Effects of Litter Size and Parity Number on Mammary Secretions Including, Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1, Immunoglobulin G and Vitamin A of Black Bengal, Saanen and Their Crossbred Goats in Thailand

The present study aims to investigate the composition including concentrations of IGF-1, IgG and Vit A in colostrum and their effects by litter size and goat parity in 3 groups of goats; Black Bengal (BB), Saanen (SA) and their crossbred (BBSA). Thirty-eight goats were used (23 BB, 7 BBSA and 8 SA). The composition (fat, protein, lactose and total solid; TS) in colostrum (Day 0; D0) and milk (Day 4; D4 and Day 7; D7) were measured. The IGF-1, IgG concentrations were analysed in some samples collected at D0, D4 and D7 while Vit A was analysed only in colostrum. The results showed that colostrum components were similar among experimental groups. However, the colostral IGF-1 concentration of BBSA (983.0 +/- 163.6 ng/mL) was higher than that of BB (340.7 +/- 85.5 ng/mL, p < 0.01) and SA (417.1 +/- 93.9 ng/mL, p < 0.01). The colostral IgG concentration of BB (8.2 +/- 0.9 mg/mL) was lower than that of BBSA (12.9 +/- 1.7 mg/mL, p < 0.05) and SA (12.9 +/- 1.0 mg/mL, p < 0.01). Colostral Vit A concentration in BBSA (787.2 +/- 152.6 mu g/100 gm) was higher than that in BB (388.9 +/- 84.3 mu g/100 gm, p < 0.05) but was not different from SA (522.8 +/- 96.9 mu g/100 gm). Colostrum from all groups contained higher protein and TS but was lower in lactose concentration than milk. The IGF-1 and IgG concentrations in colostrum were much higher than in milk both D4 and D7 (p < 0.001). Additionally, litter size had no effects on colostrum contents but colostrum from goats with a higher parity number had higher IgG concentration. It is concluded that colostrum from BBSA may be superior when fed to BB newborn goats in terms of higher IGF-1, IgG and Vit A contents. Moreover, colostrum from goats with a high parity number contained more IgG content.

Automated summary

The study found similar composition of colostrum among different goat breeds, but the crossbred BBSA had higher levels of IGF-1, IgG, and Vitamin A compared to BB and SA. Additionally, colostrum from goats with higher parity numbers contained more IgG content.