Med. Weter. 81
full text
| DELMECIOGLU M.K., YARIM G.F. |
| Transforming growth factor-beta levels in healthy cow and buffalo milk |
| Aim: Due to the numerous bioactive molecules and components it contains, milk significantly contributes to the proper growth and physiological development of both humans and animals during the neonatal period, strengthening the body’s defenses and providing protection against infections and diseases. In addition to its nutritional properties, milk contains abundant growth factors, such as transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β). This study aimed to investigate the TGF-β level in milk from healthy buffaloes and cows. Material and methods: The study material comprised milk samples from Jersey breed cows aged between 4 and 9 years, and Anatolian water buffaloes aged between 3 and 10 years, in lactation. Samples of milk were collected from the four mammary lobes of cows and buffaloes without mastitis. The TGF-β level was measured with a bovine-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Results: The TGF-β level in cow’s milk ranged from 3.07 to 6.90 ng/ml, with a mean value of 4.67 ± 1.08 ng/ml. In cow’s milk, the TGF-β level showed a positive correlation with both the age of the cow (r = 0.914, p < 0.01) and daily milk production (r = 0.961, p < 0.01). The TGF-β level in buffalo’s milk ranged from 5.20 ng/ml to 8.32 ng/ml, with a mean value of 7.10 ± 1.21 ng/ml. In buffalo’s milk, the TGF-β level showed a positive correlation with both the age of the buffaloes (r = 0.859, p < 0.01) and daily milk production (r = 0.940, p < 0.01). A comparison of TGF-β levels in cow’s and buffalo’s milk revealed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). Conclusions: In conclusion, the findings of this study show that milk from Anatolian water buffaloes contains higher levels of TGF-β than milk from Jersey breed cows. The present study contributes to the scientific understanding of bioactive compounds in cow’s and buffalo’s milk and their significance in human nutrition. Further research is needed to evaluate TGF-β levels in a larger number of milk samples from other milkproducing species. |
| Keywords: Buffalo; cow; milk; transforming growth factor-beta |