Growth-stimulating substances in porcine milk

Colostral and milk samples were collected from 6 primiparous sows on postpartum days 0, 9, 18, and 27. Insulin content was measured and epidermal growth factor (EGF) concentration was determined by use of radioimmunoassay and radioreceptor assay, respectively. Total milk protein concentration was measured colorimetrically. Concentrations of insulin, EGF, and protein in the colostral samples were significantly (P less than 0.01) higher than those found in the milk. Milk samples obtained from postpartum days 9, 18, and 27 did not differ significantly in insulin, EGF, or total protein content.