Lipid Analyses of Bovine Teat Canal Keratin

Abstract

The lipids of teat canal keratin collected from Holstein cows classified as to susceptibility to experimental challenge of Streptococcus agalactiae were analyzed, to determine a possible relationship to mastitis. The lipids were extracted from dried keratin and separated into component classes: hydrocarbons, sterol esters, triglycerides, sterols, and phospholipids. The isolated lipid classes were analyzed for C12 to C18 fatty acids by gas-liquid chromatography. To obtain enough keratin for study, 12 to 16 collections per cow and teat were pooled. In this study the average of fresh material per collection was 7.8 mg. The average of the total lipid content of dry keratin was 36.3% versus 90.9%, reported previously. No relationship between amount of lipids in the individual classes or individual fatty acids (C12 to C18) present in these classes to the degree of susceptibility was noted. © 1966, American Dairy Science Association. All rights reserved.