Extraction and Quantitative Analysis of Goat Milk Oligosaccharides: Composition, Variation, Associations, and 2'-FL...

Area of Science:

• * Animal Science
• * Biochemistry
• * Food Science

Background:

• * Human milk oligosaccharides (hMOS) are known for their health benefits to newborns.
• * Goat milk oligosaccharides (gMOS) are less understood but potentially offer similar benefits.
• * Understanding gMOS composition is crucial for assessing their nutritional and functional value.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To analyze the composition and variability of gMOS throughout lactation in goats.
• * To identify factors influencing gMOS structure and concentration.
• * To establish a reliable method for gMOS analysis in goat milk.

Main Methods:

• * Extraction of gMOS from goat milk samples collected from colostrum to 9 months postpartum.
• * Labeling of gMOS with 2-aminobenzamide.
• * Analysis using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to fluorescence detection (UPLC-FLD).

Main Results:

• * Significant biological variability observed in 12 quantified and 9 non-quantified gMOS structures.
• * 2 -fucosyllactose identified in 73.7% of samples, suggesting a potential goat secretor/non-secretor genotype.
• * Goat age, parity, lifetime milk production, and offspring sex influenced gMOS composition.

Conclusions:

• * Goat milk oligosaccharide composition is highly variable and influenced by multiple maternal and offspring factors.
• * The presence of 2 -fucosyllactose indicates potential parallels with human milk oligosaccharide genetics.
• * This study provides a foundational understanding of gMOS variability, essential for future research and applications.