Safety assessment of enterocin-producing Enterococcus strains isolated from sheep and goat colostrum.

BACKGROUND: This study investigates the safety evaluation of enterocin-producing 11 E. mundtii and two E. faecium strains previously isolated from small livestock colostrums. Enterococcus species do not possess Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status. Hence, it is critical to scrutinize enterococci's antibiotic resistance, virulence characteristics, and biogenic amine production capabilities in order to assess their safety before using them as starter or adjunct cultures. RESULTS: Enterococcus strains showed susceptibility to medically significant antibiotics. Multiple-drug resistance (MDR) was found in only E. faecium HC121.4, and its multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index was detected to be 0.22. The tetL and aph(3')-IIIa were the most commonly found antibiotic resistance genes in the strains. However, E. mundtii strains HC56.3, HC73.1, HC147.1, and E. faecium strain HC121.4 were detected to lack any of the antibiotic resistance genes examined in this study. Only E. mundtii HC166.3 showed hemolytic activity, while none of the strains engage in gelatinase activity. The strains were identified to have virulence factor genes with a low rate. None of the virulence factor genes could be detected in E. mundtii HC26.1, HC56.3, HC73.1, HC165.3, HC166.8, and E. faecium HC121.4. The E. mundtii HC73.2 strain displayed the highest presence of virulence factor genes, namely gelE, efaAfs, cpd, and ccf. Similarly, the E. mundtii HC112.1 strain showed a significant presence of genes efaAfm, ccf, and acm. There was no decarboxylation of histidine, ornithine, or lysine seen in any of the strains. Nevertheless, E. faecium HC121.4 and HC161.1 strains could decarboxylate tyrosine, but E. mundtii HC26.1, HC56.3, HC73.1, HC73.2, HC112.1, HC147.1, HC155.2, HC165.3, HC166.3, HC166.5, and HC166.8 strains only showed a limited capacity for tyrosine decarboxylation. None of the strains possessed the hdc, odc, or ldc genes, but all of them had the tdc gene. CONCLUSION: The E. mundtii HC56.3 and HC73.1 strains were deemed appropriate for utilization in food production. Using the remaining 11 strains as live cultures in food production activities could pose a possible risk to consumer health.

The genetic resistance of sows to Escherichia coli F4 adhesion reduces their response to a vaccine containing F4 fimbriae but does not affect the preweaning performance of their susceptible piglets.

INTRODUCTION: Pigs without intestinal receptors for F4 fimbriae are congenitally resistant to F4 fimbriae-bearing enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC F4). In general, 50 % and 100 % of piglets born to resistant (RR) sows crossed with hetero- or homozygous susceptible (SR, SS) boars, respectively, are susceptible but do not receive colostral antibodies against F4 fimbriae unless the sows have been vaccinated. The question arises as to whether resistant sows produce protective amounts of F4 antifimbrial antibodies after vaccination. The serum and colostrum antibody titres of 12 resistant and 12 susceptible vaccinated gilts were compared. The effect of the receptor status of the dam and sire on the preweaning performance of 5027 piglets was evaluated using Agroscope's recordings. The sows of the experimental herd, where ETEC F4 was circulating, were vaccinated against ETEC twice during the first pregnancy and once during each following pregnancy. The log2 transformed F4 antibody titres in the serum obtained after the second vaccine injection as well as in the colostrum of the 12 resistant animals were lower than the titres of the susceptible animals (serum: F4ab 11,19 ± 1,44 vs. 12,18 ± 1,33, P = 0,096; F4ac 10,03 ± 1,58 vs. 11,59 ± 1,43, P = 0,019; colostrum: F4ab 12,20 ± 2,41 vs. 14,02 ± 1,31, P = 0,033; F4ac 10,93 ± 2,46 vs. 13,03 ± 5,21, P = 0,006). The heat labile enterotoxin (LT) antibody titres after vaccination did not differ between susceptible and resistant animals (p > 0,10). Preweaning mortality in the offspring of RR sows × SS boars was slightly lower than in the offspring of SS sows × RR boars (P = 0,04), suggesting that the disease risk of susceptible piglets born to vaccinated resistant sows was not increased, even though they received colostrum with a slightly reduced content of antibody against F4 fimbriae.

