Determination of lactoferrine from serum proteins in buffalo milk collected in different times

Lactoferrin (Lf) is a multifunctional whey protein with unique properties, is present in many other secretory fluids and white blood cells. In this study was aimed to determined lactoferrin concentration in both colostrum and lactation milk of Anatolian Buffaloes by using an RP-HPLC method. Colostrum and lactation milk samples were collected (the buffaloes had shown no sign of mastitis during 150 day and daily milk production was recorded.) from buffalo farm in the Marmara Region (İstanbul Silivri-Çatalca ), in the Turkey. Colostrum milk samples were collected immediately after parturition up to 7 days, and lactation milk samples were collected as monthly for the first 30. days of lactation. Lactoferrin was high in colostrum, then decreased with elapsing of lactation days and was very lower in lactation milk afterwards transit of milk. The Lf concentration in buffalo colostrum milk was determined from 0,380 mg.mL-1 to 1,560 mg.mL-1.The Lf concentration varied between 0,207 mg.mL-1 and 0,305 mg.mL-1 in normal lactation milk. Also, dry matter, protein, fat and lactose were determined in buffalo colostrum milk and lactation milk. Key words: Lactoferrin, HPLC, Buffalo milk