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Summary
Milk contains various hormones like prolactin and steroids, detectable via bioassay and radioimmunoassay. Hormone levels in milk mirror blood plasma, aiding in fertility diagnostics and monitoring animal health.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Veterinary Medicine
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Milk contains protein hormones (e.g., prolactin) and steroid hormones (e.g., gestagens, estrogens, corticoids, androgens).
- Milk also contains vitamin D and beta-casomorphins (opiate-like peptides).
- Hormone transfer into milk was assumed to be passive diffusion, but active mechanisms exist.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate hormone detection and transfer mechanisms in milk.
- To assess the correlation between milk and blood plasma hormone profiles.
- To evaluate the diagnostic utility of milk hormone analysis in animal health and fertility.
Main Methods:
- Bioassay
- Radioimmunoassay
- Enzyme immunoassay kits
- Residue analysis
Main Results:
- Hormone profiles in milk largely mirror those in blood plasma.
- Milk hormone concentrations provide a reliable estimate of average plasma hormone content, especially for sustained secretory activities.
- Progesterone and estrone sulfate in milk are valuable diagnostic tools for fertility control in cows.
- Exogenously administered hormones transfer into milk, but at concentrations posing no consumer risk due to dilution.
Conclusions:
- Milk is a valuable source for detecting and monitoring various hormones in different species.
- Milk hormone analysis offers a non-invasive and effective method for assessing animal endocrine status and reproductive health.
- The use of milk hormone monitoring, particularly for progesterone and estrone sulfate, is crucial for efficient fertility management in livestock.