INTRODUCTION: Les porcs dépourvus de récepteurs intestinaux pour les fimbriae F4 sont congénitalement résistants aux Escherichia coli entérotoxinogènes porteurs de fimbriae F4 (ETEC F4). En général, 50 % et 100 % des porcelets nés de truies résistantes (RR) croisées avec des verrats hétéro- ou homozygotes sensibles (SR, SS), respectivement, sont sensibles mais ne reçoivent pas d'anticorps colostraux contre les fimbriae F4, à moins que les truies n'aient été vaccinées. La question se pose de savoir si les truies résistantes produisent des quantités protectrices d'anticorps antifimbriae F4 après la vaccination. Les titres d'anticorps dans le sérum et le colostrum de 12 truies reproductrices vaccinées résistantes et de 12 truies reproductrices vaccinées sensibles ont été comparés et l'effet du statut récepteur de la mère et du père sur les performances avant sevrage de 5027 porcelets a été évalué. Les truies du troupeau expérimental, où circulait ETEC F4, ont été vaccinées deux fois au cours de la première gestation et une fois au cours de chaque gestation suivante contre ETEC. Les titres d'anticorps F4 transformés en log2 dans le sérum obtenu après la deuxième injection de vaccin ainsi que dans le colostrum des 12 animaux résistants étaient inférieurs aux titres des animaux sensibles (sérum : F4ab 11,19 ± 1,44 vs. 12,18 ± 1,33, P = 0,096 ; F4ac 10,03 ± 1,58 vs. 11,59 ± 1,43, P = 0,019 ; colostrum : F4ab 12,20 ± 2,41 vs. 14,02 ± 1,31, P = 0,033 ; F4ac 10,93 ± 2,46 vs. 13,03 ± 5,21, P = 0,006). Les titres d'anticorps contre l'entérotoxine thermolabile (LT) après la vaccination ne différaient pas entre les animaux sensibles et résistants (p > 0,10). La mortalité avant sevrage dans la progéniture des truies RR × verrats SS était légèrement inférieure à celle de la progéniture des truies SS × verrats RR (P = 0,04), ce qui suggère que le risque de maladie des porcelets sensibles nés de truies résistantes vaccinées n'a pas été augmenté, même s'ils ont reçu du colostrum avec une teneur légèrement réduite en anticorps contre les fimbriae F4.

Selective IgG binding to the LPS glycolipid core found in bovine colostrum, or milk, during Escherichia coli mastitis influences endotoxin function.

The dynamic interplay between intramammary IgG, formation of antigen-IgG complexes and effector immune cell function is essential for immune homeostasis within the bovine mammary gland. We explore how changes in the recognition and binding of anti-LPS IgG to the glycolipid "functional" core in milk from healthy or clinically diagnosed Escherichia coli (E. coli) mastitis cows' controls endotoxin function. In colostrum, we found a varied anti-LPS IgG repertoire and novel soluble LPS/IgG complexes with direct IgG binding to the LPS glycolipid core. These soluble complexes, absent in milk from healthy lactating cows, were evident in cows diagnosed with E. coli mastitis and correlated with endotoxin-driven inflammation. E. coli mastitis milk displayed a proportional reduction in anti-LPS glycolipid core IgG compared to colostrum. Milk IgG extracts showed that only colostrum IgG attenuated LPS induced endotoxin activity. Furthermore, LPS-stimulated reactive oxygen species (ROS) in milk granulocytes was only suppressed by colostrum IgG, while IgG extracts of neither colostrum nor E. coli mastitis milk influenced N-formylmethionine-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP)-stimulated ROS in LPS primed granulocytes. Our findings support bovine intramammary IgG diversity in health and in response to E. coli infection generate milk anti-LPS IgG repertoires that coordinate appropriate LPS innate-adaptive immune responses essential for animal health.

Vertical transfer of gut microbiota from dam to neonate calf in the early of life.

The aim of this study was to investigate the vertical transfer of microbiota from dams to the offspring. We studied a pair of 20 dams and its offspring. Maternal sources (colostrum, feces and vaginal secretion) and newborn fecal samples were analyzed using 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing on days 1, 3, 7, 14 and 28. Overall, newborns were maintained healthy and did not receive antimicrobial therapy. The Source Tracker analysis indicated that the newborn fecal microbiota was similar to colostrum and vaginal secretion from day 1 up to 7. However, an unknown source (probably from the environment) showed a gradual increase in its similarity with fecal samples from calves measured from day 3 to 28. The most abundant bacteria groups on meconium (day 1) and calf fecal samples on day 3 were Escherichia-Shigella and Clostridium, respectively. On day 7, the predominant genus were Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, while Fusobacterium was the most abundant genus on day 14, coinciding with the diarrhea peak. Faecalibacterium showed a gradual increase throughout the neonatal period. Maternal sources contribute to the neonatal microbiota, however other unknown sources (probably environment) had a strong influence on development of the gut microbiota later in the neonate period.

