Immunoglobulin G Concentrations in Alpaca Colostrum during the First Four Days after Parturition

Assessing colostral and serum immunoglobulin G in alpacas using Brix refractometry and total serum protein

The adequate transfer of passive immunity is a critical factor in neonatal development and survivability. Although well documented in the dairy and equine industries, the recognition of inadequate immunoglobulin transfer on-farm and its impact on the ability of alpaca cria to thrive is largely unknown. Colostrum samples were collected from female alpaca within 24 h of parturition by the owners and whole blood collected from cria by the investigators between 1 and 7 days of age. Direct IgG concentration of milk and serum was determined using radial immunodiffusion assay (RID) and was indirectly estimated using optical and digital Brix refractometry for total solids and clinical refractometry for total serum protein. There was a strong correlation between optical and digital Brix refractometry, and colostral IgG concentration determined by RID. There was a moderate correlation between serum IgG concentration determined by RID and total serum protein in crias. Optical and digital Brix refractometry for colostral IgG estimation and total serum protein for serum IgG estimation are reliable, accurate and easy-to-use tools that can be used on-farm by trained, competent technicians to assess a failure of passive transfer in alpacas. A pilot study at one property only was performed, due to COVID-19 travel restriction interference. Further research is required to determine the reference intervals for these tools to be practical.

Nutritional Parameters in Colostrum of Different Mammalian Species

Colostrum (or first milk) is the food produced by all the mothers in all specific mammalian species, ruminants, monogastric and marine mammalians for their newborns during the first 24–48 h post-partum. Colostrum provides to the neonate all essential nutrients necessary for the first week of life, but the effect of colostrum shows a long-term effect not limited to these first days. Colostrum is considered to be a safe and essential food for human consumption. Some young children can show at the beginning of their colostrum-based diet some side effects, such as nausea and flatulence, but they disappear quickly. In human colostrum, the immunoglobulins and lactoferrin determined show the ability to create natural immunity in newborns, reducing greatly the mortality rate in children. Recent studies suggest that bovine colostrum (BC) may be an interesting nutraceutical food, due to its ability in preventing and/or mitigating several diseases in newborns and adults. This review aims to show the nutraceutical and functional properties of colostrum produced by several mammalian species, describing the different colostrum bio-active molecules and reporting the clinical trials aimed to determine colostrum nutraceutical and therapeutic characteristics in human nutrition.