Milk production and composition in reindeer (Rangifer tarandus): effect of lactational stage

Milk yield and composition of major milk constituents were measured in captive, nursing reindeer. Registration of milk production was performed during two successive lactations (2001 and 2002). The milk yield was significantly affected by week of lactation (P<0.001) and by individual (P<0.001). The lactation curve had an asymmetrical peak 3 weeks postpartum and the milk yield at peak lactation was 983 g/day (range 595-1239). The length of lactation varied from 24 to 26 weeks and average total milk production was 99.5 kg. From peak lactation the milk production decreased linearly (P<0.001) until milk production was terminated. Mean values for content of major milk constituents were 15.5% fat, 9.9% protein and 2.5% lactose. The content of fat and protein increased markedly with the lactation stage (P<0.001), while lactose showed a slight decrease (P<0.001). The milk composition was significantly affected by stage of lactation (P<0.001). There was a marginally significant decrease in protein:fat ratio (P=0.06) as protein was substituted by fat with stage of lactation. The caloric value of the milk averaged 8.7 kJ/g and increased significantly with the stage of lactation (P<0.001). The overall increase in milk gross energy content during lactation was 67.6%. The energy output averaged 7996 kJ/day at peak lactation and decreased significantly during the course of lactation (P=0.002).     

Gel electrophoretic analysis of proteins in human milk and colostrum

Protein patterns of skim milk and fat globule phases were relatively unchanging throughout 9 months lactation, the only notable differences being a rise in lysozyme and a decline up to 6 months with increase thereafter in lactoferrin. Profound changes in protein patterns of the breast secretion were observed during the first week postpartum. True colostrum, in which peptides of sIgA dominate the protein patterns, exists for at most the 2 initial days of secretion. Proteins of mature milk are not coordinated to appear in the colostral secretion simultaneously. A band corresponding to alpha-lactalbumin is present from the initial secretion; that for beta-casein emerges approximately 2 days layer.     

Differences in preterm and term milk fatty acid compositions may be caused by the different hormonal milieu of early parturition

Introduction

The hormonal milieus of pregnancy and lactation are driving forces of nutrient fluxes supporting infant growth and development. The decrease of insulin sensitivity with compensatory hyperinsulinemia with advancing gestation, causes adipose tissue lipolysis and hepatic de novo lipogenesis (DNL).

Subjects and methods

We compared fatty acid (FA) contents and FA-indices for enzyme activities between preterm (28–36 weeks) and term (37–42) milks, and between colostrum (2–5 days), transitional (6–15) and mature (16–56) milks. We interpreted FA differences between preterm and term milks, and their changes with lactation, in terms of the well known decrease of insulin sensitivity during gestation and its subsequent postpartum restoration, respectively.

Results

Compared with term colostrum, preterm colostrum contained higher indices of DNL in the breast (DNL-breast) and medium chain saturated-FA (MCSAFA), and lower DNL-liver and monounsaturated-FA (MUFA). Preterm milk also had higher docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in colostrum and transitional milk and higher arachidonic acid (AA) in mature milk. Most preterm-term differences vanished with advancing lactation. In both preterm and term milks, DNL-breast and MCSAFA increased with advancing lactation, while DNL-liver, MUFA, long chain SAFA and AA decreased. DHA decreased in term milk. MUFA was inversely related to MCSAFA in all samples, correlated inversely with PUFA in colostrum and transitional milks, but positively in mature milk. MCSAFA correlated inversely with PUFA in mature milk.

Conclusion

Higher maternal insulin sensitivity at preterm birth may be the cause of lower MUFA (a proxy for DNL-liver) and higher MCSAFA (a proxy for DNL-breast) in preterm colostrum, compared with term colostrum. Restoring insulin sensitivity after delivery may be an important driving force for milk FA-changes in early lactation.     