Evaluation of circulating immune cells, analytes, and inflammatory markers in sows affected with postpartum dysgalactia syndrome.

Postpartum dysgalactia syndrome (PDS) is a condition affecting periparturient sows, characterized by a reduction in milk and colostrum synthesis shortly after farrowing. Insufficient milk production results in substantial economic losses due to increased piglet morbidity/mortality and premature sow culling. Since PDS develops within a few days following farrowing, the study objectives were to determine if periparturient immune cell profiles and circulating biomarkers differ in sows affected by PDS. We hypothesized differences in immune cells, circulating analytes, and inflammatory markers would exist at farrowing in sows that subsequently developed PDS compared to healthy herd-mates. Thirty-six sows with PDS symptoms were matched by parity and day of lactation with 36 healthy control (CON) sows. Diagnosis of PDS (timepoint 2) occurred on average 9.25 ±â€…2.67 d after farrowing. Blood samples and litter weights were collected at farrowing (timepoint 1) and at the onset of clinical PDS (timepoint 2). Piglets from PDS sows had lower average daily gain and higher mortality than piglets from CON (P < 0.01). Aspartate aminotransferase was increased (20%; P ≤ 0.06) in PDS sows compared to CON at both timepoints. Additionally, blood urea nitrogen was increased in PDS sows at timepoint 1 and timepoint 2 (13%; P = 0.08 and 16%; P = 0.01, respectively). At timepoint 2, total protein, globulin, magnesium, and cholesterol were increased (P ≤ 0.03) while γ-glutamyl transferase and albumin were decreased (P ≤ 0.02) in PDS sows. Lipopolysaccharide-binding protein, an inflammatory biomarker, was increased (48%; P = 0.07) at timepoint 2 in PDS compared to CON sows. Collectively, these data indicate PDS sows have altered metabolism and appear immune activated compared to healthy herd-mates, and further investigation is needed to determine if PDS can be predicted at farrowing.

Postpartum dysgalactia syndrome (PDS) is a multifactorial disorder affecting periparturient sows characterized by a pronounced reduction (dysgalactia) in milk secretion. Insufficient milk production limits piglet growth, leading to increased piglet mortality and often removal of affected sows from the herd, ultimately compromising sow longevity and negatively impacting the profitability of swine operations. The objective of this study was to determine if differences in circulating immune cells, analytes, and inflammatory markers exist at farrowing in sows that subsequently develop PDS compared to healthy herd-mates. Thirty-six sows with PDS were matched by parity and day of lactation with 36 healthy control (CON) sows. Blood samples were collected at farrowing (timepoint 1) and at the onset of clinical PDS (timepoint 2). Differences in markers of tissue catabolism (blood urea nitrogen, ß-hydroxybutyrate, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase) and inflammation (lipopolysaccharide-binding protein, haptoglobin, albumin) were observed in PDS sows compared to control, suggesting PDS sows have altered metabolism and are potentially immune activated compared to healthy herd-mates.

Supplementation strategies for ewes during gestation and lactation.

Concentrated supplementation of ewes is a strategy to increase productivity. The objective was to evaluate the effects of supplementation in the diet of ewes before, during and in the final third of pregnancy and lactation on, the performance and production and composition of colostrum and milk. Forty animals were distributed in a completely randomized design, into the following treatments: CONT = control treatment with mineral salt supplementation only, SSREPRO = supplementation started 20 days before the estrus synchronization (ES) protocol, SSPREG = suplementação a partir da confirmação da gestação (60 days after ES), and SEPREG = supplementation in the third end of pregnancy (90 days after ES). Supplementation adoption changed (P < 0.05) the intake of organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, the percentage of total digestible nutrients, and digestibility of dry matter, acid detergent fiber, non-fiber carbohydrates, and ether extract with their respective intake, in addition to colostrum and milk production and composition and animal performance. No difference (P > 0.05) was observed for organic matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber digestibility and total digestible nutrient intake. Thus, supplementation in the final third of pregnancy may result in heavier lambs at weaning, reduction in slaughter time.

Does Colostrum Bovinum Supplementation Affect Swimming Performance in Endurance-Trained Males? A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Crossover Study.

