A healthy gut microbiome is crucial for the development, growth, and health of dairy calves; however, diarrhea in pre-weaned calves is highly prevalent, difficult to treat, and causes detrimental effects to the dairy industry. This study characterized early gut microbiota using longread-based 16S rRNA gene sequencing and investigated its associations with calf diarrhea and colostrum microbiota. The full-length 16S rRNA gene was amplified and sequenced on a Nanopore sequencer. We identified shared bacterial species in colostrum and calf feces, whose abundance in calf feces reduced with age. Diarrheic calves exhibited differing gut diversity before, during, and after diarrhea, and harbored increased bacteria resistant to the Cefotaxime antibiotic. Several bacterial species were associated with age and calf health. Additionally, a machine learning model identified bacteria to predict diarrhea. This study will be useful for the goal of reducing antibiotic use to promote gut health and prevent and treat neonatal calf diarrhea.

Le colostrum bovin contient de nombreuses molécules biologiquement actives, telles que les immunoglobulines et les facteurs de croissance, qui ont des applications potentielles en tant que produits de santé ou nutraceutiques. L'extraction des composés bioactifs du colostrum se fait généralement selon deux types de procédés : la chromatographic et la séparation sur membrane, qui sont des procédés longs et coûteux. Bien souvent, la séparation des composés bioactifs du colostrum exige aussi la précipitation et l'élimination des micelles de caséine avant toute autre opération de fractionnement, ce qui alourdi les procédés d'extraction. Le but de cette recherche était donc de développer une nouvelle approche technologique de fractionnement en utilisant le potentiel du colostrum bovin pour la fabrication d'ingrédients enrichis en facteurs de croissance. La séparation des micelles de caséine a aussi été étudiée puisque qu'elle est un préalable au fractionnement du colostrum. Les résultats démontrent que l'addition au colostrum bovin de polysaccharides anioniques tels que la carraghénane A, et la pectine à des concentrations respectives de 0,08 % et de 0,3 %, permet de produire du sérocolostrum par précipitation des micelles de caséine. Selon le type de polysaccharide utilisé, il est possible de générer des sérocolostrums appauvris ou enrichis en facteurs de croissance, comparativement au colostrum initial. L'analyse des profils protéiques révèle aussi une séparation sélective des protéines sériques. Ces résultats autorisent deux méthodes de fractionnement des facteurs de croissance dépendamment de la voie choisie : concentration des caséines ou du sérocolostrum. Des essais pilote ont été effectués afin d'évaluer les possibilités de mise à l'échelle et de transfert des approches proposées pour la fabrication d'ingrédients enrichis en facteurs de croissance. Les résultats mettent en évidence des différences sur les divers ingrédients fabriqués notamment au niveau des teneurs en facteurs de croissance et de la bioactivité. Le type de colostrum utilisé, commercial ou natif, a aussi son importance puisque des différences sont observées au niveau des caractéristiques des ingrédients enrichis générés. Mais les résultats montrent qu'il est possible de produire des ingrédients enrichis en facteurs de croissance à grande échelle et ce, d'une manière simple. La bioactivité des ingrédients générés laisse entrevoir la possibilité d'utiliser ces ingrédients comme produits de santé car ils sont actifs dans des modèles de prolifération cellulaire. Cela offre des solutions alternatives aux traitements traditionnels de certaines maladies de la peau comme le psoriasis.

