Chemical composition and lipid profile of mare colostrum and milk of the quarter horse breed

Age-specific composition of milk microbiota in Tibetan sheep and goats

This study investigates the dynamic changes in milk nutritional composition and microbial communities in Tibetan sheep and goats during the first 56 days of lactation. Milk samples were systematically collected at five time points (D0, D7, D14, D28, D56) post-delivery. In Tibetan sheep, milk fat, protein, and casein contents were highest on D0, gradually decreased, and stabilized after D14, while lactose and galactose levels showed the opposite trend. Goat milk exhibited similar initial peaks, with significant changes particularly between D0, D7, D14, and D56. 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed increasing microbial diversity in both species over the lactation period. Principal coordinates analysis identified distinct microbial clusters corresponding to early (D0-D7), transitional (D14-D28), and mature (D56) stages. Core phyla, including Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria, dominated the milk microbiota, with significant temporal shifts. Core microbes like Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc, and Streptococcus were common in both species, with species-specific taxa observed (e.g., Pediococcus in sheep, Shewanella in goats). Furthermore, we observed a highly shared core microbiota in sheep and goat milk, including Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc, and Streptococcus. Spearman correlation analysis highlighted significant relationships between specific microbial genera and milk nutrients. For instance, Lactobacillus positively correlated with total solids, non-fat milk solids, protein, and casein, while Mannheimia negatively correlated with protein content. This study underscores the complex interplay between milk composition and microbial dynamics in Tibetan sheep and goats, informing strategies for livestock management and nutritional enhancement. KEY POINTS: • The milk can be classified into three types based on the microbiota composition • The changes of milk microbiota are closely related to the variations in nutrition • Filter out microbiota with species specificity and age specificity in the milk.

Lipids in Equine Airway Inflammation: An Overview of Current Knowledge

Mild-moderate and severe equine asthma (MEA and SEA) are prevalent inflammatory airway conditions affecting horses of numerous breeds and disciplines. Despite extensive research, detailed disease pathophysiology and the differences between MEA and SEA are still not completely understood. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cytology, broadly used in clinical practice and in equine asthma research, has limited means to represent the inflammatory status in the lower airways. Lipidomics is a field of science that can be utilized in investigating cellular mechanisms and cell-to-cell interactions. Studies in lipidomics have a broad variety of foci, of which fatty acid and lipid mediator profile analyses and global lipidomics have been implemented in veterinary medicine. As many crucial proinflammatory and proresolving mediators are lipids, lipidomic studies offer an interesting yet largely unexplored means to investigate inflammatory reactions in equine airways. The aim of this review article is to collect and summarize the findings of recent lipidomic studies on equine airway inflammation.

Report on a Milking Mule: Milk Qualitative Characteristics during Lactation

Despite their inability to reproduce naturally, mules can host embryos and be surrogate dams. The aim of this investigation was to increase our knowledge of the qualitative composition of mule's milk and its variations throughout the whole lactation period-namely, from 6 h after foaling to 180 days in milk (DIM). Milk was obtained from a mule dam that had foaled after receiving a mule embryo transfer. For each sample, the gross, mineral, and fatty acid composition was evaluated. The average quality of the mule milk was as follows: protein 1.97 g 100 mL-1, fat 0.90 g 100 mL-1, and ash 0.39 g 100 mL-1. Saturated fatty acids made up, on average, 50.00 g 100 g-1 of fat. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids made up half of the total fatty acid content (31.80 g 100 g-1 and 18.2 g 100 g-1 of fat, respectively). Linoleic acid and linolenic acid were the main polyunsaturated fatty acids in the milk. The milk composition changed throughout lactation. Dry matter, protein, fat, and ash decreased significantly from early lactation (6 h to 14 DIM). The n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids decreased at the end of lactation. The changes in milk composition throughout lactation are probably due to adaptations to the growth requirements of the foal.

Analysis of the Influence of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Strains on Changes in the Hexachlorobenzene Content in Fermented Mare Milk during Refrigerated Storage

(1) Background: Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) is a persistent organic pollutant that is possibly carcinogenic to humans. It is still found in the environment, humans and animals, and in foods, including milk and dairy products; (2) Methods: The influence of the probiotic cultures Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LCR and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum LP on the possibility of effecting the biodegradation of HCB in dairy products fermented from mare milk was investigated, taking into account the product storage time (maximum 21 days). HCB content was determined using the GC/MS method; (3) Results: A strong negative Pearson correlation (p < 0.05) was found between HCB concentration and the refrigeration storage time of the fermented beverages. The highest HCB reduction was observed in milk fermented with both Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LCR and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum LP (78.77%), while the lowest was noted when only Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum LP was used (73.79%); (4) Conclusions: This pilot study confirmed that probiotics commonly used to give products health-promoting properties can also contribute to reducing the content of undesirable substances, and the bacterial cultures used might provide an alternative method for reducing HCB residues in fermented drinks.