Background/Objectives: Colostrum Bovinum (COL) is recognized for its unique composition and potential ergogenic and immunological benefits. Unlike mature milk, COL is rich in immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, and various growth factors, making it one of the most potent natural immune stimulants. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of 12-weeks of COL supplementation on swimming-specific performance (SSP) and exercise adaptations in endurance-trained male athletes. Methods: Twenty-eight male triathletes and swimmers (age: 31.1 ± 10.2 years; body mass: 81.9 ± 9.0 kg; height: 1.82 ± 0.06 m) participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo (PLA)-controlled crossover study and received 25 g∙day-1 of COL or PLA for 12 weeks. The study assessed the effects of COL on SSP (8 × 100 m performed at various intensities) and exercise adaptations [heart rate (HR) and blood lactate concentrations ([La-])]. Four main study visits were conducted-before and after COL (COLPRE and COLPOST) and PLA (PLAPRE and PLAPOST) supplementation. Results: COL had no significant effect on SSP. Still, the total time of the SSP test was about ~3.04 s shorter after COL supplementation, and ~7.13 s longer after PLA supplementation. Neither COL nor PLA supplementation affected HR during the SSP test. Post-exercise blood [La-] was significantly reduced after both COL and PLA supplementation. The analysis of SSP results in the consecutive study visits revealed possible existence of the practice effect. Conclusions: Colostrum Bovinum and high-quality milk protein (PLA) seem to be comparably effective in evoking exercise adaptation in endurance-trained male athletes. Long-term crossover supplementation protocols in athletes must consider the impact of possible practice effect when interpreting the outcomes related to exercise performance, but not biochemical or physiological markers of exercise adaptation.

Effects of maternal dietary supplementation with antioxidants on clinical status of mares and their foal.

BACKGROUND: The peripartum period constitutes a delicate physiological moment in mares showing a transient state of oxidative stress. Diet supplementation with antioxidants during pregnancy in women appears to have a beneficial effect on mother and neonate health. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of diet supplementation with a commercial product containing a mix of antioxidants (Oxyliver®, Candioli) on the length of gestation, weight, and haemato-biochemical parameters in Italian Salernitano mares and their newborn foals. Eight late-term pregnant mares were randomly divided into two groups: Antiox group receiving 30 g/day of antioxidants, and Car group receiving the same amount of carrot powder, from 290 to 320 days of gestation. The following parameters were evaluated in mares: weight, colostrum composition, haemato-biochemical parameters, progesterone, and cortisol blood concentrations, along with blood oxidant/antioxidant status. Assessments were conducted at specific time points: immediately before the start of diet supplementation (T0), 15 days after (T1), at the end of diet supplementation (T2), within 8 h after parturition (T3), and 10 days post-partum (T4). Foal parameters such as weight, haemato-biochemical values, cortisol concentration, and blood oxidative stress variables were assessed within 8 h of birth (TF0) and at 10 days of age (TF1). RESULTS: Pregnancy was shorter in the Antiox group (P < 0.05) compared with the Car group; the foals' weight increase of group Antiox (40%) was higher (P < 0.05) compared to those of the Car group (28.6%). The colostrum of the Antiox group exhibited higher levels of Brix, total solids, protein, nonfat solids, casein, urea, density, free fatty acids, and glucose, while lower levels of fat and lactose were observed compared to the Car group (P < 0.05). Mares' serum albumin at T1 and T3, creatinine, glucose, total proteins, total bilirubin, AST, and ALT at T3 were lower in Antiox than in the Car group. No significant differences were found in foals. CONCLUSIONS: While the limited sample size and the potential variability of evaluated parameters, the observed outcomes suggest that Oxyliver® supplementation in mares might safely decrease gestation length and enhance liver function, thus potentially improving colostrum quality and offspring development.

Comparison of colostrum and milk extracellular vesicles small RNA cargo in water buffalo.

Recently, much interest has been raised for the characterization of signaling molecules carried by extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are particularly enriched in milk (mEVs). Such interest is linked to the capability of EVs to cross biological barriers, resist acidification in the gastric environment, and exert modulation of the immune system, mainly through their microRNA (miRNA) content. We characterized the small-RNA cargo of colostrum EVs (colosEVs) and mEVs from Italian Mediterranean buffalo through next generation sequencing. Colostrum (first milking after birth) and milk (day 50 of lactation) were sampled from seven subjects from five farms. ColosEVs and mEVs were subjected to morphological characterization, followed by high-depth sequencing of small RNA libraries produced from total RNA. The main difference was the amount of EV in the two samples, with colostrum showing 10 to 100-fold higher content than milk. For both matrices, miRNA was the most abundant RNA species (95% for colosEVs and 96% for mEVs) and three lists were identified: colosEV-specific, mEV-specific and shared most expressed. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis on miRNA targets highlighted many terms related to the epigenetic, transcriptional and translational regulations across the three lists, with a higher number of enriched terms for colosEV-specific miRNAs. Terms specific to colosEVs were related to "cell differentiation" and "microvillus assembly", while for mEV "cardiac and blood vessel development" and "mitochondria" emergerd. Immune modulation terms were found for both sample-specific miRNAs. Overall, both matrices carry a similar molecular message in terms of biological processes potentially modulated into receiving cells, but there is significant difference in the abundance, with colostrum containing much more EVs than milk. Moreover, colosEVs carry molecules involved in signal transduction, cell cycle and immune response, as for mEVs and EVs of other previously characterized species, but with a special enrichment for miRNAs with epigenetic regulation capacities. These beneficial characteristics of colosEVs and mEVs are essential for the calf and could also be exploited for the therapeutic purposes in humans, although further studies are necessary to measure the sanitization treatment impact on EV conservation, especially in buffalo where milk is consumed almost exclusively after processing.