Comparative 2D-DIGE Proteomic Analysis of Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells during Lactation Reveals Protein Signatures for Lactation Persistency and Milk Yield

Mammary gland is made up of a branching network of ducts that end with alveoli which surrounds the lumen. These alveolar mammary epithelial cells (MEC) reflect the milk producing ability of farm animals. In this study, we have used 2D-DIGE and mass spectrometry to identify the protein changes in MEC during immediate early, peak and late stages of lactation and also compared differentially expressed proteins in MEC isolated from milk of high and low milk producing cows. We have identified 41 differentially expressed proteins during lactation stages and 22 proteins in high and low milk yielding cows. Bioinformatics analysis showed that a majority of the differentially expressed proteins are associated in metabolic process, catalytic and binding activity. The differentially expressed proteins were mapped to the available biological pathways and networks involved in lactation. The proteins up-regulated during late stage of lactation are associated with NF-κB stress induced signaling pathways and whereas Akt, PI3K and p38/MAPK signaling pathways are associated with high milk production mediated through insulin hormone signaling.     

Concentrations of preptin,salusins and hepcidins in plasma and milk of lactating women with or without gestational diabetes mellitus

This study was undertaken to ascertain whether human milk contains preptin, salusin-alpha (salusin-α) and -beta (salusin-β) and pro-hepcidin and hepcidin-25, and whether there are relationships between plasma and milk preptin, salusin-α and -β and pro-hepcidin and hepcidin-25 concentrations in lactating mothers with and without gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Blood was obtained from non-lactating women (n = 12), non-diabetic lactating women (n = 12), and GDM lactating women (n = 12). Colostrum, transitional milk, and mature milk samples were collected just before suckling from healthy and GDM lactating women. Peptides concentrations were determined by ELISA and EIA. Mammary gland tissues were screened immunohistochemically for these peptides. Women with GDM had significantly higher plasma and colostum preptin concentrations than healthy lactating women during the colostral and transitional milk period. Salusin-alpha and -beta levels in milk and plasma were lower in women with GDM. Salusin-α and -β were significantly lower in both plasma and colostrums of GDM than of healthy lactating women. Women with GDM had significantly higher colostum prohepcidin and hepcidin-25 concentrations than healthy lactating women during the colostral period. Plasma prohepcidin was also higher in women with GDM than in healthy lactating women during the colostral period, but plasma prohepcidin and hepcidin-25 levels decreased during mature milk period. Transitional milk pro-hepcidin and hepcidin-25 levels in women with GDM were higher than in healthy lactating women. All these results revealed that the mammary gland produces those peptides, which were present in milk at levels correlating with plasma concentrations.     

Longitudinal Profiling of the Tissue-Specific Expression of Genes Related with Insulin Sensitivity in Dairy Cows during Lactation Focusing on Different Fat Depots

In dairy cows the milk associated energy output in early lactation exceeds the input via voluntary feed intake. To spare glucose for mammary lactose synthesis, peripheral insulin sensitivity (IS) is reduced and fat mobilization is stimulated. For these processes a link between IS and the endocrine functions of adipose tissue (AT) is likely; we thus aimed to characterise the mRNA expression from bovine AT derived proteins and receptors that are related to IS according to the literature in metabolically active tissues plus systemic IS throughout lactation. Conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) reduce milk fat thus decreasing the milk drain of energy and potentially dampening lipolysis, but may also affect IS. Subcutaneous (s.c.) AT and liver from pluriparous cows receiving either control fat or CLA supplement (100 g/day from 1 to 182 days in milk each) were biopsied covering week −3 to 36 relative to parturition. In an additional trial with primiparous cows treated analogously and slaughtered on days in milk 1, 42 or 105, samples from liver, udder, skeletal muscle and 3 visceral and 3 s.c. AT were obtained and assayed for mRNA abundance of adiponectin, its receptors, leptin, leptin receptor, PPARγ, PPARγ2, IL-6, and TNF-α. In pluriparous animals, the mRNA abundance of most of the target genes decreased after parturition in s.c. AT but increased in liver. In primiparous cows, AT depot specific differences were mostly related to retroperitoneal AT; adiponectin receptor 1 and TNF-α were affected predominantly. CLA effects in primiparous cows were largely limited to decreased PPARγ2 mRNA abundance in udder tissue. In pluriparous cows, insulin secretion was increased by CLA resulting in decreased systemic IS but without consistent changes in tissue target mRNA abundance. The temporal gene expression profiles from the adipokines and related receptors support their coactive function in adapting to the needs of lactation.     

Hepatocyte growth factor in human breast milk acts as a trophic factor.