Characterization of lyophilized equine colostrum

Foals require maternal colostrum in the first hours of life to prevent failure of transfer of passive immunity (FTIP). Innovative storage methods such as lyophilization may enable conservation of colostrum immunoglobulins by a differentiated process of dehydration. The current study aimed to compare the quality of equine colostrum after freezing and after the lyophilization process. Thirty-one pregnant Quarter Horse mares were used. The IgG concentration of frozen and lyophilized colostrum was determined by simple radial immunodiffusion (SRID) and Brix refractometry. The physical-chemical composition (pH, total protein (TP), fat, lactose, salts, total solids (TS), and density) of the samples was evaluated and the lyophilized colostrum reconstitution test was performed. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in the variables IgG, fat, lactose, salts, TS, density, and pH between samples measured before and after lyophilization. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) between the Brix average and the TP of the frozen and lyophilized colostrum samples. Lyophilization resulted in a small reduction (6.55%) in the IgG concentration measured by SRID. A strong positive correlation was observed between colostrum density and IgG concentration by SRID (r = 0.76) and between Brix and IgG concentration by SRID (r = 0.77). In the reconstitution test, the lyophilized colostrum was easily rehydrated in water, with full dilution, and remained stable. Lyophilization could be an alternative for the conservation of mare colostrum, since it is a very efficient process for retaining the physicochemical characteristics of the product, with minimal loss, particularly of IgG.

Maternal Age, Parity and Nursing Status at Fertilization Affects Postpartum Lactation Up to Weaning in Horses

Nulliparity is associated with intra-uterine growth retardation and foal delayed catch-up growth. Older mares produce larger/taller foals than the precedents. Nursing at conception on foal growth had not been investigated yet. In any case, milk production conditions the foal's growth. This study aimed to determine effects of mare parity, age and nursing on subsequent lactation quantity and quality. Saddlebred mares and their foals (N = 43) run as a single herd over the same year were: young (6-7-year-old) primiparous, young multiparous, old (10-16-year-old) multiparous nursing at insemination time or old multiparous barren the previous year. No young nursing nor old multiparous mares were available. Colostrum was collected. Milk production and foal weight were monitored at 3-, 30-, 60-, 90- and 180-days postfoaling. The foal average daily weight gain (ADG) was calculated for each period between two measurements. Milk fatty acid (FA), sodium, potassium, total protein and lactose contents were determined. The primiparous versus multiparous colostrum was richer in immunoglobulin G, with lower production but greater FA contents in milk. The primiparous foals had a lower ADG for 3 to 30 days postpartum period. Old mares' colostrum contained more SFA and less polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) whereas their milk was richer in proteins and sodium and poorer in short-chain-SFA with a reduced PUFA/SFA ratio at 90 days. Nursing mares' colostrum was richer in MUFA and PUFA and late-lactation milk production was reduced. In conclusion, parity, age and nursing at conception affect mare's colostrum and milk production and foal growth and should be considered for broodmares' management.

Progress of Mass Spectrometry-Based Lipidomics in the Dairy Field

Lipids play important biological roles, such as providing essential fatty acids and signaling. The wide variety and structural diversity of lipids, and the limited technical means to study them, have seriously hampered the resolution of the mechanisms of action of lipids. With advances in mass spectrometry (MS) and bioinformatic technologies, large amounts of lipids have been detected and analyzed quickly using MS-based lipidomic techniques. Milk lipids, as complex structural metabolites, play a crucial role in human health. In this review, the lipidomic techniques and their applications to dairy products, including compositional analysis, quality identification, authenticity identification, and origin identification, are discussed, with the aim of providing technical support for the development of dairy products.

The Influence of Selected Factors on the Nutritional Value of the Milk of Cold-Blooded Mares: The Example of the Sokólski Breed

This study assessed the effect of access to pasture, lactation number, and foals’ sex on the nutritional value of milk (79 samples) from nine mares. The following were analysed: content of dry matter, protein, fat, lactose, and ash; percentages of α-lactalbumin (α-La), β-lactoglobulin (β-Lg), serum albumin (SA), immunoglobulins (Ig), lactoferrin (Lf), and lysozyme (Lz) in the total protein; and the fatty acid profile. Mares without access to pastures were shown to produce milk with a higher dry matter content, including fat, lactose, and ash; higher percentages of β-Lg, α-La, Ig, and Lf; and a better fatty acid profile. The milk from mares with access to pasture contained more protein, including higher percentages of SA and Lz. Milk from mares in lactations 4–6 had the highest fat and protein concentrations and the lowest lactose concentration. The α-La level was highest in lactation 1, Lf in lactations 2–3, and Lz in lactations 4–6. Milk from mares in lactations 4–6 had the best fatty acid profile (the lowest concentration of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and the highest concentration of monounsaturated fatty acids(MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA)). Milk from mothers of female offspring had higher dry matter, fat, and protein concentrations, a higher share of lysozyme, and a better fatty acid profile.

