ol as constituents of human milk and colostrum. The glutamine-N-alpha-conjugates were detected also in human amniotic fluids. The mean values of glutamine-N-alpha-conjugate of (R)/(S)-3-hydroxy-3-methylhexanoic acid were highest in colostrums with a range of

Insects Paraeucosmetus sp. Brazilians is a destructive pest of rice grain content of the rice plant to mature milk. Population and the level of this pest has spread in several locations rice production centers. This study aims to determine the spread and intensity of pest populations Paraeucosmetus sp. in rice plants by altitude in Southeast Minahasa district (District Ratatotok Ratahan and Tombatu). The study used purposive sampling method at altitude 0-300 m asl, 301-600 m above sea level and> 601 m asl. The results showed that the presence of pests Paraeucosmetus sp. spread evenly by altitude in Southeast Minahasa regency with the intensity of attacks categorized as mild attacks. Keywords: Distribution of population, Paraeucosmetus sp.

Background: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors regulate angiogenesis (formation of blood vessels). The soluble VEGF receptor 1 (sFlt-1) binds VEGF as a potent antagonist. Objective: The objective of this study was to compare VEGF and sFlt-1 levels in milk from mothers of preterm (n = 50) versus term (n = 49) infants in a longitudinal study. Methods: Milk samples were collected on days 3 and 28 of lactation. Vascular endothelial growth factor and sFlt-1 were quantified by sandwich-type enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Vascular endothelial growth factor and sFlt-1 were found in high concentrations in early milk (lactation day 3) from mothers of preterm and term infants and were lower in mature milk (lactation day 28). On day 3, median VEGF concentration was lower in preterm than in term milk (37.1 vs 53.9 ng/mL, P < .01). Otherwise, VEGF (day 28) and sFlt-1 (days 3 and 28) did not differ in preterm versus term milk. Conclusions: It was shown for the first time that sFlt-1 is present in human milk. Early human milk contains high concentrations of VEGF and sFlt-1, which decrease over the course of lactation.

We previously reported that preterm mothers' milk production can exceed levels of term mothers by using early hand expression and hands-on pumping (HOP) with the highest production (955 ml per day) in frequent users of hand expression. In this study, we compared milk composition between mothers stratified by early hand expression frequency.A total of 67 mothers of infants31 weeks gestation were instructed on hand expression and HOP. Subjects submitted expression records and 1-ml samples from each pumping session over 24 h once weekly for 8 weeks.78% (52/67) of mothers completed the study. But for Week 1, no compositional differences (despite production differences) were noted between the three groups. Protein and lactose tracked reported norms, but fat and energy of mature milk (Weeks 2-8) exceeded norms, 62.5 g l(-1) per fat and 892.7 cal l(-1) (26.4 cal oz(-1)), respectively.Mothers combining manual techniques with pumping express high levels of fat-rich, calorie-dense milk, unrelated to production differences.

Background: In a recent study, we performed a complete structural characterization of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in human mature milk. However, no data are available on the total content of GAGs in human milk from healthy mothers having delivered term or preterm newborns. Objectives: In this study, we evaluated the total content of GAGs in pooled milk from healthy mothers having delivered term or preterm newborns during the first month of lactation. Methods: Highly specific and sensitive analytical approaches were used to quantify human milk total GAGs. Results: Highest GAG values are present at day 4 (9.3 and 3.8 g/l in preterm and term milk, respectively), followed by a progressive decrease up to day 30 (4.3 and 0.4 g/l). The more remarkable differences are related to the first phases of lactation in which a strong decrease in GAGs was observed between days 4 and 10 (about –73% in term and –50% in preterm newborns). Conclusions: During the first month of lactation, the absolute amount of polysaccharides was constantly and significantly higher in preterm than in term milk, with a similar behavior in the decrease. These data further indicate that human milk GAGs may have an active role in protecting newborns during the first phases of lactation.

