The Time Immunoglobulins Can Be Absorbed Through the Gut Is Limited to the First 24 to 36 Hours of Life
Neonates usually have a limited time (24-36 hours) in which immunoglobulins (proteins) can be absorbed through the gut. Thus the feeding of colostrum within this period is important to ensure the presence of immunoglobulins in the newborn.
Other antimicrobial factors found in milk that are important for protection against the development of pathogenic enteric bacterial flora include lysozymes, lactoferrin, and the Iactoperoxidase system.Table 39-1
Amounts of Selected Components of Bovine Colostrum as Percentage of Level in Normal Milk
| Constituent | Day after parturition | ||
| 0 | 3 | 4 | |
| Dry matter | 220 | 100 | 100 |
| Lactose | 45 | 90 | 100 |
| Lipids | 150 | 90 | 100 |
| Minerals | 120 | 100 | 100 |
| Proteins | |||
| Casein | 210 | 110 | 110 |
| Albumin | 500 | 120 | 105 |
| Globulin | 3500 | 300 | 200 |
| Vitamins | |||
| A | 600 | 120 | 100 |
| Carotene | 1200 | 250 | 125 |
| E | 500 | 200 | 125 |
| Thiamine | 150 | 150 | 150 |
| Riboflavin | 320 | 130 | 110 |
| Pantothenic acid | 45 | 110 | 105 |
From Jacobson NL, McGiIIand AD:The mammary gland and lactation. In Swenson MJ, editor: Dukes' physiology of domestic animals, ed 10, Ithaca, NY, 1984, Cornell University Press.
More on the topic The Time Immunoglobulins Can Be Absorbed Through the Gut Is Limited to the First 24 to 36 Hours of Life:
-
Veterinarian -