Identification of mare colostrum proteins

Abstract

Colostrum is an essential feed of foals. It is a source of nutrients and functional proteins significant for foals’ growth and development. In the presented research using two-dimensional electrophoresis coupled via spectrometry mass MALDI-TOF in the mares’ colostrum (whey proteins fraction) were identified 24 proteins representing 15 different gene products. The identified proteins were involved in supporting foals’ immature immune systems and in the transport of various compounds. Further research of mares’ colostrum will allow determining more gene products. An in-depth analysis of mares’ milk will provide information about biochemical processes occurring in the mammary gland of the mare during the lactation period.