Characterisation of proteins in the milk of fur seals
Milk protein composition was investigated throughout the lactation periods of the Australian fur seal ( Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus ) and Antarctic fur seal ( Arctocephalus gazella ). The mean protein content of the milk was found to be 10.9% and 10.6% respectively. The concentration of total p...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Other Non-Article Part of Journal/Newspaper |
| Language: | unknown |
| Published: |
2005
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://hdl.handle.net/10536/DRO/DU:30008863 https://figshare.com/articles/journal_contribution/Characterisation_of_proteins_in_the_milk_of_fur_seals/20559402 |
| Summary: | Milk protein composition was investigated throughout the lactation periods of the Australian fur seal ( Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus ) and Antarctic fur seal ( Arctocephalus gazella ). The mean protein content of the milk was found to be 10.9% and 10.6% respectively. The concentration of total protein did not change during lactation, although a decline in casein content of the milk in late lactation was apparent. Milk protein concentration during a foraging/suckling cycle of the Antarctic fur seal analysed at the time of arrival on shore, and 24 h and 72 h after arrival was 12.8%, 11.4% and 12.5% respectively. Re-feeding animals at 72 h resulted in a significant increase in milk protein content to 14.9%. Characterisation of milk protein by SDS-PAGE analysis revealed 5 casein and 10 major whey protein bands. Amino-terminal sequencing indicated that the majority of the whey fraction of the milk is β-lactoglobulin (β-LG). The limited amino acid sequence indicated 3 different β-LGs were secreted in the milk. Subsequently, RT-PCR was used to extend the sequence of one of the β-LGs and translation of the 464 bp fragment indicated that it shared 79% sequence identity with feline β-LG II. |
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