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The milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) is a complex structure with numerous functions, and its composition is affected by many factors. There have been few systematic investigations on goat MFGM proteome profiling during lactation. Individual milk samples from 15 healthy dairy goats were obtained at six lactation time points for investigation of the MFGM proteome using both data-independent acquisition (DIA) and data-dependent acquisition (DDA) proteomics techniques combined with multivariate statistical analysis. Using the DIA method, 890 variably abundant MFGM proteins were discovered throughout the lactation cycle. From 1 to 240 d, butyrophilin subfamily 1 member A1, lipoprotein lipase, perilipin-2, and adipose triglyceride lipase were upregulated, while APOE, complement C3, clusterin, and IgG were downregulated. Furthermore, from 1 to 90 d, annexin A1, annexin A2, and antithrombin-III were downregulated, then upregulated by d 240. Albumin had a high degree of connectedness, indicating that it was a key protein, according to protein–protein interaction research. Overall, our findings gave new insights into the biological features of MFGM protein in goat milk throughout lactation, which may aid in the creation of specialized MFGM products and infant formula.

ABSTRACT: The distribution of mineral elements in milk is crucial for their absorption and utilization, however, there has been limited attention given to the status of mineral elements in goat milk. In this study, goat milk was collected at 4 lactation periods (1–3, 90, 150, 240 d) and separated into 4 fractions (fat, casein, whey, and aqueous phase). The concentrations of Mg, Ca, Na, K, Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, Co, Ni, Mo, and Cr in 4 fractions were analyzed using an inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometer. Our findings reveal that Ca, Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, and Cr exhibit the highest levels in casein, while Mo demonstrates the highest content in whey. Additionally, Mg, Na, K, and Ni display the highest concentrations in the aqueous phase. Specifically, the contents of Ca, Cu and Fe in casein decrease from 1–3 to 150 d of lactation but increase from 150 to 240 d of lactation. Furthermore, the content of Mg in the aqueous phase decreases from 1–3 to 90 d of lactation but increases from 90 to 240 d of lactation. The content of Na and K in the aqueous phase decreases from 1–3 to 150 d of lactation. Notably, the content of Mo in whey increases from 1–3 to 150 d of lactation and decreases from 150 to 240 d. Our research contributes to the advancement of understanding the bioavailability of mineral elements in goat milk.

This study investigates the effects of heat and ultrasonic treatments on the physicochemical parameters and rennet-induced coagulation properties of milk from a variety of species, including cow, goat, buffalo, and donkey. Milk samples were subjected to heat treatments at different temperatures (65 °C, 80 °C, 90 °C, 100 °C) and ultrasonic treatment at varying power levels (200 W, 400 W, 600 W, 800 W, 1000 W). The results revealed that changes in turbidity, particle size, zeta potential, secondary structure, and surface hydrophobicity were altered by both ultrasonic and heat treatments, as well as the kind of milk. Ultrasonic treatment of cow milk decreased α-helix content while increasing β-turn content. Under similar ultrasonic treatment, goat milk showed a considerable increase in β-sheet content, whereas β-turn and random coil contents decreased compared to control samples. Notably, the water-holding capacity of gels formed from all four types of milk increased significantly with the intensity of ultrasonic and heat treatments. The hardness of buffalo milk gels increased significantly after ultrasonic and thermal treatments, ranging from 63 °C for 30 min to 90 °C for 15 min, but the hardness of cow and goat milk gels increased in varying degrees compared to their control samples. Furthermore, gels from cow and goat milk had higher storage modulus (G’) and loss modulus (G’’) than those from buffalo and donkey milk, and changes in G’ and G’’ from the examined milk were altered by ultrasonic and heat treatments. These findings offer important insights into refining milk processing procedures to improve dairy product quality and usefulness.

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) or premature ovarian failure (POF) is a multifactorial disorder occurring in reproductive-age women, characterized by elevated levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and irregular or absent menstrual cycles, often accompanied by perimenopausal symptoms and infertility. While assisted reproductive technology can address the reproductive aspirations of some POI-affected women, it is hindered by issues such as exorbitant expenses, substantial risks, and poor rates of conception. Encouragingly, extensive research is exploring novel approaches to enhance fertility, particularly in the realm of stem cell therapy, showcasing both feasibility and significant potential. Human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs) from discarded placental tissues are crucial in regenerative medicine for their pluripotency, low immunogenicity, non-tumorigenicity, accessibility, and minimal ethical concerns. Preclinical studies highlight the underlying mechanisms and therapeutic effects of hAECs in POI treatment, and current research is focusing on innovative interventions to augment hAECs’ efficacy. However, despite these strides, overcoming application challenges is essential for successful clinical translation. This paper conducted a comprehensive analysis of the aforementioned issues, examining the prospects and challenges of hAECs in POI, with the aim of providing some insights for future research and clinical practice.

