The present disclosure relates to improved expanded bed adsorption processes for isolating proteins from milk sources. In particular embodiments, the present disclosure provides a process for isolating a milk protein, such as lactoferrin, from a milk source comprising establishing an expanded bed adsorption column comprising a particulate matrix, applying a milk source to the matrix, and eluting the lactoferrin from the matrix with an elution buffer comprising about 0.3 to about 2.0 M sodium chloride.