Insights into the microscopic heterogeneity of whey proteins between yak colostrum and mature milk based on 4D lable-free quantitative phosphoproteomics.

This study aimed to reveal the change patterns of the phosphorylation modification status of yak whey phosphoproteins during lactation and their physiological effects. Herein, we comprehensively characterized whey phosphoproteome in yak colostrum and mature milk using an ultra-high throughput phosphoproteomics approach incorporating trapped ion mobility technology. A total of 344 phosphorylation sites from 206 phosphoproteins were identified, with individual site modification predominating. Notably, 117 significantly different phosphorylation sites were distributed on 89 whey phosphoproteins. Gene ontology analysis indicated that these significantly different whey phosphoproteins (SDWPPs) were mainly annotated to carbohydrate metabolic process, membrane, extracellular region and calcium ion binding. Metabolic pathway enrichment analysis demonstrated that SDWPPs were critically involved in protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum, NOD-like receptor signaling pathway and N-glycan biosynthesis. Our results elucidate the phosphorylation profiles of yak whey phosphoproteins at different lactations and their adaptive regulatory role in meeting the nutritional requirements of yak calves during development.

Changes in the Fatty Acid Profile of Lactating Women Living in Poland-A Comparison with the Fatty Acid Profile of Selected Infant Formulas.

The present study examined the fatty acid content of human milk from Polish women living in the Warmia and Mazury region with regard to different lactation periods and compared it with the fatty acid content of selected infant formulas. The analysis included samples of breast milk-colostrum (n = 21), transitional milk (n = 26), and mature milk (n = 22). Fat was extracted using the Rose-Gottlieb method, and the fatty acid profile was determined by gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector (FID). The proportion of SFAs (saturated fatty acids) > MUFAs (monounsaturated fatty acids) > PUFAs (polyunsaturated fatty acids) was determined in each fraction of breast milk and infant formula. Palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acids predominated in breast milk and infant formulas. Colostrum contained lower contents of selected SFAs (caprylic, capric, lauric) and higher contents of selected MUFAs (ercucic) and PUFAs (arachidonic and docosahexaenoic) (p < 0.05) relative to transitional and mature milk. Infant formulas were distinguished from human milk in terms of their SFA (caproic, caprylic, lauric, arachidic), MUFA (oleic), and PUFA (linoleic, α-linoleic) content. It should be noted that infant formulas contained significantly lower trans fatty acid (TFA) content-more than thirty-six and more than nineteen times lower than in human milk. Furthermore, human milk contained branched-chain fatty acids (BCFAs) at 0.23-0.28%, while infant formulas contained only trace amounts of these acids. The average ratio of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids for human milk was 6.59:1 and was close to the worldwide ratio of 6.53 ± 1.72:1. Both principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA) indicated significant differences in the fatty acid profile relative to lactation and a different profile of infant formulas relative to breast milk.

Biologically Active Sheep Colostrum for Topical Treatment and Skin Care.

Colostrum is gaining popularity in cosmetic products. The present study compared the composition and selected biological properties of colostrum from Polish sheep (colostrum 1) and Swiss sheep (colostrum 2), particularly those that can affect healthy or diseased skin. The antioxidant activity of the colostrums was measured using ABTS and DPPH assays. The effect on the proliferation of human skin fibroblasts, neonatal epidermal keratinocytes, and human diabetic fibroblast (dHF) cells isolated from diabetic foot ulcers was also assayed in vitro by MTT and Presto Blue tests, respectively. The colostrum simulated dHF cell proliferation by up to 115.4%. The highest used concentration of colostrum 1 stimulated normal fibroblast proliferation by 191.2% (24 h) and 222.2% (48 h). Both colostrums inhibited epidermal keratinocyte viability. The influence of the colostrums on the expression of genes related to proliferation (Ki67) and immune response (IL-6, PTGS-2, TSG-6) in dHF cells were compared. Colostrum 1 increased the rate of wound closure (scar test). Analysis of total fat, protein and fatty acid content found the Polish colostrum to be a richer source of fat than the Swiss colostrum, which contained a larger amount of protein. Both colostrums exhibit properties that suggest they could be effective components in cosmetic or medicinal formulations for skin care, especially supporting its regeneration, rejuvenation, and wound healing.

