Abstract

Maternal colostrum provides the neonate with immunoglobulins essential for passive immunity. However, storage and handling of colostrum can alter its physical and nutritional characteristics. The aim of this study was to evaluate three methods for conservation of Bos indicus colostrum. Colostrum samples were collected from 15 Bos indicus females. Colostrum was divided into three aliquots to be conserved with three methods: refrigeration at 4°C, freezing at -20°C and lyophilization. In each method, five evaluation times were performed: day 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 for refrigeration and day 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 for freezing and lyophilization. pH and density analyzes were performed at all times for all methods. On day 15 of conservation, analysis of total antioxidant capacity, lipid and protein peroxidation were carried out. A generalized linear model (GLM), Tukey test for comparison of means and a Pearson correlation analysis were performed. A decrease in refrigerated colostrum pH was found on day 15 (p <0.05). Density of lyophilized colostrum decreased in all measuring times compared to frozen colostrum (p <0.05). Lyophilization showed a lower PP of the samples, while refrigeration presented the highest values of LP and PP (p <0.05). No difference in colostrum TAC according to the storage method was observed. A positive correlation (p <0.05) between PP and colostrum density and a negative correlation (p <0.05) between colostrum density and its TAC were found. It is concluded that lyophilization is a good method of conservation of bovine colostrum since it reduces the oxidation of proteins.