To evaluate the significance of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in milk in the perinatal period, we examined immunoreactive HGF levels and bioactivity in human milk. Human milk samples were obtained from women at various postpartum ages, and the levels of HGF were measured by ELISA. In the cross sectional study, the concentration of milk HGF from term deliveries showed a significant inverse correlation with progress of lactation, whereas in cases of preterm delivery concentrations, levels remained high after a long period of lactation. In the longitudinal analysis, the contents of HGF in colostrum, transitional, and mature milk from preterm deliveries were significantly be higher than those from term deliveries. Although mature milk from term and preterm deliveries contained significantly lower levels of HGF than colostrum, high levels of HGF persisted in mature milk from preterm deliveries. After partial purification, immunoblotting analysis showed the presence of both alpha- and beta-chains of HGF. HGF in milk stimulated proliferation of rat hepatocytes in primary culture, which was inhibited by supplementation with anti-HGF antibody. Thus, a high concentration of bioactive HGF is present in human milk in the postpartum period. Our results suggest that HGF in milk acts as a trophic factor for the gastrointestinal tract in neonates.     

Synthesis and evolution of concentration of beta-lactoglobulin and alpha-lactalbumin from cow and sheep colostrum and milk throughout early lactation

Synthesis of beta-lactoglobulin and alpha-lactalbumin by explants of ovine mammary gland and evolution of concentration of these proteins in cow and sheep colostrum and milk throughout early lactation have been studied. The evolution of both proteins was similar in cow and sheep species. The highest concentration was found in the first milking (19 and 2 mg/ml for beta-lactoglobulin and alpha-lactalbumin, respectively). Then, levels of beta-lactoglobulin decreased sharply and those of alpha-lactalbumin slowly during the first days of lactation, reaching stable values during the second week postpartum (4 and 1.5 mg/ml). The concentration ratio beta-lactoglobulin/alpha-lactalbumin was four times greater in colostrum than in mature milk. On the other hand, synthesis of these proteins represented about 25-30% of the synthesized total soluble proteins. The synthesis ratio beta-lactoglobulin/alpha-lactalbumin in explants obtained at 12 and 30 hours postpartum was found to be 3.5 and 1.7. These results indicate that the synthesis and secretion of beta-lactoglobulin are comparatively greater than those of alpha-lactalbumin during colostral period, suggesting that beta-lactoglobulin could have some specific function during this period.     

Selective changes in gangliosides of human milk during lactation: a molecular indicator for the period of lactation

Gangliosides of human milk from women at various periods of lactation were analyzed. GD3 in colostrum, particularly in the early period of lactation, was the major ganglioside, and the molar ratio of GM3 to GD3 was 0.2-0.3 in the milk at 2-6 days postpartum. In contrast, milk from women at 60-390 days postpartum contained GM3 as the major ganglioside and the molar ratio of GM3 to GD3 was more than 3. Milk at 8-40 days postpartum represented an intermediate stage in terms of the ratio of GM3 to GD3. The selective change in the molar ratio of gangliosides was observed as a phenomenon common to all human milk from different individuals at different periods of lactation, indicating that the periods of lactation can be defined on the basis of the ratio. Since glycolipids in human milk are preferentially localized in the milk fat globule membrane, which is derived from the plasma membrane of epithelial cells in the mammary gland, the changes in the ganglioside composition reported in this communication may reflect a qualitative change of the cells in the mammary gland.     

Longitudinal Survey of Carotenoids in Human Milk from Urban Cohorts in China,Mexico, and the USA

Emerging evidence indicates that carotenoids may have particular roles in infant nutrition and development, yet data on the profile and bioavailability of carotenoids from human milk remain sparse. Milk was longitudinally collected at 2, 4, 13, and 26 weeks postpartum from twenty mothers each in China, Mexico, and the USA in the Global Exploration of Human Milk Study (n = 60 donors, n = 240 samples). Maternal and neonatal plasma was analyzed for carotenoids from the USA cohort at 4 weeks postpartum. Carotenoids were analyzed by HPLC and total lipids by Creamatocrit. Across all countries and lactation stages, the top four carotenoids were lutein (median 114.4 nmol/L), β-carotene (49.4 nmol/L), β-cryptoxanthin (33.8 nmol/L), and lycopene (33.7 nmol/L). Non-provitamin A carotenoids (nmol/L) and total lipids (g/L) decreased (p<0.05) with increasing lactation stage, except the provitamin A carotenoids α- and β-cryptoxanthin and β-carotene did not significantly change (p>0.05) with lactation stage. Total carotenoid content and lutein content were greatest from China, yet lycopene was lowest from China (p<0.0001). Lutein, β-cryptoxanthin, and β-carotene, and lycopene concentrations in milk were significantly correlated to maternal plasma and neonatal plasma concentrations (p<0.05), with the exception that lycopene was not significantly associated between human milk and neonatal plasma (p>0.3). This enhanced understanding of neonatal exposure to carotenoids during development may help guide dietary recommendations and design of human milk mimetics.     