Weaning is one of the most critical periods in pig production due to a high susceptibility to gut disorders and infections induced by psychological, social, environmental and dietary stresses interfering with gut development and adaptation. This period was managed for decades by incorporating antibiotics in the diet. However, the European Union implemented a full ban on in-feed antibiotics since 1 January 2006. In this context, many alternatives are studied. We chose to study bovine colostrum for its richness in essential nutrients but also in bioactive peptides known for their growth promoting and antimicrobial properties in the calf but also in other species (poultry, pig, human). It was also selected for its high disponibility (Banque de colostrum, CER, Marloie, Belgium). The objective of this thesis is to investigate the potential of the use of bovine colostrum in the newly-weaned piglet diet and its mechanism of action. This thesis is composed of two parts : In the first part, the effects of bovine colostrum on growth performances, feed intake and physiological parameters were studied in two experiments. In the first experiment, 24 newly weaned piglets were fed daily a diet supplemented with 0, 1 or 5 g of defatted bovine colostrum. Our measures on the immune system showed that bovine colostrum could influence the development of the IgA response by potentiating a Th2 response in the ileal Peyer patch. In the digestive tract, no effects were shown on the morphology of the intestinal wall but a local anti-colostral immunisation was observed. In a second experiment, we demonstrated the efficiency of a 2 % bovine colostrum whey supplementation in weaning piglet diet to reduce the post-weaning growth check and undernutrition. The blood parameters showed a systemic IgA response, confirming previous results, and a higher IGF-I level in the colostrum-fed piglets the first week post-weaning. No effects on the faecal E. coli population were recorded. In the second part of this thesis, different ways to make the use of bovine colostrum more cost-effective for pig production were studied. It was shown that it was possible to maintain the same efficiency while reducing the dose of supplementation from 2 to 1 % and the period of administration from 28 to 10 days and replacing bovine colostrum whey by defatted bovine colostrum, a product 50 % less expensive to produce. Le sevrage est une des périodes les plus critiques en production porcine à cause d'une plus forte sensibilité des animaux aux problèmes intestinaux et aux infections suite aux stress psychologique, social, environnemental et alimentaire interférant avec le développement du tube digestif. Cette période délicate a été maîtrisée durant des décennies par l'incorporation d'antibiotiques dans l'aliment. Cependant, depuis le 1er Janvier 2006, cette pratique est totalement interdite dans l'Union Européenne. Dans ce contexte, de nombreuses alternatives sont étudiées. Nous avons choisi le colostrum bovin pour sa richesse en éléments essentiels et surtout en peptides bioactifs connus pour leurs propriétés promotrices de croissance et antimicrobiennes chez le bovin mais également chez d'autres espèces (poulet, porc, homme). Il a également été retenu pour sa grande disponibilité (banque de colostrum, CER, Marloie, Belgique). L'objectif de cette thèse est d'évaluer l'intérêt d'utiliser du colostrum bovin dans l'alimentation du porcelet au sevrage et d'étudier son mécanisme d'action. La thèse se compose de deux parties : Dans la première partie, les effets d'une supplémentation en colostrum bovin sur les performances, l'ingestion et certains paramètres physiologiques ont été étudiés au cours de deux expériences. Au cours d'une première expérience, un aliment supplémenté quotidiennement avec 0, 1 ou 5 g de colostrum bovin dégraissé a été testé. Au niveau immunitaire, nos mesures ont montré une influence du colostrum bovin sur le développement de la réponse en IgA en induisant une réponse de type Th2 au niveau de la plaque de Peyer iléale. Dans le tube digestif, aucun effet n'a été observé sur la morphologie de la paroi intestinale, mais une immunisation locale anti-colostrale a été mise en évidence. Une seconde expérience a démontré l'efficacité d'une supplémentation de 2 % de sérum de colostrum dans l'aliment pour réduire la perte de poids et la sous-alimentation provoquées par le sevrage. Les paramètres sanguins ont montré une augmentation des IgA, confirmant nos résultats précédents, et un taux en IGF-I plus important chez les porcelets recevant le colostrum. Par contre, aucun effet n'a été observé sur la population d'E. Coli fécale. Dans la seconde partie de la thèse, différents moyens de réduire le coût de la supplémentation en colostrum bovin ont été étudiés. Il a été démontré qu'il était possible de maintenir l'efficacité du colostrum tout en réduisant la dose (de 2 % à 1 %) et la durée de supplémentation (de 28 à 10 jours) et en remplaçant le sérum de colostrum par du colostrum dégraissé, un produit 50 % moins cher.

