Protein Production in the Bovine. Daily Production of the Specific Milk Proteins during the Lactation Period

Abstract

The daily production levels of [alpha]-casein, [beta]-casein, [alpha]-lactalbumin, and [beta]-lactoglobulin tended to be closely related to each other during the entire lactation period and reached a maximum about 5 days after parturition. Little relationship existed between the levels of these 4 proteins and those of gamma-casein, the immune globulins, and milk serum albumin. Unlike the synthesis of fat, lactose and total milk volume, which reaches a maximum about a month after parturition, these studies suggest that maximum protein synthesis is attained in the bovine mammary gland about 5 days after parturition.