Effects of selfsuckling behavior on immune milk status, milk quality and milk technological parameters

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of selfsuckling on immune milk status, milk quality and milk technological parameters on cisternal and alveolar fractions. Eleven Majorera breed dairy goats were observed to display a unilateral selfsuckling behavior. Goats were milked daily by machine milking and milk samples were obtained weekly. During 6 weeks the cisternal milk yield was evaluated from each suckled (SU) and non suckled gland (NSU) after the administration of an intravenous injection of an inhibitor of oxytocin (Atosiban®). After cisternal milk removal, goats were intravenously injected with 2 IU of Oxytocin in order to collect and record the alveolar milk. In cisternal and alveolar fractions were measured immune parameters (IgG, IgM, Chitotriosidase and Somatic cell count), milk quality parameters (Fat, Protein and Lactose percentages) and technological parameters (pH, Density, Titratable acidity, Rennet clotting time, Ethanol stability). Data from six weeks were pooled and an ANOVA was performed using a SAS statistic package. No effects of selfsuckling behavior were observed for cisternal or alveolar milk yields. In reference to immune parameters the cisternal milk IgG concentration was affected by selfsuckling being higher on SU glands (30%). In the same way, somatic cell count was significantly higher on SU glands (225%). No effects on alveolar milk immune parameters were observed. Milk quality parameters were not affected by selfsuckling neither in cisternal nor alveolar fractions. Technological parameters were affected by selfsuckling behavior, with special reference to pH and titratable acidity. pH was significantly higher on SU than NSU cisternal milk but that differences did not reach significance on alveolar fraction (P=0.08). Titratable acidity was significantly lower on SU than NSU cisternal milk however no differences were observed in alveolar milk. In sum, selfsuckling behavior observed in intensive management affect the immune milk status and technological parameters overall in cisternal milk. These effects must be investigated in relation to mastitis susceptibility and cheese quality.