Longitudinal study of the dietary selenium intake of exclusively breast-fed infants during early lactation in Korea and Japan.

213 samples of human breast milk were collected from 51 healthy Korean women. Selenium content of the samples was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry with hydride generation. The selenium content of Korean milk decreased with increase of days after birth: The arithmetic mean of selenium content was higher in colostrum (< 4 days) 34 micrograms/kg (SD +/- 11, n = 44) than in transitional milk 21 micrograms/kg (SD +/- 8, n = 78) or in mature milk (> 10 days) 13 micrograms/kg (SD +/- 6, n = 91). The daily dietary selenium intake of 0-1 month aged Korean infants fed on breast milk is estimated to be around 10 micrograms per day (3 micrograms/kg body weight) regardless of days postpartum, resulting from the calculation of our selenium data and daily milk intake during early lactation. The same result on selenium intake for Japanese newborns, as well as Korean infants, is also estimated to be around 10 micrograms per day (3 micrograms/kg body weight) regardless of days postpartum.     

CHANGES DURING LACTATION IN THE COMPOSITION OF THE MILK OF THE AFRICAN BLACK RHINOCEROS (DICEROS BICORNIS)

With the birth of a second rhinoceros calf at Bristol Zoological Gardens, it was possible to obtain samples of rhinoceros's milk during the colostral period and subsequently at regular intervals throughout sixteen months of lactation. The chemical composition and vitamin content of the samples are reported here. The analysis shows that rhinoceros's milk contains very little fat at all times during the lactation cycle.     

Effects of dietary energy intake during gestation and lactation on milk yield and composition of first,second and fourth parity sows

Abstract

In order to determine the effects of a varied level of dietary energy intake during pregnancy and lactation on milk yield and composition, first, second and fourth parity sows (Large White × German Landrace) were provided with energy at a level of either: (i) 100% of ME requirement (MEreq) during pregnancy and lactation, (ii) 120% MEreq during pregnancy and 80% during lactation, and (iii) 80% MEreq during pregnancy and 120% during lactation. In spite of equal target levels feed analysis revealed that gestating first parity sows with 120/80 treatment combination and lactating sows of 80/120 treatment combination received 25, and 11 – 17% more digestible N than in the respective 100/100 treatment combination. Irrespective of this 120/80 sows responded with the highest milk DM, fat, and energy contents, and the lowest lactose concentrations whereas protein levels where not affected, irrespective of parity (p < 0.05). Milk yield of sows in 1st and 4th lactation was 85 and 106% of that in 2nd lactation, respectively. Average milk composition was 18.1% DM, 4.9% protein, 6.8% fat, 5.6% lactose, and 0.8% ash. Milk composition changes ceased at day 7 of lactation with a reduction of milk GE and protein, and an increase of lactose content. Concentrations of threonine, arginine, valine, leucine, tyrosine, phenylalanine, cystine, and tryptophan, as well as stearic, oleic, and linoleic acid were higher in colostrum than in milk at later lactation stages. In contrast, laurine, myristic, palmitic, and palmitoleic acids were lower concentrated in colostrum. In conclusion, these results illustrate the importance of body reserve mobilization for milk production in sows and indicate that low energy supply during gestation cannot be compensated by higher energy supply during lactation.     