Call number: LD2668 .T4 1986 B36 / Master of Science

Sixty-two newborn Holstein-Friesian calves were used to study the role of colostrokinin, serum cortisol, and serum thyroxine in the absorption of maternal immunoglobulin. Calves were removed from their dams prior to suckling and assigned one of four rations: colostrum, whole milk, milk plus colostral immunoglobulin, and milk plus immunoglobulin plus colostrokinin. Calves were fed their assigned ration either at birth or after twelve hours inanition. All calves were fed pooled colostrum at 24 hours postpartum. Blood samples were collected at seventeen times during the first 32 hours postpartum. Calves were born with high cortisol concentrations (88 ng/ml) which decreased (P < .05) within two hours postfeeding. Serum cortisol levels increased (P < .05) between two and three hours after calves ingested a colostral source of immunoglobulin. Time of initial feeding had no effect on the cortisol surge. No such increase was observed in neonates consuming an immunoglobulin-free milk ration. These results demonstrate that the immunoglobulin fraction of colostrum is responsible for initiating an increase in cortisol secretion by the adrenal cortex. Within four hours postpartum, serum thyroxine concentrations increased (P < .05) at least 50% in all treatment groups regardless of whether the calves were fed or fasted. After peaking at 18 μg/dL, the serum thyroxine concentrations fell gradually throughout the duration of the collection period. Colostrokinin exhibited a biphasic effect on serum immunoglobulin concentrations which was dependent on the initial time of feeding. Calves exposed to colostrokinin in 0 hour feedings had serum immunoglobulin G concentrations significantly higher (P < .05) after 16 hours postpartum than animals not fed colostrokinin. Fasted calves, exposed to colostrokinin at 12 hours postpartum, had no increase in serum immunoglobulin G concentrations following a colostrum feeding at 24 hours postpartum. Fasted calves fed a ration not containing colostrokinin exhibited a two-fold increase in serum immunoglobulin G concentrations after the 24 hour colostrum feeding. Colostrokinin did not have an immediate effect on serum immunoglobulin G concentrations, but required an approximate twelve hour period to manifest its regulatory function. The presence or absence of colostrokinin in the experimental rations did not have any effect on the cortisol or thyroxine profiles. The variable serum immunoglobulin G profiles suggest that colostrokinin is involved in the acquisition of passive immunity by the calf, but colostrokinin may have more than one physiological role.

Call number: LD2668 .T4 1986 N48 / Master of Science / Animal Science and Industry

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a transferência de imunidade passiva, saúde e o desempenho de bezerros colostrados com diferentes doses de imunoglobulinas provenientes do substituto de colostro SCCL&#174; ou colostro materno. Os animais foram separados das mães imediatamente após o nascimento. Cinquenta bezerros da raça holandesa (machos e fêmeas) foram alocados em blocos casualizados de acordo com sexo, peso ao nascer e data de nascimento e distribuídos em diferentes protocolos de colostragem: 1) 2L de colostro materno (2CM); 2) 4L de colostro materno (4CM); 3) 2L de colostro materno + uma dose do substituto de colostro (2MC1SC); 4) 2 doses substituto de colostro ao nascer (2SC); e 5) 2 doses substituto de colostro ao nascer + uma dose substituto de colostro entre 6 a 8 horas após nascimento (3SC). Foram colhidas amostras de sangue ao nascimento, antes do fornecimento do colostro (0h) e com 48h após a ingestão do colostro para avaliar a transferência de imunidade passiva. Durante o período de aleitamento os bezerros receberam 6L/d de sucedâneo, tiveram acesso ad libitum à água e