In order to satisfy the demand of consumers for a diversified intake of high quality protein, a fermented plant-based milk substitute product was developed from pea protein. The relationship between the addition of pea protein powder, pea starch and white sugar and the organoleptic quality of the product was analysed in an orthogonal test to determine the optimum amount of pea protein powder, pea starch and white sugar. The results showed that the best fermentation effect was achieved at 4 h and 10% inoculum of fermenting agent. The main physical properties of the product were as follows: Brightness (L*) 74.74±0.02, hardness 124.45±0.30 g, viscosity 233.11±7.27 g·s, water holding capacity 92.13%. The product was a non-Newtonian fluid and elastic, the surface microstructure was denser, more porous and smaller compared to traditional yoghurt. Therefore, this study provides technical support for the development of new plant-based yoghurt and further broadening the application and production of plant-based yogurt.

ABSTRACT: Casein micelles (CM) play an important role in milk secretion, stability, and processing. The composition and content of milk proteins are affected by physiological factors, which have been widely investigated. However, the variation in CM proteins in goat milk throughout the lactation cycle has yet to be fully clarified. In the current study, milk samples were collected at d 1, 3, 30, 90, 150, and 240 of lactation from 15 dairy goats. The size of CM was determined using laser light scattering, and CM proteins were separated, digested, and identified using data-independent acquisition (DIA) and data-dependent acquisition (DDA)-based proteomics approaches. According to clustering and principal component analysis, protein profiles identified using DIA were similar to those identified using the DDA approach. Significant differences in the abundance of 115 proteins during the lactation cycle were identified using the DIA approach. Developmental changes in the CM proteome corresponding to lactation stages were revealed: levels of lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase, folate receptor α, and prominin 2 increased from 1 to 240 d, whereas levels of growth/differentiation factor 8, peptidoglycan-recognition protein, and 45 kDa calcium-binding protein decreased in the same period. In addition, lipoprotein lipase, glycoprotein IIIb, and α-lactalbumin levels increased from 1 to 90 d and then decreased to 240 d, which is consistent with the change in CM size. Protein–protein interaction analysis showed that fibronectin, albumin, and apolipoprotein E interacted more with other proteins at the central node. These findings indicate that changes in the CM proteome during lactation could be related to requirements of newborn development, as well as mammary gland development, and may thus contribute to elucidating the physical and chemical properties of CM.

ABSTRACT: The composition and content of goat milk proteins are affected by many factors and have been extensively studied. However, variation in whey protein composition in goat milk throughout the lactation cycle has not been clarified. In the current study, 15 dairy goats were selected, and milk samples were collected at 1, 3, 30, 90, 150, and 240 d after delivery. Whey proteins were separated and digested and then identified using data-independent acquisition (DIA) and data-dependent acquisition proteomics approaches. Protein profiles identified using DIA were consistent with those of the data-dependent acquisition proteomics approach according to clustering and principal component analyses. Significant differences in the abundance of 238 proteins around the lactation cycle were identified using the DIA approach. Developmental changes of the whey proteome corresponding to lactation stage were revealed: plasminogen, α-2-macroglobulin, and fibronectin levels decreased from d 1 to 240, whereas polymeric immunoglobulin receptor, nucleobindin 2, fatty acid-binding protein 3, and lactoperoxidase increased from d 1 to 240. Protein-protein interaction analysis showed that fibronectin with a higher degree of connectivity is a central node. The findings are of great significance to better understanding the potential role of specific proteins and the mechanism of protein biosynthesis or intercellular transport in the mammary glands related to the physiological changes of dairy goats.

This study investigated the differences in proteins and metabolites from goat and bovine milk, and their mixtures, using data-independent-acquisition-based proteomics and metabolomics methods. In the skim milk, relative abundances of secretoglobin family 1D member (SCGB1D), polymeric immunoglobulin receptor, and glycosylation-dependent cell adhesion molecule 1 were increased, with an increase in the amount of 1–100 % bovine milk and served as markers at the 1 % adulteration level. In whey samples, β-lactoglobulin and α-2-HS-glycoprotein could be used to detect adulteration at the 0.1 % adulteration level, and SCGB1D and zinc-alpha-2-glycoprotein at the 1 % level. The metabolites of uric acid and N-formylkynurenine could be used to detect bovine milk at adulteration levels as low as 1 % based on variable importance at a projection value of > 1.0 and P-value of

Ceftiofur hydrochloride (CEF) is occasionally used for the intramammary (IMM) treatment of mastitis. This extralabel manner could result in a drug-residue violation of the milk. The objective of this study was to determine the elimination kinetics of IMM CEF in lactating dairy cattle. The pharmacokinetic profile of CEF after repeated IMM administration in nine healthy cows and nine Staphylococcus aureus infected cows was investigated, alongside determining the MICs of Staph. aureus field strains. The MIC 90 value for CEF in Staph. aureus field strains (n = 31) was 0.25 μg/mL. The t >MIC CEF values for low- production quarters were longer than those for high- and mid- production quarters. The results showed that ceftiofur was detected in milk up to 108 h after the last infusion in both healthy and infected cows. Cows with low milk production eliminate IMM drugs more slowly than cows with higher production. Our findings suggest that this extralabel use is not encouraged and a prudent use is recommended for mastitis therapy. The use of CEF should be reserved for infections where susceptibility tests indicate its efficacy and when alternatives are not available.