More and more research is done concerning nutritional programming. Human milk nutrients which are consumed by infants can influence their health in later life. High level of cholesterol in human milk paradoxically lowers the cholesterol concentration in blood in adults. During the course of human lactation the cholesterol concentration decreases from 31 mg/100cm(3) (colostrum) to 16 mg/100 cm(3) (mature milk). According to Scopesi et al., 2002, Clin Nutr 21: 379-384, cholesterol concentration in mature milk ranged from 6.5 to 18.4 mg/100 cm(3). The aim of the study was to assess the variations in breast milk cholesterol content during 10 day collection at early lactation. 48 samples of human milk were analyzed. Mean age of women was 31 years. Women were collecting samples during 10 days of an early lactation stage (1-3 months after delivery). An Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transformed Infrared (FTIR-ATR) method for easy and rapid determination of cholesterol in human milk was elaborated. Cholesterol content assessed by the FTIR method ranged from 3.36 to 12.98 mg/100 cm(3). Results indicate that milk cholesterol concentration during 10 consecutive days of early lactation is highly variable. Cholesterol content depends on an individual. Therefore it is suggested that not only the period of lactation but also mother's diet, age, season and place of residence are important factors determining cholesterol content.

The aim of this study was to standardize a methodology to obtain two-dimensional (2D) maps of whey proteins from bovine colostrum and mature milk, using two-dimensional electrophoresis, in order to identify the minor proteins by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization tandem time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI TOF/TOF MS). A total of 38 proteins were identified, 20 spots in the colostrum whey and 18 in the mature milk whey; 5 of them were identified for the first time.

Selenium content of colostral milk and mature milk in 5 months after birth was determined by fluorometry with 2,3- diaminonaphthalene. In the first milk after birth selenium was contained to be the highest amounts of 29.4 ng/g but selenium concentration decreased to about 9 ng/g after the birth of 1 week. In the lactation period of 10 to 171 days, the concentration was almost constant to be 9.0 ± 1.2 ng/g. The content of infant formulas (milk powder for young infants) based on cow's milk was 42.9 ± 8.4 ng/g corresponding to 6.0 ± 1.2 ng/ml in the liquid milk prepared for lactation. Therefore selenium intake was calculated to be about 17 μg/d in the colostral milk-feeding infants after delivery and about 8 μ g/d in mature milk-feeding infants at the age of more than 1 month after birth, whereas it was 3 -6 μ g/d in formula-feeding infants.

Twelve lactating ewes and their 12 lambs were used to study the influence of the ethno-veterinary plant, Spondias mombin (hog plum) on colostrum and mature milk composition as well as lamb weights of African dwarf (WAD) ewes over a 12 week lactation period. The ewes were assigned to two treatments groups: T1 and T2, representing the control and treated ewes, respectively. Spondias mombin L was fed to ewes in treated (T2) group immediately after parturition at the rate of 1 kg/ewe/day. Colostrum was sampled on day three post partum, while mature milk sampling was done bi weekly. Lamb weights were taken at weekly intervals. Results showed that colostrum of ewes in the treated group had significantly higher (p control group. Percentage milk lactose from treated ewes at week two was 3.98±0.05 and was significantly higher (p 0.05). Hog plum provides farmers with an alternative feeding material for lactating ruminants to help in galactogenesis as well as lactopoiesis, in the face of the global rising cost of grains used in the formulation of concentrate diets. Keywords: Spondias mombin , hog plum, colostrum, milk West African Dwarf ewes

Selenium content of colostral milk and mature milk in 5 months after birth was determined by fluorometry with 2,3- diaminonaphthalene. In the first milk after birth selenium was contained to be the highest amounts of 29.4 ng/g but selenium concentration decreased to about 9 ng/g after the birth of 1 week. In the lactation period of 10 to 171 days, the concentration was almost constant to be 9.0 ± 1.2 ng/g. The content of infant formulas (milk powder for young infants) based on cow's milk was 42.9 ± 8.4 ng/g corresponding to 6.0 ± 1.2 ng/ml in the liquid milk prepared for lactation. Therefore selenium intake was calculated to be about 17 μg/d in the colostral milk-feeding infants after delivery and about 8 μ g/d in mature milk-feeding infants at the age of more than 1 month after birth, whereas it was 3 -6 μ g/d in formula-feeding infants.

Fatty acid composition and distribution of human milk fat (HMF), from mothers over different lactating periods in Guangzhou, China, were analyzed. The universal characteristics were consistent with previously reported results although the fatty acid content was within a different range and dependent on the local population (low saturated fatty acid and high oleic acid for Guangdong mothers' milk fat). Based on the composition of the total and sn-2 fatty acids of mature milk fat, an efficient evaluation model was innovatively established by adopting the "deducting score" principle. The model showed good agreement between the scores and the degree of similarity by assessing 15 samples from different sources including four samples of HMF, eight samples of human milk fat substitutes (HMFSs) and infant formulas, and three samples of fats and oils. This study would allow for the devolvement of individual human milk fat substitutes with different and specific fatty acid compositions for local infants.