The Effect of Swaddling and Oropharyngeal Colostrum During Endotracheal Suctioning on Procedural Pain and Comfort in Premature Neonates: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Endotracheal suctioning (ES) is a painful procedure frequently performed in the neonatal intensive care unit. This procedure negatively affects the comfort level of premature neonates. PURPOSE: To determine the effect of 2 nonpharmacologic methods, swaddling and the administration of oropharyngeal colostrum, on the pain and comfort levels of preterm neonates during ES. METHODS: This randomized controlled experimental study comprised 48 intubated premature neonates (swaddling group n = 16; oropharyngeal colostrum group n = 16; and control group n = 16) at 26 to 37 weeks of gestation. The neonates were swaddled with a white soft cotton cloth or administered 0.4 mL of oropharyngeal colostrum 2 minutes before ES, according to the group in which they were included. Two observers evaluated the pain levels (Premature Infant Pain Profile-Revize [PIPP-R]) and comfort (Newborn Comfort Behavior Scale [COMFORTneo]) of the infants by observing video recordings of before, during, and after the procedure. FINDINGS/RESULTS: A significantly lower mean PIPP-R score was found in the swaddling group during ES compared with the control group ( P = .002). The mean COMFORTneo scores of the swaddling and oropharyngeal colostrum groups during ES ( P < .01, P = .002) and the mean PIPP-R and COMFORTneo scores immediately after ES and 5, 10, and 15 minutes later were significantly lower than the control group ( P < .005). IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH: Swaddling was effective both during and after the procedure, while oropharyngeal colostrum was effective only after the procedure in reducing ES-related pain in premature neonates. Swaddling and oropharyngeal colostrum were effective in increasing comfort both during and after the procedure.

The Effect of Oral Colostrum Application on the Condition of the Mouth and Incidence of Late-Onset Sepsis Among Premature Infants: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Premature infants have higher risks of infection due to their underdeveloped immune systems and changes to the oral cavity's normal flora colonization. PURPOSE: To assess the effect of oral colostrum application on the condition of the mouth and the incidence of late-onset sepsis (LOS) among premature infants. METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, 70 newborn premature infants were randomly allocated to colostrum or sterile water groups. The Mouth Care Assessment Tool was used to evaluate the condition of the mouth for 5 days after oral colostrum application. The incidence of LOS was measured using clinical and laboratory indicators from 72 hours after birth until discharge. RESULTS: The condition of the mouth was significantly different on days 4 and 5, demonstrating that the colostrum group had less need for oral care ( P < .001) compared to the control group. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in clinical symptoms and laboratory values related to LOS ( P > .05). IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Oral colostrum application can benefit oral mucosal health and reduce the need for oral care among premature infants. It is also safe alternative oral care for premature infants who cannot breastfeed during the first few days of life. Future research should include infants of different gestational ages and mechanically ventilated infants to assess the effect of oral colostrum application on serum immune factors.

Feeding sows milk biofortified with n-6 and n-3 modulates immune status of sows and drives positive transgenerational effects.

The risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, inflammation, obesity, and autoimmune disease is linked to the quality of dietary fats, with lower intake of saturated and higher intake of n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) considered beneficial to health. This study investigated the effect of supplementing sows' diets with cow's milk biofortified with n-6 or n-3 PUFA, at varying n-6/n-3 ratios (8.26, 7.92, and 2.72) during their growing phase and throughout gestation and lactation on their reproductive performance and immune-inflammatory status. Specifically, we analyzed circulating cholesterol and fatty acid profiles of serum, colostrum and milk, sow body weight, and neonate colostrum intake, Apgar scores, muscle composition, and embryo viability. Analysis of circulating immunoglobulins (Ig), interleukins, and eicosanoids and complement system hemolytic activity were used to evaluate inflammatory and immune responses of sows and piglets. Expression of lipolysis and lipogenic genes in the liver were investigated in sows and piglets, with additional investigation of hypothalamus genes regulating appetite in sows. Feeding sows milk biofortified with n-6 and n-3 PUFA altered serum fatty acid profiles, reduced triglycerides (TG), increased embryo total number, increased early gestation backfat, and reduced colostrum IgG. Piglets of biofortified sow had higher circulating IgA, IgM and TNF-α, and lower IL-10. Sows fed n-3 biofortified milk had higher very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) and TNF-α in circulation. Offspring from sows fed n-6 versus n-3 biofortified milk had lower IL-10 and expression levels of SREBP-1. N-3 versus n-6 also lowered arachidonic acid (ARA) levels in sow's milk and piglet viability 1. Findings offer insights into the potential health benefits of dietary supplementation with biofortified milk in swine, which serve as good model of diet-nutrition studies of humans, and therefore can potentially be considered in dietary recommendations both human and animal populations.

