Milk yield and immune protein profiles in colostrum and milk of indigenous syrian Golani and Golani × Friesian crossbred cows

Immunoglobulins and lactoferrin are important bioactive components of bovine colostrum and milk and play a key role in providing passive immunity to newborn calves as well as in protecting the mammary gland. Indigenous cattle breeds may differ from crossbred dairy cattle in their immune-related milk composition due to genetic adaptation to local environmental conditions and differences in milk production potential. In the current study, the concentrations of immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, and IgM) and lactoferrin were measured in the colostrum and milk samples of native Syrian Golani cows and Golani × Friesian (F3) crossbred cows, and the influences of breed type, parity, lactation stage, and type of milk were evaluated. The study was conducted in field conditions on ten Golani cows and ten crossbred Golani x Friesian (F3) cows in their second and third lactation in southwestern Syria. Colostrum was collected on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 after parturition. Thereafter, milk samples were collected every two weeks throughout the complete lactation. The concentrations of immunoglobulins and lactoferrin were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Linear mixed models were used for statistical analysis. The level of immunoglobulins and lactoferrin observed in the Golani cows was greater than that found in crossbred cows, with significantly higher concentrations of IgM ( P < 0.01) and lactoferrin ( P < 0.05) during the overall lactation period and significantly higher colostral IgM ( P < 0.05) and lactoferrin ( P < 0.01) concentrations during the early postpartum period. After the colostrum period, immunoglobulin and lactoferrin levels decreased progressively; however, Golani cows maintained significantly higher IgG ( P < 0.01) and lactoferrin ( P < 0.001) concentrations than crossbred cows, whereas Golani × Friesian (F3) cows exhibited significantly greater milk yield ( P < 0.001). Milk from Syrian Golani cows was characterized by a stronger immune-related protein profile, while Golani × Friesian (F3) cows exhibited greater milk productivity. These results point to a balance between milk yield and immunological milk quality and emphasize the importance of native Golani cattle as a valuable genetic resource for breeding, conservation, and sustainable dairy production.