Epidermal growth factor concentration in milk of healthy water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) has biological roles, including embryonic organ development, breast morphogenesis, breast cell proliferation, and mammary development. This study aimed to measure EGF concentration and evaluate its relationship with somatic cell count (SCC) in healthy water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) milk. The study material was constituted of 120 milk samples obtained from 30 healthy water buffaloes between the ages of 3 - 6 years, negative for California mastitis test and SCC less than 3.00 × 10⁵ cells mL^-1 milk. In milk serum samples, the EGF concentration was measured using a bovine-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Epidermal growth factor concentration in the buffalo milk was ranged from 4.30 to 9.80 ng mL^-1, with a mean of 8.30 ± 1.50 ng mL^-1. Positive correlation between milk SCC values and EGF concentrations was recorded in water buffaloes. Further research is required to evaluate the content of milk EGF in different species of animals because of the EGF effective role in mammary gland and intestinal mucosa.