concentrado e foram alojados em abrigos individuais, tipo tropical. O consumo de concentrado foi avaliado diariamente, e semanalmente avaliou-se o peso e medidas corporais. A saúde dos animais foi monitorada diariamente e a incidência de diarreia foi avaliada através do escore fecal. Durante o aleitamento as amostras de sangue foram colhidas a cada 14 dias, para determinação de proteína total, albumina, glicose, BHBA, AGNE e insulina. A transferência de imunidade passiva não foi afetada pelos protocolos de colostragem (P>0,05). No entanto, doses mais elevadas de colostro resultaram em maior ingestão de imunoglobulinas, porém reduz a eficiência aparente de absorção (P <0,0001). Da mesma forma, os protocolos de colostragem não afetaram os parâmetros de saúde como escore fecal (P=0,5873), dias com diarreia (P=0,3685), dias com febre (P=0,7072); número de tratamentos para diarreia (P=0,8499) e o número de tratamentos para pneumonia (P>0,005). No entanto, afetou o número de tratamentos contra tristeza parasitária bovina (P=0,0042). O peso médio e o GMD, assim como os parâmetros sanguíneos avaliados durante o aleitamento, não foram afetados pelos protocolos de colostragem (P> 0,05). O substituto de colostro avaliado no presente estudo pode ser uma alternativa ao colostro materno, uma vez que, tanto o colostro materno como o substituto de colostro foram eficientes na transferência de imunidade passiva, resultando em desempenho similar mesmo em condições de alto desafio sanitário. / The objective of the present study was to evaluate the passive transfer of immunity (PTI), health and performance of calves fed different doses of immunoglobulins from the SCCL&#174; colostrum replacer or maternal colostrum. The animals were separated from the mothers immediately after birth. Fifty holstein calves (male and female) were allocated in randomized blocks according to sex, birth weight and date of birth and were distributed among different colostrum feeding protocols: 1) 2L of maternal colostrum (2MC); 2) 4L of maternal colostrum (4MC); 3) 2L of maternal colostrum + one dose of colostrum replacer (1MC+1CR); 4) 2 doses of colostrum replacer (2CR) and 5) 2 doses of colostrum replacer given at birth + one dose of colostrum replacer given between 6 and 8 hours after birth (3CR). Blood samples were taken at birth, before colostrum fed (0h) and at 48h after colostrum intake to assess passive immunity transfer. Calves were individually housed and bucket fed 6L/d of milk replacer, and had ad libitum access to water and starter. Starter intake was measured daily, and weekly assessed weight and body measurements. Animal health was monitored daily and the incidence of diarrhea was assessed by fecal score. During the pre-weaning, blood samples were harvested every 14 days to for determination of total protein, albumin, glucose, BHBA, NEFA and insulin. The passive transfer of immunity was not affected by colostrum feeding protocols (P>0.05). However, higher doses of colostrum resulted in higher immunoglobulins intake, but lower apparent efficiency absorption (P<0.0001). Similarly, the colostrum feeding protocols did not affect health parameters (P>0.05), such as fecal score (P=0,5873), days with diarrhea (P=0,3685), days with fever (P=0,7072), number of treatments for diarrhea (P=0,8499) and number of treatments for pneumonia (P>0,005). However, affected the number of treatments for cattle tick fever (P=0.0042). The mean weight and ADG, as well as the blood parameters evaluated during pre-weaning were not affected by the colostrum feeding protocols (P> 0.05).The colostrum replacer evaluated in this study may be an alternative to maternal colostrum, once the, both maternal colostrum and colostrum replacer were efficient in the transfer of passive immunity, resulting in similar performance even under conditions of high sanitary challenge.

