The effects of ultrasonication, fermentation with Lactobacillus sp., and dehydration on the chemical composition and microbial contamination of bovine colostrum.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of ultrasonication, fermentation with Lactobacillus plantarum LUHS135 and Lactobacillus paracasei LUHS244, and different methods of dehydration on the chemical composition of bovine colostrum (BC), including the fatty acid and free amino acid profile and the content of micro- and macroelements. In addition, we analyzed the changes in lactic acid bacteria count, microbial contamination (aerobic mesophilic spore-forming bacteria, enterobacteria including Escherichia coli, and fungi/yeasts), the abundance of biogenic amines, and the concentration of nucleotide monophosphates. Significant effects of different treatments on the free amino acid profile were established, and an increase of lysine concentration by 1.2 to 95.9% was observed in treated BC. All of the treatments reduced the concentration of cadaverine, histamine, and tyramine in BC. The concentrations of macro- and microelements in BC followed the following order Ca > Na > K > Mg and Zn > Fe > Sr > Ba > Mn > Cu > Al > Se > Mo > Cr > Ni > Sn > Co > Pb > Cd. By combining the fermentation with Lactobacillus plantarum strain LUHS135 and vacuum drying, it was possible to increase the abundance of nucleotide monophosphates by more than 100%. All of the treatments reduced the microbial contamination of BC. Thus, the combination of ultrasonication, fermentation, and dehydration can be used for improving the properties and safety of BC.