ABSTRACT
The immunoglobulins are produced in the mammary glands by plasma cells, which gain access to the secretory system through migration from adjacent tissue sites. Neonates generally have a limited amount of time (24 to 36 hours following birth) with which to assimilate these proteins through the gut wall. Additional antimicrobial factors found in colostrum are lactoferrin, which binds iron and is bacteriostatic, and lysozyme, which attacks the walls of bacteria. The immunoglobulins as well as these latter protective agents found in colostrum are also natural secretory products of the salivary glands.