O selênio durante a fase fetal e na lactação é de vital importância para o correto desenvolvimento dos sistemas imunológico, muscular e antioxidante dos potros. Existe pouca informação na literatura a qual seria a melhor fonte e o melhor momento para suplementar eqüino, assim como qual o grau de transferência placentária ou colostral. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a capacidade de transferência placentária e colostral de duas fontes dietéticas de selênio, utilizando como parâmetros os níveis plasmáticos de éguas e potros, e do colostro e do leite. Foram utilizadas 24 éguas gestantes, divididas em três grupos iguais e distribuídas seguindo um delineamento inteiramente casualizado. Grupo I suplementado por via oral com selenito de sódio como fonte inorgânica, grupo II suplementado por via oral com selenometionina como fonte orgânica, e grupo III controle, sem suplementação. A suplementação teve início no último terço da gestação até o sétimo dia pós-parto. Foram colhidas amostras de sangue das éguas, no dia do inicio do teste e no dia do parto, dos potros do nascimento e sétimo dia, e do leite no primeiro e sétimo dia pós-parto. A quantidade de selênio no colostro foi maior (p<0,05) no grupo suplementado com selenito de sódio (59,18 ± 14,5) quando comparada ao grupo do selenometionina (24,27 ±15,9). No plasma dos potros foi observada uma maior (p<0,05) presença de selênio naqueles animais do grupo suplementado com selenito de sódio (61,7 ± 34,4), quando comparada ao grupo do selenometionina (36,7 ± 17,3). Foi possível concluir que o selenito de sódio apresenta maior taxa de transferência placentária e colostral que o selenometionina, resultando em níveis colostrais e plasmáticos maiores, tanto nas éguas quanto nos potros. / Selenium is of vital importance for the correct development of immunologic, muscular and antioxidant systems of foals. There is not much information in literature about the best source and the best moment to supplement equines as well as to the level of placenta and colostrums transference. The objective was evaluate the capacity of placenta and colostrums transference of two dietetic sources of selenium, using plasma levels of mares and foals and colostrums and milk as parameters. Twenty four pregnant mares were studied, divided in three equal groups and distributed according to randomized design. Group I was supplemented with sodium selenite as inorganic source, group II was supplemented selenometionine as organic source, in equal quantities, from the beginning of the last third of gestation until the seventh day after birth and group III was control. The quantity of selenium in the colostrums was higher (p<0,05) in the group supplemented with sodium selenite (59,18 ± 14,5) when compared to the selenometionine group (24,27 ±15,9). In the plasma of foals it was observed a higher (p<0,05) presence of selenium than in those animals of the group supplemented with sodium selenite (61,7 ± 34,4) when compared to the selenometionine group (36,7 ± 17,3). The results of this study are that the sodium selenite presents higher taxe of placenta and colostrums transference than selenometionine, resulting in higher colostrums and plasmatic levels in mares and foals.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito do suplemento de colostro (SC) associado ao colostro materno (CM) de alta ou média qualidade na saúde e desempenho de bezerros leiteiros. No primeiro experimento foram utilizados 44 machos da raça Holandesa, distribuídos nos tratamentos: 1) CM de alta qualidade fornecido em volume correspondente a 15% do peso ao nascer (PN); 2) CM de média qualidade (15%PN) e 3) CM de média qualidade (15% PN) + SC. O protocolo de colostragem afetou a concentração de proteína total nas primeiras 48 horas de vida e durante a fase de aleitamento (P<0,05). Em relação a saúde, o protocolo de colostragem não afetou o escore fecal, bem como o número de dias com diarreia, dias com febre e dias de hidratação (P>0,05); no entanto, os animais que receberam CM de alta qualidade foram medicados por um menor número de dias (P<0,05). O consumo e o desempenho não foram afetados pelos tratamentos (P>0,05), embora tenha ocorrido efeito de idade (P<0,0001). O fornecimento de suplemento de colostro associado ao CM de média qualidade não afetou a transferência de imunidade passiva, o desempenho ou o metabolismo dos animais durante o período de aleitamento. No segundo experimento foram utilizadas 80 fêmeas da raça Holandesa nos seguintes tratamentos: 1) CM de alta qualidade fornecido em volume correspondente a 