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Articles

Vol. 23 No. 32 (2014)

Protective factors in milk secretion of the lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris) during the perinatal period

Submitted
25 May 2025
Published
2014-06-01

Abstract

Obtaining the nutrients and protective factors present in milk is vital to ensure the survival and proper development of all mammals. The changes that occur in the composition of Tapirus terrestris milk secretion before and after birth were characterized. A series of milk secretion samples from a female lowland tapir, obtained sequentially over the course of a month, were analyzed. Total protein, whey protein, and carbohydrate concentrations were determined. Information was also obtained on immunoglobulin G and other protective factors such as lysozyme and amylase, enzymes present in milk. The results showed that lactose concentration was lower in the prepartum period compared to the postpartum period. In contrast, total protein and immunoglobulin G concentrations were higher in precolostrum and colostrum compared to mature milk. High amylase and lysozyme activity was also observed in precolostrum. The activity of these enzymes decreased steadily until the third day postpartum, after which the activity levels stabilized at constant values ​​during the first month of life, providing the newborn with the protection it needs.

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