Biochemical characterization of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) milk lysozyme

Lysozyme, a low-molecular weight basic protein, is an important component of the antibacterial system in milk. Lysozyme activity is higher in buffalo milk (60±3·9×10−3 units/ml) than in bovine milk (29·1±1·5×10−3 units/ml). Buffalo colostrum contains five-times more lysozyme activity than mature milk (Priyadarshini & Kansal, 2002a). Lysozyme activity in buffalo milk is not influenced by the parity of animal or stage of lactation, but it increases during extreme weather (winter and summer). Lysozyme in buffalo milk is more stable than in cow milk during storage and heat treatment. A sharp increase in milk lysozyme has been observed in buffaloes with sub-clinical mastitis (Priyadarshini & Kansal, 2002a).