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Simple Summary: This study analyzed changes in the lactoferrin content of Murciano–Granadina goat colostrum in the first 96 h postpartum as a function of parity season. In addition, we evaluated production and composition (chemical and immunological), and the usefulness of a Brix refractometer for estimating the IgG content of colostrum. Lactoferrin is a protein present in colostrum that has antimicrobial properties, and its colostrum content was heavily affected by time since delivery, as was that of the other chemical and immunological components, except fat. The season influenced milk yield and the contents of lactoferrin, immunoglobulin G, fat, protein, and somatic cells. Lactoferrin contents were significantly lower in the winter season. The quality of goat colostrum estimated using the Brix refractometer vs. ELISA method evidenced a strong correlation. Our results confirm the critical role of colostrum feeding within the first postpartum day to the neonates, attributed to its superior quality, particularly for its contents in bioactive proteins, such as lactoferrin and immunoglobulin. Additionally, we substantiate the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of the Brix method as a rapid assay for evaluating colostrum quality, thus validating its practical utility. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of postpartum day and parity season on the lactoferrin (LF), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and chemical composition of Murciano–Granadina goat colostrum during the first 96 h after kidding, and the use of the Brix refractometer to estimate IgG content. A herd of 3500 intensively managed Murciano–Granadina dairy goats (45–50 kg body weight) was used. Colostrum samples were collected from days 1 to 4 postpartum in the winter, spring, summer, and autumn. The colostrum composition was assessed using an automated infrared method; the LF and IgG concentrations were measured using an ELISA, and for the Brix percentage, we used a digital refractometer. Colostrum taken on the first postpartum day showed the highest concentrations of LF, IgG, proteins and non-fat solids (NFSs). As the postpartum days progressed, a rapid decrease in the LF, IgG, protein, and NFS contents and the Brix value was observed. In contrast, the lactose content increased steadily until the fourth postpartum day (p < 0.001). The season influenced milk yield, LF, IgG, protein, fat, and somatic cell content (p < 0.05). LF contents were significantly higher in the spring season, IgG contents were higher in autumn colostrum, and fat components were higher in the winter season. The colostrum Brix value showed a positive correlation with the ELISA colostrum LF (r = 0.716, p < 0.001) and IgG (r = 0.894, p < 0.001) determination; a 20 mg IgG/mL colostrum concentration corresponded to 18 °Brix. Our results corroborate the importance of feeding colostrum to newborns on the first day after birth, not only because of its high level of IgG but also because of its greater presence of the other bioactive protein compounds such as lactoferrin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The European Union's poultry industry relies heavily on imported ingredients such as soybean meal. In this study, we tested three diets on 120 laying hens over 15 weeks: a soybean–corn diet, an alternative diet with locally sourced plant-based ingredients (peas, distillers' dried grains with solubles, and sunflower meal), and this alternative feed supplemented with 5% whole dried black soldier fly larvae. The results suggest that a novel alternative diet using fewer conventional ingredients could be developed into a flexible formulation that ensures productivity, sustainability, egg quality, and hen health. Given the significant environmental consequences of current poultry feed practices and the heavy dependence of the European Union on imported soybeans, studying alternatives is crucial. This study evaluated the potential benefits of using locally sourced alternative plant-based ingredients and whole dry black soldier fly larvae in the diet of laying hens. The experiment involved 120 Isazul hens at 23 weeks old, which were divided into three groups with five replicates each (eight hens per replicate): a control diet (CON) based on soybean meal and cereals, an alternative diet (ALT) replacing the soybean meal with locally sourced plant-based resources (peas, distillers' dried grains with solubles, and sunflower meal), and the ALT diet supplemented with 5% whole dry black soldier fly larvae (ALT+DBSFL). Over 15 weeks, the hens were fed ad libitum, and the production performance, egg quality, and plasma biochemical parameters were assessed across three experimental sub-periods. The results showed no significant differences in body weight, feed intake, egg production, egg weight, egg mass, or feed conversion ratio across the diets (p > 0.05). The egg quality remained consistent across all the groups; however, the hens fed the ALT+DBSFL diet exhibited higher Haugh units in the first experimental sub-period (p < 0.05) and lower plasma cholesterol and triglycerides at 32 weeks of age (p < 0.05). The findings of this study indicate that incorporating these alternative ingredients and whole DBSFL into layers' diets does not compromise production performance, egg quality, or biochemical parameters related to health status, supporting their potential as sustainable feed alternatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In intensive dairy goat farms, artificial lactation is used for kids, often with only the colostrum from the first milking being used, discarding the milk from the second milking, or transition milk. On the other hand, in