Improved methods for mare milk analysis: Extraction and quantification of mare milk carbohydrates and assessment of FTIR-based macronutrient quantification

Accurately determining the macronutrient profile of mare milk is a precursor to studying how milk composition affects foals' growth and development. This study optimized and validated an extraction and quantification method for mare milk oligosaccharides, which make up a portion of the carbohydrate fraction of mare milk. Mare milk was extracted with chloroform and methanol, and oligosaccharides were selectively isolated from the carbohydrate fraction using porous-graphitized carbon solid-phase-extraction (SPE). Good recovery rates for milk oligosaccharides (between 70 and 100%) were achieved with the optimized method. This study also compared the use of Fourier-Transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy versus wet chemistry quantification methods for protein, fat, and lactose. The FTIR method produced statistically equivalent protein contents to the wet chemistry method, along with substantial savings in both analyst time and consumable consumption. FTIR analysis slightly underestimated the fat content of mare milk relative to the official wet chemistry method, with the difference between the methods increasing at higher fat contents. FTIR also overestimated the lactose content of mare milk and appeared to generate "lactose" values that included the milk oligosaccharides and thus represented the total carbohydrate (lactose and milk oligosaccharides) content of mare milk.

Implications of placentation type on species-specific colostrum properties in mammals

Maternal care is essential to optimally support survival of the offspring. During evolution of mammalian species, different phenotypes have evolved in relation to gestation length, number, size, and maturation stage of the offspring at parturition, as well as colostrum and milk composition. The aim of the present review is to describe relationships between placental function and colostrum and milk composition in different mammalian species. Species covered in this article include humans, rabbits, rodents (rat and mouse), carnivores (cats and dogs), and a variety of ungulate species (cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and horses). Species-specific aspects are elucidated with a special focus on the transfer of passive immunity. In this regard, the structure and thus the capability of the placenta to transport immunoglobulins from maternal to fetal circulation in utero dictates the necessity of the passive transfer of immunity via colostrum. Consequently, species with exclusive postpartal transfer of immunity such as in all ungulate species have greater immunoglobulin G concentrations in colostrum than species with a prepartal transfer in utero, where especially immunoglobulin A with its local immune function in the gastrointestinal tract is present in colostrum (e.g., rabbit and human). In terms of the nutritional purpose, suckling frequency is an important factor determining the gross composition of colostrum as well as in the mature milk of these species. Milk of nidicolous animals with long intervals in-between suckling events contains more fat than milk of nidifugous animals with constant access to their mother. However, the importance of colostrum and milk consumption for newborn animals and human babies goes beyond nutrition and the transfer of immunity. Numerous bioactive components such as growth factors, hormones, and oligosaccharides are enriched in colostrum and transition milk, which support the development of the intestinal tract and local immune system.

Energy endocrine physiology, pathophysiology, and nutrition of the foal

Most homeostatic systems in the equine neonate should be functional during the transition from intra- to extrauterine life to ensure survival during this critical period. Endocrine maturation in the equine fetus occurs at different stages, with a majority taking place a few days prior to parturition and continuing after birth. Cortisol and thyroid hormones are good examples of endocrine and tissue interdependency. Cortisol promotes skeletal, respiratory, cardiovascular, thyroid gland, adrenomedullary, and pancreatic differentiation. Thyroid hormones are essential for cardiovascular, respiratory, neurologic, skeletal, adrenal, and pancreatic function. Hormonal imbalances at crucial stages of development or in response to disease can be detrimental to the newborn foal. Other endocrine factors, including growth hormone, glucagon, catecholamines, ghrelin, adipokines (adiponectin, leptin), and incretins, are equally important in energy homeostasis. This review provides information specific to nutrition and endocrine systems involved in energy homeostasis in foals, enhancing our understanding of equine neonatal physiology and pathophysiology and our ability to interpret clinical and laboratory findings, therefore improving therapies and prognosis.

Changes in the Fatty Acid Composition of Milk of Lipizzaner Mares during the Lactation Period

The composition and properties of the milk fat of mares’ milk is interesting from a nutritional standpoint. The aim of this study was to determine the nutritional value of Lipizzaner mare’s milk for possible human consumption and identity the influence of the parity and stage of lactation on its fatty acid (FA) composition. This study was conducted on 17 Lipizzaner mares from a state stud farm in the Slavonian region (eastern Croatia). Mares were hand-milked twice during lactation in the fourth and sixth months. Significantly higher contents of MUFAs (monounsaturated fatty acids) and PUFAs (polyunsaturated fatty acids) and lower ratios of n-6/n-3 were found in the fourth month of lactation. This parity significantly affected the PUFA/SFA ratio (polyunsaturated fatty acids/saturated fatty acids), with lower values found in older mares. The fatty acid composition of mare’s milk that is especially high in UFAs (unsaturated fatty acids) is considered to be beneficial for consumers.

