RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Rapid changes in Atlantic grey seal milk from birth to desertion
JF bioRxiv
FD Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
SP 170514
DO 10.1101/170514
A1 Amanda D. Lowe
A1 Sami Bawazeer
A1 David G. Watson
A1 Suzanne McGill
A1 Richard J.S. Burchmore
A1 P.P (Paddy) Pomeroy
A1 Malcolm W. Kennedy
YR 2017
UL http://biorxiv.org/content/early/2017/08/01/170514.abstract
AB True seals have the shortest lactation periods of any group of placental mammal. Most are capital breeders that undergo short, intense lactations, during which they fast while transferring substantial proportions of their body reserves to their pups, which they then abruptly desert. Milk was collected from Atlantic grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) periodically from birth until near desertion. Milk protein profiles matured within 24 hours or less, indicating the most rapid transition from colostrum to mature phase lactation yet observed. There was an unexpected persistence of immunoglobulin G almost until weaning, potentially indicating prolonged trans-intestinal transfer of IgG. Among components of innate immune protection were found fucosyllactose and siallylactose that are thought to impede colonisation by pathogens and encourage an appropriate gut microbiome. These oligosaccharides decreased from early lactation to almost undetectable levels by weaning. Taurine levels were initially high, then fell, possibly indicative of taurine dependency in seals, and progressive depletion of maternal reserves. Metabolites that could signal changes in the mother’s metabolism of fats, such as nicotinamide and derivatives, rose from virtual absence, and acetylcarnitines fell. It is therefore possible that indicators of maternal metabolic strain exist that signal the imminence of desertion.