15% PN; e 2) CM de alta qualidade (15% PN) + SC. Não houve diferença na qualidade do colostro ingerido pelos animais (P>0,05). Os parâmetros sanguíneos nas primeiras 24 horas não foram afetados pelos tratamentos (P>0,05). O consumo e o desempenho não foram afetados pela administração do suplemento de colostro (P>0,05), no entanto houve efeito de idade para ambos os parâmetros (P<0,0001). Em relação à saúde, o fornecimento adicional de Ig não afetou os dias com diarreia, dias com febre ou dias medicados (P>0,05). A taxa de mortalidade observada durante o experimento foi de 2,5%. O consumo adicional de Ig através do fornecimento de suplemento de colostro em associação ao colostro materno de alta qualidade não melhorou a imunidade, bem como não afetou o desempenho ou a saúde de bezerros leiteiros. No terceiro experimento, foram utilizadas 67 fêmeas da raça Holandesa ou mestiças Girolando nos seguintes tratamentos: 1) CM de alta qualidade fornecido em volume correspondente a 10% PN; e 2) CM de alta qualidade (10% PN) + SC. O consumo e o desempenho não foram afetados pelo SC (P>0,05). O escore fecal também não foi afetado (P>0,05), mas observou-se maior frequência de animais com escore de desidratação nas 2ª e 3ª semana de vida, quando os escores fecais foram mais altos para todos os tratamentos. Houve uma maior porcentagem de animais suplementados sendo medicados devido a diarreias na segunda semana de vida. Houve maior frequência dos animais do grupo não suplementado com escore 1 de descarga nasal nas semanas 3 a 7. O consumo adicional de imunoglobulinas através do fornecimento de suplemento de colostro em associação ao colostro materno de alta qualidade não afetou o desempenho ou a saúde dos animais. / The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of colostrum supplement (CS) associated with maternal colostrum (MC) of high and medium quality on health and performance of calves. In the first experiment 44 Holstein males were used in the following treatments: 1) high quality MC provided in a volume corresponding to 15% of birth weight (BW); 2) medium quality MC (15% BW) and 3) medium quality MC (15% BW) + CS. Colostrum feeding protocol affected the total protein concentration in the first 48 hours of life (P<0.05). As regard to animal health, colostrum feeding protocol did not affect the fecal score, the number of days with diarrhea, days with fever and hydration days (P>0.05); however, animals that received high quality colostrum were treated for a shorter number of days (P<0.05). The concentrate intake and performance were not affected by the supply of CS (P>0.05) and were increased over the weeks (P<0.0001). Feeding the colostrum supplement associated with the medium quality MC did not affect the transfer of passive immunity, performance or metabolism of animals during the liquid-feeding phase. In the second trial, 80 Holstein females were assigned to two treatments: 1) high quality MC, supplied in a volume corresponding to 15% BW; and 2) high quality MC (15% BW) + CS. There was no difference in the quality of colostrum ingested by animals (P> 0.05). Blood parameters during the first 24h were not affected by treatments (P>0.05). The concentrate intake and performance were not affected by the administration of CS (P> 0.05), however there was an age effect (P <0.0001). With regard to health, the additional supply of Ig did not affect the number of days with diarrhea, days with fever or medicated days (P> 0.05). The mortality rate observed during the experiment was 2.5%. The additional intake of Ig via CS in combination with high quality MC have not improved immunity or affected the performance and health of dairy calves. In the third trial, 67 female Holstein or Holstein x Gir were assigned to two treatments: 1) high quality MC supplied in c volume corresponding to 10% BW; and 2) high quality MC (10% BW) + CS. Concentrate intake and performance were not affected by feeding a CS (P> 0.05). The fecal score was not affected by the CS (P> 0.05), but there was a higher frequency of animals with dehydration score during the 2nd and 3rd week of life, when the fecal scores were higher for both treatments. There was a higher percentage of supplemented animals being medicated because of diarrhea during the second week of life. There was a higher frequency of animals in the non-supplemented group with nasal discharge score 1 in weeks 3 to 7. The additional consumption of immunoglobulins through the colostrum supplement feeding in combination with high quality colostrum did not affect the performance or the health of animals.

