Characterization of bacterial populations from Murciano-Granadina goat colostrum

Bacterial populations present in goat colostrum samples were examined in order to determine the sanitary quality and the presence of potentially probiotic lactic acid bacteria. Both culture-dependent and culture-independent (PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE)) methods were used. The results obtained from PCR-DGGE analysis demonstrated the presence of bacterial species belonging to the lactic acid bacteria group, including Lactococcus lactis, Lactobacillus delbrueckii, Lactobacillus fermentum and Pediococcus acidilactici, and others belonging to the Staphylococcus, Enterobacter and Escherichia genera. Enrichment cultures confirmed the presence of these bacterial groups, and in addition, growth on selective media for enterococci and streptococci was observed. It was concluded that goat colostrum has microbial characteristics comparable to those of human colostrum, being an important source of lactic acid bacteria and other related bacteria. It makes goat colostrum an interesting source of potentially probiotic bacteria, which will contribute to finding new potential uses for this product and will benefit livestock farms.