Postponing first colostrum collection: impact on immunoglobulin G in goat colostrum.

This experiment was motivated by the need to understand the impacts of delaying the first colostrum collection on immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations in goat colostrum, addressing a gap in caprine-specific research, despite its significance in dairy farming. Concurrently, we examined the relationship between colostral IgG, total protein (TP) and Brix values. Two colostrum samples were collected from 56 Saanen goats, one from each udder half. The first sample was collected from the right teat immediately postbirth, and the second sample was collected from the left teat at one of the predetermined postpartum intervals: 0, 4-6, 8-10, or 12-14 h postpartum, each time interval comprising 14 goats. Colostral IgG was determined by ELISA, Brix was determined by digital refractometry, and TP was determined by the Bradford protein method. Sperman's correlations and Lin's concordance correlation coefficient were used to determine the direction and strength of the association and to assess agreement (prediction accuracy) between methods, respectively. Receiver operator characteristic analysis was used to determine Brix and TP thresholds for predicting good-quality colostrum using several cut-offs (20, 30, 40, and 50 g/L IgG). Mean (± SD) for colostral IgG, Brix, and TP were 54 ± 22.6 g/L, 22 ± 5.0%, and 12 ± 2.8 g/dL, respectively. The statistical analysis did not provide evidence of a significant impact of time of first collection (up to 14 h postpartum), on IgG, Brix, and TP. Brix and IgG values exhibited both a high degree of correlation (r = 0.89-90) and concordance (ρc = 0.89-90), indicating a strong and reliable relationship between the two measurements. The prevalence of samples ≥ 20, 30, 40, and 50 g of IgG/L were 96, 88, 71, and 54%, respectively. Optimal Brix and TP thresholds predicting IgG ≥ 20, 30, 40, and 50 g/L IgG were 13.8, 17.5, 20.1, and 22.5%, and 6.8, 9.3, 10.8, and 11.1 g/dL, respectively. Increasing the IgG threshold resulted in lower sensitivity but higher specificity for estimating colostral IgG using Brix or TP values. The present findings indicate that delaying the first colostrum collection up to 14 h postpartum did not result in conclusive changes in colostral IgG concentration, Brix values, or total protein levels. Our results also confirm the reliability of Brix refractometry as an on-farm tool for estimating IgG concentrations in goat colostrum. These results are particularly relevant to intensive dairy systems, offering insights to enhance colostrum management and task prioritisation, especially during the bustling kidding periods.

Rational development of functional hydrophilic polymer to characterize site-specific glycan differences between bovine milk and colostrum.

As vastly modified on secreted proteins, N-glycosylation is found on milk proteins and undergo dynamic changes during lactation, characterizing milk protein glycosylation would benefit the elucidation of glycosylation pattern differences between samples. However, their low abundance required specific enrichment. Herein, through rational design and controllable synthesis, we developed a novel multi-functional polymer for the isolation of protein glycosylation. It efficiently separated glycopeptides from complex background inferences with mutual efforts of hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC), metal ion affinity and ion exchange. By fine-tuning Ca2+ as regulators of aldehyde hyaluronic acid (HA) conformation, the grafting density of HA was remarkably improved. Moreover, grafting Ti4+ further enhanced the enrichment performance. Application of this material to characterize bovine milk and colostrum proteins yields 479 and 611 intact glycopeptides, respectively. Comparative analysis unraveled the distinct glycosylation pattern as well the different distribution of glycoprotein abundances between the two samples, offering insights for functional food development.

LacdiNAc to LacNAc: remodelling of bovine α-lactalbumin N-glycosylation during the transition from colostrum to mature milk.