Após o nascimento, os recém-nascidos são expostos a vários tipos de micro-organismos, que podem determinar um processo infeccioso devido a sua imaturidade imunológica. Dentro deste processo, a amamentação tem um papel importante pela transferência passiva de imunoglobulina A (IgA). A cavidade oral é a principal porta de entrada destes agentes, especialmente os estreptococos, sendo que alguns colonizam inicialmente como Streptococcus gordonii (SGO), S. sanguinis (SSA) e S. mitis (SMI) e outros podem causar doenças, como S. mutans (SM), por ser o principal agente etiológico da cárie dentária. Pouco se sabe sobre a especificidade de IgA do colostro contra antígenos importantes destes estreptococos, o que pode ajudar na investigação dos mecanismos de estimulação antigênica e desenvolvimento da resposta imune de mucosa. Para tanto, foi avaliado no presente estudo, a especificidade e os níveis de IgA três antígenos de virulência de SM: glucan binding protein B (gbpB), glicosiltransferase (GTF) e antígeno I/II (Ag I/II) envolvidos na capacidade destas bactérias de aderir e acumular no biofilme. Além disso, as glicosiltransferases: 153 kDa de SGO e 170 kDa de SSA e IgA1- protease de SMI (220 kDa) em amostras de colostro humano. Um total de 77 amostras de colostro foram analisadas quanto aos níveis de immunoglobulian A, M e G por ELISA. A complexidade da IgA contra as bactérias foram analisadas por Western blot. Os resultados mostraram que a concentração média de IgA foi de 2850,2 (±2567,2) mg/100 mL sendo estatisticamente maior (p<0.05) dos níveis de IgM e de IgG (respectivamente 321,8±90,3 e 88,3± 51,5 mg/100 mL). A maioria das amostras tiveram níveis detectáveis de anticorpos IgA para extratos de antígenos de bactérias e seus antígenos de virulência, apresentando um elevado número de bandas reativas. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante no número médio de IgA reativas a Ags entre os antígenos (p>0.4). A detecção de gbpB foi significativamente menor do que os outros antígenos de SM (p<0.05). Assim, o leite materno das primeiras horas após o nascimento apresentou níveis significativos de IgA contra importantes antígenos de virulência dos estreptococos orais estudados, que pode sugerir que a amamentação antes da erupção dos dentes pode interferir no processo de instalação e acumulação destes microorganismos na cavidade oral. / After birth, newborn babies are exposed to several types of microorganisms that can determine an infectious process due to their immunological immaturity. In this case, the feeding plays an important role by passive transfering of immunoglobulin A (IgA). The oral cavity is the main gateway of these agents, especially streptococci, some initially colonize as Streptococcus gordonii (SGO), S. sanguinis (SSA) and S. mitis (SMI) and others can cause diseases such as S. mutans (SM), as the main agent of tooth decay. Little is known about the specific IgA against major antigens of these streptococci which can help in the investigation of antigenic stimulation mechanisms and development of mucosal immune response. Therefore, we evaluated in this study, the specificity and levels of IgA from colostrum against three SM virulence antigens: glucan binding protein B (gbpB), glycosyltransferase (GTF) and antigen I/II (Ag I/II) involved in capacity these bacteria to adhere to and accumulate in the biofilm. Also, the glycosyltransferases: 153 kDa-SGO and 170 kDa-SSA and IgA1- protease of SMI (220 kDa). This study involved 77 samples of colostrum that were analyzed for levels of immunoglobulian A, M and G by Elisa. The specificity of IgA against extracts of SM and initials colonizators (SSA, SMI, SGO) were analyzed by the western blot. The mean concentration of IgA was 2850.2 (± 2567.2) mg/100ml followed by IgM and IgG (respectively 321.8 ± 90.3 and 88.3 ± 51.5), statistically different (p<0.05). Results showed that the majority of samples had detectable levels of IgA antibodies to extracts of bacteria antigens and theirs virulence antigens. To SM, the GbpB was significantly lower detected than others antigens of SM (p<0.05). High complexities of response to Ags were identified in the samples. There were no significant differences in the mean number of IgA-reactive Ags between the antigens (p>0.4). So, the breast milk from first hours after birth presented significant levels of IgA specific against important virulence of antigens those oral streptococci, which can disrupt the installation and accumulation process of these microorganisms in the oral cavity.