Impact of Bovine Lipocalin-2 Gene on the Antioxidant Activity of Milk from Polish Holstein-Friesian Cows

In the recent years, antioxidant properties of food products have become an important aspect for consumers. Milk is a very good source of easily absorbable proteins and minerals, as well as a valuable source of antioxidants. Lipocalin-2 (LCN2), given that, inter alia, it is produced in large quantities by various types of cells in response to oxidative stress caused by physical or chemical factors, it can be considered a protein that determines the total antioxidant capacity of milk. The main objective of this study was to analyze polymorphisms within the lipocalin-2 gene and to determine their impact on antioxidant activity of milk from Holstein-Friesian cows. The genotyping was carried out by sequencing of PCR products. To determine the antioxidant activity of milk, the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) method was used. A total of four polymorphic sites were identified in the examined segment of the bovine lipocalin-2 gene. It was shown that cows of the CC genotype at the locus g.98793763G>C produced milk of significantly higher antioxidant capacity. The antioxidant capacity of milk also varied according to the age of cows, their daily milk yield, and SCC in milk.