modern pig breeds, the number of piglets born with low birth weight is increasing, mainly due to the growth in litter sizes. These piglets are less likely to survive in the first hours of life due to their low energy reserves, among other factors. The aim of this study was to improve the current knowledge of goat colostrum for its use as an alternative energy supplement for newborn piglets. In order to assess the similarity of sow and goat colostrum, the fatty acid (FA) composition of both was examined in detail. The major FAs (palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acids) were the same in both species, although they were found in different proportions. Goat colostrum is mainly characterized by a high proportion of short- and medium-chain FAs (4:0, 6:0, 8:0, and 10:0), which are absent in sow colostrum. This group of FAs may play an important role in colostrum, as they are a readily available source of energy and have also been attributed to strong antibacterial activity. Therefore, the surplus of goat colostrum and milk from the second milking not used for feeding kids could be a promising energy supplement for newborn piglets, especially for the weakest and smallest of the litter, which are the most in need. Currently, the utilization of hyperprolific sows has stimulated the search for supplements aimed at enhancing piglet survival, as these sows yield more offspring than they can adequately feed with their colostrum production. In contrast, intensive goat farming often yields surplus colostrum, thus necessitating its removal, since kids are exclusively fed colostrum through lactation solely within the initial day of birth. The objective of this study was to examine and compare the fatty acid (FA) profiles of colostrum from sows and goats, together with possible influencing factors such as sow parity and the postpartum day of the goat, for possible use as an energy supplement for neonatal piglets. Swine colostrum was collected from sows with a 0–5 parity. In addition, samples of goat colostrum were collected on their first (D1) and second (D2) days of postpartum milking. The FA profiles of the colostrum were analyzed via gas chromatography. The parity value of the sows did not affect (p > 0.05) the FA colostrum composition. High proportions of palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acids were found in both types of colostrum. Levels of palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acids were significantly higher in D1 goat colostrum, whereas saturated FAs of less than 14 carbons (4:0, 6:0, 8:0, 10:0, and 12:0) were found in higher proportions in D2. These FAs play an important role in colostrum as they are a readily available source of energy and have also been attributed strong antibacterial activity. Therefore, goat colostrum, especially D2, could be used as an alternative energy supplement for newborn piglets, in particular for the weakest and smallest of the litter, which are the most in need. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Selenium and iodine are two microelements necessary for a normal thyroid hormone metabolism, and their deficiency in human diets can result in a significant health problem. Milk is a good vehicle for mineral enrichment and an available food for the general population. Thus, the main objective of this study was to evaluate the combined dietary intake of iodine and two chemical forms of selenium in dairy cows, at the maximum levels permitted in the European Union, in order to obtain milk, cheese, and yogurt naturally enriched in these microminerals. As a result, animal performance and the overall health status of cows were not negatively affected by the diets. However, selenium and iodine were successfully transferred to milk, increasing the level of both minerals in cheese and increasing the iodine level in yogurt, without harming the quality or acceptance. Therefore, the value-added products obtained could contribute in a realistic way to improve the current supply in the market to enhance the intake of selenium and iodine in the human population. This study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation in dairy cows with two Se forms (organic and inorganic) and I at the maximum levels permitted in the European Union, with the aim to obtain naturally enriched milk and derived products. A total of 20 Holstein Friesian cows in lactation were fed 2 diets for 64 days: a control diet with a supply of 0.57 mg of inorganic Se and 0.57 mg of I per kg of ration in dry matter (DM), and an experimental diet (SeI) with a supply of 0.34 mg of inorganic Se, 0.23 mg of organic Se, and 5.68 mg of I per kg of ration in DM. The SeI diet did not modify the performance or, in general, the metabolic profile of cows. Se and I levels in milk were affected by diet type and time of measurement (p < 0.01). Thus, a marked increase of both microminerals was evident between the beginning and the end of the test, when the SeI diet was administered. For Se, this increase ranged from 1.95 to 3.29 μg/100 g of milk; and for I, from 19.69 to 110.06 μg/100 g of milk. The SeI diet increased (p < 0.01) the Se and I content in the cheese, reaching levels of 16.4 μg/100 g for Se and 269.7 μg/100 g for I. An increase in I was observed in yogurt from the SeI diet (p < 0.001). The supplementation of two forms of Se and I in the cows' ration, at the levels evaluated, produced milk and dairy products enriched in these microelements without altering their quality parameters. However, a responsible intake of these products is necessary to avoid risks of deficiencies or excesses that could negatively affect the health of consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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