Female age and parity in horses: how and why does it matter?

Although puberty can occur as early as 14-15months of age, depending on breed and use, the reproductive career of mares may continue to advanced ages. Once mares are used as broodmares, they will usually produce foals once a year until they become unfertile, and their productivity can be enhanced and/or prolonged through embryo technologies. There is a general consensus that old mares are less fertile, but maternal age and parity are confounding factors because nulliparous mares are usually younger and older mares are multiparous in most studies. This review shows that age critically affects cyclicity, folliculogenesis, oocyte and embryo quality as well as presence of oviductal masses and uterine tract function. Maternal parity has a non-linear effect. Primiparity has a major influence on placental and foal development, with smaller foals at the first gestation that remain smaller postnatally. After the first gestation, endometrial quality and uterine clearance capacities decline progressively with increasing parity and age, whilst placental and foal birthweight and milk production increase. These combined effects should be carefully balanced when breeding mares, in particular when choosing and caring for recipients and their foals.

Mare's Milk from a Small Polish Specialized Farm-Basic Chemical Composition, Fatty Acid Profile, and Healthy Lipid Indices

Simple Summary

As mare’s milk has high nutritional and biological value, it has a number of therapeutic properties. The aim of this study was to determine the basic composition, fatty acid profile, and values of health-related indices of milk from mares of different lactation stages, ages, and birth orders. The study was conducted on milk obtained from Coldblood mares in weeks 10, 15, and 25 of lactation. The mares were aged between five and 14 years. It was found that milk produced from the 15th week of lactation had the most beneficial fatty acid composition and very beneficial values of health-related indices (low values of the atherogenic index—AI and thrombogenic index—TI), which is important with regard to the prevention of atherosclerosis and thrombosis. Moreover, the study found a dependence between birth order and the atherogenic index, which was lower in milk derived from older mares (birth order > 7). The findings from the study indicate that it is possible to modify the fatty acid profile of milk by appropriately managing the age structure of the herd of mares, among other things. To confirm this dependence, the study will be continued on a larger group of mares.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the chemical composition, fatty acid profile, and values of healthy indices of milk from a specialized farm of Polish Coldblood mares of different ages, birth orders, and lactation stages. Milk samples (n = 48) were collected for analysis in weeks 10, 15, and 25 of lactation from mares aged between five and 14 years. The study showed that the stage of lactation has a significant effect on the fatty acid (FA) profile of the milk produced on the farm. The highest concentration of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated FAs was found in milk produced from the 15th week of lactation. The milk was also characterized by low values of atherogenic and thrombogenic indices, which indicate the health benefits of milk with respect to the content of fatty acids and their potential to prevent or cause atherosclerosis and thrombosis. The study also found a significant correlation between the number of foalings (birth order), the fatty acid profile, and atherogenic index of milk produced on the farm. The findings from the study indicate that it is possible to modify the fatty acid profile of bulk tank milk through appropriate management of the age structure of the herd of mares. To confirm this dependence, the study will be continued on a larger group of mares.

Days in milk alters the milk fatty acid profile of grazing donkeys: A preliminary study

The aim of this study was to characterize and determine how days in milk (DIM) affect the milk fatty acid (FA) profile of grazing donkeys. Donkey milk is very similar to human milk, containing bioactive molecules such as FA and proteins. However, there is a lack of scientific and technical information on the changes in the FA profile of asinine milk in pasture-feeding systems. Seven multiparous Pega donkeys, maintained in an exclusively extensive system, were used. Milking was undertaken twice a day, once a week for 16 weeks. Milk samples were composed according to the average lactating days as follows: 55, 110, 165, 220 and 275 DIM. A descriptive analysis of the milk fat composition was performed, and the linear and quadratic effects of DIM on the milk FA profile were tested. The milk FA profile of grazing donkeys is influenced by lactation days and is characterized by high concentrations of polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) with a low n-6 to n-3 ratio (0.66 g/100 g), mainly due to the high level of linolenic acid (16.8 g/100 g). Most of the individual FAs did not change during lactation, but stearic and oleic acid linearly decreased (p < .05), and total polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) and n-3 FA increased (p < .05) with DIM. The milk profile of grazing donkeys is influenced by the day of lactation and is characterized by a high concentration of n-3 PUFA (mainly α-linolenic acid) and a lower n-6 to n-3 ratio. As the number of days of lactation increased, the concentration of n-3 PUFA also increased. Therefore, higher milk quality may be associated with higher days in milk.