Effects of dietary energy intake during gestation and lactation on milk yield and composition of first, second and fourth parity sows

In order to determine the effects of a varied level of dietary energy intake during pregnancy and lactation on milk yield and composition, first, second and fourth parity sows (Large White x German Landrace) were provided with energy at a level of either: (i) 100% of ME requirement (MEreq) during pregnancy and lactation, (ii) 120% MEreq during pregnancy and 80% during lactation, and (iii) 80% MEreq during pregnancy and 120% during lactation. In spite of equal target levels feed analysis revealed that gestating first parity sows with 120/80 treatment combination and lactating sows of 80/120 treatment combination received 25, and 11-17% more digestible N than in the respective 100/100 treatment combination. Irrespective of this 120/80 sows responded with the highest milk DM, fat, and energy contents, and the lowest lactose concentrations whereas protein levels where not affected, irrespective of parity (p < 0.05). Milk yield of sows in 1st and 4th lactation was 85 and 106% of that in 2nd lactation, respectively. Average milk composition was 18.1% DM, 4.9% protein, 6.8% fat, 5.6% lactose, and 0.8% ash. Milk composition changes ceased at day 7 of lactation with a reduction of milk GE and protein, and an increase of lactose content. Concentrations of threonine, arginine, valine, leucine, tyrosine, phenylalanine, cystine, and tryptophan, as well as stearic, oleic, and linoleic acid were higher in colostrum than in milk at later lactation stages. In contrast, laurine, myristic, palmitic, and palmitoleic acids were lower concentrated in colostrum. In conclusion, these results illustrate the importance of body reserve mobilization for milk production in sows and indicate that low energy supply during gestation cannot be compensated by higher energy supply during lactation.     

Selenium, zinc, and copper concentrations in the blood and milk of lactating women

The aim of the study was to determine Se, Zn, and Cu concentrations in blood plasma and milk of lactating women from central Poland who were in different stages of lactation and to investigate the relationship between the content of trace elements in mothers’ blood and concentrations of microelements in their milk. Se and Zn concentrations in blood plasma of mothers were the lowest and Cu was the highest on the first 4 d of lactation (colostrum, n=43) and were found to be 34.9±11.8 μg/L, 0.51±0.13 mg/L, and 1.70±0.55 mg/L, respectively. The highest plasma level of Se and Zn and the lowest content of Cu could be observed between d 10 and 30 of lactation (mature milk, n=41), and were found to be 54.3±14.6 μg/L for Se (p<0.001), 0.76±0.20 mg/L for Zn (p<0.001), and 1.03±0.30 mg/L (p<0.001) for Cu. The results of Se, Zn, and Cu determination in breast milk samples demonstrate a pattern of decline in their concentration with advancing stages of lactation. We found out that Se, Zn, and Cu concentrations were the highest in colostrum (n=43) and amounted to 24.8±10.1 μg/L, 8.2±2.8 mg/L, and 0.45±0.11 mg/L, respectively. The content of all determined microelements declined significantly during the time of lactation. Statistically significant linear correlation was found between concentrations of Zn in blood plasma and milk in the first stage of lactation. Weak but statistically significant linear correlations were also found between plasma Se content in plasma and in transitional and mature milk of breast-feeding women.     

Concentration of lactoferrin and transferrin throughout lactation in cow's colostrum and milk

The evolution of the concentration of lactoferrin and transferrin was studied in cow's colostrum and milk throughout lactation. The highest concentrations of both proteins were found in the first milking (0.83 mg/ml for lactoferrin and 1.07 mg/ml for transferrin), decreasing sharply during the first days of lactation (colostral period). Thereafter, the concentrations of these proteins decreased slowly, reaching their definitive values during the third week post-partum (0.09 mg/ml for lactoferrin and 0.02 mg/ml for transferrin). The ratio transferrin/albumin in colostrum (first milking), mature milk, milk from mastitic cows and serum was determined, and found to be four times greater in colostrum than in mature or mastitic milk, suggesting a specific transport of transferrin from blood to milk.     

Effect of lactation stage and concurrent pregnancy on milk composition in the bottlenose dolphin