α -Lactalbumin, an abundant protein present in the milk of most mammals, is associated with biological, nutritional and technological functionality. Its sequence presents N-glycosylation motifs, the occupancy of which is species-specific, ranging from no to full occupancy. Here, we investigated the N-glycosylation of bovine α-lactalbumin in colostrum and milk sampled from four individual cows, each at 9 time points starting from the day of calving up to 28.0 d post-partum. Using a glycopeptide-centric mass spectrometry-based glycoproteomics approach, we identified N-glycosylation at both Asn residues found in the canonical Asn-Xxx-Ser/Thr motif, i.e. Asn45 and Asn74 of the secreted protein. We found similar glycan profiles in all four cows, with partial site occupancies, averaging at 35% and 4% for Asn45 and Asn74, respectively. No substantial changes in occupancy occurred over lactation at either site. Fucosylation, sialylation, primarily with N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac), and a high ratio of N,N'-diacetyllactosamine (LacdiNAc)/N-acetyllactosamine (LacNAc) motifs were characteristic features of the identified N-glycans. While no substantial changes occurred in site occupancy at either site during lactation, the glycoproteoform (i.e. glycosylated form of the protein) profile revealed dynamic changes; the maturation of the α-lactalbumin glycoproteoform repertoire from colostrum to mature milk was marked by substantial increases in neutral glycans and the number of LacNAc motifs per glycan, at the expense of LacdiNAc motifs. While the implications of α-lactalbumin N-glycosylation on functionality are still unclear, we speculate that N-glycosylation at Asn74 results in a structurally and functionally different protein, due to competition with the formation of its two intra-molecular disulphide bridges.

Low levels and determinants of appropriate complementary feeding practices among children aged 6-23 months from Tigray, Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Complementary feeding is considered appropriate when introduced timely at 6 months of age, and where it fulfils the minimum meal frequency, minimum dietary diversity and minimum acceptable diet. Sufficient evidence is available on the different individual indicators of appropriate complementary feeding. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to assess the prevalence and determinants of appropriate complementary feeding practices among children aged 6-23 months in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia. DESIGN AND SETTING: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 52 districts of Tigray. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 5321 children aged 6-23 months were included using stratified two-stage random sampling. RESULTS: Approximately 19% of children received appropriate complementary feeding. Maternal residence in urban areas (adjusted OR (AOR) 1.26; 95% CI 1.062 to 1.489), maternal education (AOR 1.34; 95% CI 1.111 to 1.611), antenatal care (ANC) visits (AOR 1.75; 95% CI 1.343 to 2.281), household food security (AOR 2.81; 95% CI 2.367 to 3.330) and provision of colostrum to newborns (AOR 1.76; 95% CI 1.139 to 2.711) were found predictors of appropriate complementary feeding. Moreover, children in the 12-17 and 18-23 months age groups were 1.3 (AOR 1.30; 95% CI 1.083 to 1.551) and 1.7 (AOR 1.73; 95% CI 1.436 to 2.072) times more likely to receive appropriate complementary feeding respectively, compared with children aged 6-11 months. CONCLUSIONS: Appropriate complementary feeding practices among children aged 6-23 months remain unacceptably low in Tigray. Recommendations to improve nutrition outcomes include counselling on age-appropriate complementary feeding, education for girls and women, targeting families through food security initiatives, provision of nutrition education on appropriate complementary feeding practices during ANC visits, supporting mothers to initiate breastfeeding within the first hour of delivery and crafting context-based messaging for rural families.

Persistence of maternal antibodies against goat pox virus in goat kids.

BACKGROUND: In goat kids, choosing the appropriate age to administer the first dose of goat pox disease (GTP) vaccine requires knowing when maternal antibody decline concentrations. OBJECTIVE: Determine the persistence of maternal antibodies against goat pox virus (GTPV) in goat kids. ANIMALS: Twenty Saanen goat kids from birth to 120 days old. METHODS: In 2 groups, including: control (receiving colostrum from nonvaccinated does) and treatment (receiving colostrum from vaccinated does). On zero, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 42, 56, 70, 100 and 120 days after the birth, virus neutralization test was used to measure the serum concentration of antibodies against GTPV. RESULTS: At the age of 56 days, the first seronegative goat kids (n = 2) were recorded in the treatment group. At the age of 120 days, all the goat kids in the treatment group were seronegative. The average virus neutralization index (VNI) of the goat kids became negative at the age of 100 to 120 days. All goat kids in the control group were negative at all times. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: One hundred to 120 days of the age seems to be the time to administer the first GTP vaccine in the goat kids with passive immunity against goat pox.