In the present study, we investigated the in vitro growth responses of fourteen strains of four Bifidobacterium spp. (Bifidobacterium infantis, B. breve, B. bifidum, B. longum) against bovine lactoferrin (bLf) at various concentrations. Bacterial strains were grown in deMan, Rogosa and Sharpe (MRS) broth with or without bLf, and growth was monitored by measuring absorbance at 660 nm. A dose-dependent and straindependent growth response was observed. Bifidobacterium spp. were ranked into high, medium and low according to their calculated relative growth response levels against lactoferrin (Lf). Strains showed better growth responses against holo-type Lf. However, no inhibitory effects at high concentrations (4 mg mL )1 ) or with apo-type Lf were observed. These results strongly suggest that the growth response of Bifidobacterium spp. against bLf may be a selection criterion for their use in fermented products. In addition, use of holo-type Lf in fermented food products may be more effective for probiotic growth, and could also be used as a source of iron to the host.