Ann. Méd. Vét., 2012, 156 (2), pp 87-98 Physiology of the production
and chemical composition
of colostrum of domestic
mammalsABDOU H., MARICHATOU H., BECKERS J.-F., DUFRASNE I., HORNICK J.-L.Abstract :
In most mammals, the ingestion
of colostrum is essential to the
survival of the newborn. The main
objective of this work is to synthesize
data from studies on colostrum,
especially on the physiology
of its production and its chemical
composition. The sequence of
events leading to the production
of colostrum is identical in all species.
However, the duration of
these phases varies. Colostrum
is rich in immunoglobulins (IgG,
IgA, IgM, IgE and IgD), nutrients
(proteins, lipids, lactose, minerals),
hormones and growth factors
(prolactin, insulin, estrogens, IgF),
immune cells (leukocytes cells,
epithelial cells), vitamins (carotene,
vitamin E) and finally in enzymes
such as lactoperoxidase and alkaline
phosphatase. Its composition
is dependent on many factors that
can be divided into intrinsic ones,
related to the animal, and extrinsic
or environmental ones. Colostrum
contains all the elements necessary
to not only protection against
attacks of pathogens but also to
rapid growth of young animals. Get the PDF Contact person : jlhornick@ulg.ac.be |