Comparison of lactoferrin content in colostrum between different cattle breeds

Lactoferrin content of colostrum obtained from cows within 24 h after parturition was measured using a single radial immunodiffusion test and was compared among cows of two dairy breeds (Holstein-Friesian, Jersey) and two beef breeds (Japanese Black and Japanese Brown). Average lactoferrin content in colostrum of dairy breeds was 2 mg/ml and in colostrum of beef breeds was .5 mg/ml. Lactoferrin content of colostrum due to lactation number was also different among breeds. In dairy breeds, multiparous cows had lactoferrin content two to three times higher than that of primiparous cows; beef breeds showed no obvious differences between lactation years. Lactoferrin content also varied considerably within breed. In beef breeds, half the cows had values of nearly zero. Transferrin content in colostrum was fairly constant (.9 mg/ml) and was not as variable among and within breeds. There was no correlation between lactoferrin and transferrin contents in colostrum. Examination of cows lacking lactoferrin suggested that transferrin plays an important role as an iron carrier from a cow to her newborn calf.