Protein, Antioxidant, Oxidant and Enzymatic Markers in Colostrum and Milk of Spanish Purebred Mares.

Mare colostrum peaks in immunoglobulins and oxidant markers early, transitioning to antioxidant-dominant mature milk by 120 days.

This longitudinal study characterized the biochemical composition of colostrum and milk from 29 clinically healthy Spanish Purebred mares over the first 120 days postpartum. Researchers quantified total whey proteins (TWP), albumin (ALB), globulins, and immunoglobulin G (IgG) alongside oxidative stress markers, antioxidant capacity indices, and enzyme activities (alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transferase). Validated spectrophotometric, immunoturbidimetric, and IFCC-standardized methods were employed throughout. Key findings demonstrated that serum-derived proteins, uric acid, oxidant markers (total oxidant status and advanced oxidation protein products), and enzymatic activities were highest in early lactation, reflecting the immunological and metabolic demands of the immediate postpartum period. Colostrum is thus characterized by high immunoglobulin concentration and elevated oxidative activity consistent with its role in passive immune transfer to the neonate. Conversely, cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) increased progressively as lactation advanced, indicating mammary gland maturation and the development of a more stable antioxidant environment in mature milk. These findings provide a comprehensive longitudinal reference for the biochemical transition from immunologically enriched colostrum to mature milk in mares, which may support clinical assessment of lactation quality, neonatal passive transfer adequacy, and mare postpartum health monitoring in equine practice.

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