Although many toothed whales (Cetacea: Odontoceti) lactate for 2–3 years or more, it is not known whether milk composition is affected by lactation stage in any odontocete species. We collected 64 pooled milk samples spanning 1–30 months postpartum from three captive bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus . Milks were assayed for water, fat, crude protein (TN × 6.38) and sugar; gross energy was calculated. Ovulation and pregnancy were determined via monitoring of milk progesterone. Based on analysis of changes in milk composition for each individual dolphin, there were significant increases ( P <0.05) in fat (in all three dolphins) and crude protein (in two of three), and a decrease ( P <0.05) in water (in two of three) over the course of lactation, but the sugar content did not change. In all three animals, the energy content was positively correlated with month of lactation, but the percentage of energy provided by crude protein declined slightly but significantly ( P <0.05). At mid-lactation (7–12 months postpartum, n =17), milk averaged 73.0±1.0% water, 12.8±1.0% fat, 8.9±0.5% crude protein, 1.0±0.1% sugar, 1.76±0.09 kcal g⁻¹ (=7.25 kJ g⁻¹) and 30.3±1.3% protein:energy per cent. This protein:energy per cent was surprisingly high compared with other cetaceans and in relation to the growth rates of calves. Milk progesterone indicated that dolphins ovulated and conceived between 413 and 673 days postpartum, following an increase in milk energy density. The significance of these observed compositional changes to calf nutrition will depend on the amounts of milk produced at different stages of lactation, and how milk composition and yield are influenced by sampling procedure, maternal diet and maternal condition, none of which are known.     

Characterization of milk composition in narrow‐ridged finless porpoises (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis) at different lactation stages

Lactation plays a vital role in reproductive success, evolving with ecological adaptations of mammalian life histories. Knowledge of the lactation process in odontocetes is scarce and limited to a handful of species. We investigated the changes in milk composition across different lactation stages, including prepartum mammary secretion and early, mid‐ and late lactation of narrow‐ridged finless porpoises. Prepartum mammary secretion was greenish and characterized by high protein, low sugar, and negligible fat contents. In contrast, milk fat became predominant over protein and sugar contents throughout all lactation stages. At the early lactation stage, the contents of all milk constituents except water varied greatly. At the mid‐late lactation stage, the gross milk composition was relatively stable and was composed of, on average, 67.34% ± 4.13% water, 9.96% ± 0.75% protein, 21.40% ± 3.24% fat, and 1.72% ± 0.73% sugar. Our findings provide new insight into milk composition at different lactation stages in the narrow‐ridged finless porpoise.     

Qualitative and quantitative changes in milk fat during lactation in the tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii)

There are major quantitative and qualitative changes in the milk lipids during lactation in the tammar wallaby, Macropus eugenii. The crude lipid content of the milk is relatively low during the first 10 weeks of lactation; between 10 and 26 weeks post partum the lipid content increases gradually but after that it increases rapidly. The triglyceride fraction of the lipid at early stages of lactation contains a large amount of palmitic acid and relatively little oleic acid whereas mature milk exhibits little palmitic and much oleic acid. In the early stages of lactation fat represents 15% of the total solids and carbohydrate 55%; around 26-30 weeks post partum the carbohydrate moiety falls sharply to a level less than 2% of the solids while lipids increase to c. 60% of the solids. These changes coincide with increases in milk solids, emergence of the young from the pouch, ingestion of herbage, and fermentation of cellulose in the stomach.     

Coenzyme Q10 in maternal plasma and milk throughout early lactation

In contrast to other lipophilic antioxidants Coenzyme Q10 originates from food intake as well as from endogenous synthesis. The CoQ10 concentration and lipid content of maternal milk and maternal plasma was investigated during early lactation. Breast milk was obtained from 23 women: A: colostrums (24-48 hours postpartum), B: transitional milk (day 7 pp), C: mature milk (day 14 pp). At the same time capillary blood specimens were collected. Milk and plasma were stored at -84 degrees C until CoQ10 was analysed after hexane extraction by HPLC. The lipid content was determined by PAP-analysis of cholesterol. The plasma content of CoQ10 was the highest soon after delivery (A: 1.29, B:1.20, C:1.07 pmol/microl; Wilcoxon p < 0.05 A vs. C and B vs. C). This tendency was still evident after lipid-adjustment (A:209, B:180, C:175 micromol CoQ10/mol cholesterol; Wilcoxon p < 0.01 A vs. B and C). The level of CoQ10 in milk showed a gradual decline during early lactation (A:0.80, B:0.57, C:0.44 pmol/microl; Wilcoxon p < 0.02 A vs. B and C). After lipid-adjustment this tendency became even more evident (A: 137, B:86, C:67 micromol CoQ10/mol cholesterol; Wilcoxon p < 0.002 A vs. B and C, p < 0.05 B vs. C). The content of CoQ10 in plasma and milk showed a correlation with early milk (Spearman p < 0.005) but not with mature milk. Although lipid content is low the colostrums is a rich source for the lipophilic antioxidant CoQ10.