Principal milk components in buffalo, holstein cross, indigenous cattle and red chittagong cattle from bangladesh

Comparison of colostrum and milk extracellular vesicles small RNA cargo in water buffalo

Recently, much interest has been raised for the characterization of signaling molecules carried by extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are particularly enriched in milk (mEVs). Such interest is linked to the capability of EVs to cross biological barriers, resist acidification in the gastric environment, and exert modulation of the immune system, mainly through their microRNA (miRNA) content. We characterized the small-RNA cargo of colostrum EVs (colosEVs) and mEVs from Italian Mediterranean buffalo through next generation sequencing. Colostrum (first milking after birth) and milk (day 50 of lactation) were sampled from seven subjects from five farms. ColosEVs and mEVs were subjected to morphological characterization, followed by high-depth sequencing of small RNA libraries produced from total RNA. The main difference was the amount of EV in the two samples, with colostrum showing 10 to 100-fold higher content than milk. For both matrices, miRNA was the most abundant RNA species (95% for colosEVs and 96% for mEVs) and three lists were identified: colosEV-specific, mEV-specific and shared most expressed. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis on miRNA targets highlighted many terms related to the epigenetic, transcriptional and translational regulations across the three lists, with a higher number of enriched terms for colosEV-specific miRNAs. Terms specific to colosEVs were related to "cell differentiation" and "microvillus assembly", while for mEV "cardiac and blood vessel development" and "mitochondria" emergerd. Immune modulation terms were found for both sample-specific miRNAs. Overall, both matrices carry a similar molecular message in terms of biological processes potentially modulated into receiving cells, but there is significant difference in the abundance, with colostrum containing much more EVs than milk. Moreover, colosEVs carry molecules involved in signal transduction, cell cycle and immune response, as for mEVs and EVs of other previously characterized species, but with a special enrichment for miRNAs with epigenetic regulation capacities. These beneficial characteristics of colosEVs and mEVs are essential for the calf and could also be exploited for the therapeutic purposes in humans, although further studies are necessary to measure the sanitization treatment impact on EV conservation, especially in buffalo where milk is consumed almost exclusively after processing.

Macro Minerals and Trace Elements in Milk of Dairy Buffaloes and Cows Reared in Mediterranean Areas

Aim of this study was to evaluate the differences in Ca, P, K, Na, Mg, Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, Se, Mo, Co, Li, B, Ti, Rb, and Sr concentrations in milk from buffaloes and cows reared in the same farm in Mediterranean areas and fed diets including the same ingredients. Individual milk samples were obtained from 32 Mediterranean buffaloes and 29 Italian Friesian cows and samples of milk, dietary ingredients and drinking water were analyzed for the investigated chemical elements by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Data about milk element concentrations were processed by one-way analysis of variance. Buffalo milk contains higher concentrations of Ca, P, Mg, Zn, Fe, Cu, B, Ti, and Sr, and lower concentrations of K, Na, Mo, Li, and Rb compared to cow milk, whereas milk from both species contains similar concentrations of Mn, Se, and Co. The concentrations of the investigated elements in the diet were similar for both species and the differences observed between buffalo and cow milk were not dependent on environmental factors.

Fatty acid and amino acid profiles of cheese, butter, and ghee made from buffalo milk

Objective

The objective was to assess the chemical composition, cholesterol, fatty acid (FAs), and amino acid (AAs) profiles of buffalo cheese, butter, and ghee.

Materials and Methods

Buffalo milk (raw) was collected from the Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) Dairy Farm, BAU, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh. Cheese, butter, and ghee were prepared at the Dairy Chemistry and Technology Laboratory, Department of Dairy Science, BAU, Mymensingh, Bangladesh, and subjected to subsequent analyses. The gross nutritional composition and AAs profile of milk were analyzed prior to the manufacture of cheese, butter, and ghee. The gross nutritional composition of milk and dairy products was analyzed by applying an automated milk analyzer and the Association of Agricultural Chemists techniques, respectively. The cholesterol, FAs, and AAs contents of cheese, butter, and ghee were determined by the Bangladesh Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Furthermore, atherogenic and thrombogenic indices were also calculated using reference equations.

Results

The results indicated that the buffalo milk is a good source of first-rate nutrients (dry matter: 16.50%, fat: 7.50%, protein: 3.75%). Findings indicated that the butter was significantly rich with (p < 0.05) total solids and fat where higher (p > 0.05) protein, carbohydrate, and minerals were found in cheese. The saponification, Reichert-Meissl, Polenski, and Kirschner values of buffalo ghee were found to be 225, 30, 1.2, and 25, respectively. A significant (p < 0.05) variation was found in the cholesterol content of buffalo cheese, butter, and ghee. Butter and ghee had 40.14 and 39.57 mg more cholesterol, respectively, than cheese. The results revealed identical FA profiles except for C24:0 among the three dairy products where the major FA compositions were C4:0, C14:0, C16:0, and C18:0 and C18:1 cis-9. The atherogenicity index and thrombogenicity index of cheese, butter, and ghee were statistically similar (p > 0.05). Butter was found with the most conducive anti-atherogenic and anti-thrombogenic characteristics due to lower saturated and higher polyunsaturated FAs. However, all the AAs concentrations were statistically higher (p < 0.05) in cheese than in butter and ghee.

Conclusion

To conclude, buffalo cheese is superior to butter and ghee as regards nutrient density, but consumers can choose other foods based on their choice.

Alterations in health-related fatty acids in buffalo milk after processing to traditional dairy products

Milk provides some beneficial fatty acids which in dairy processing are subjected to pasteurization and fermentation. With the aim to assess such changes, aliquot parts of milk from 12 buffaloes were pooled and processed to germinated yoghurt and brined cheese, and to non-germinated curd – the respective samples of raw and dairy material subjected to lipid analysis. The results show that in cheese positive and negative changes are generally balanced, rumenic acid decreasing and other CLAs altered but not total CLA and PUFA; omega ratio and atherogenicity index worsened to little extent, due to adverse change in n-3, myristic and lauric acid. In yoghurt and curd CLA dramatically decreased, excluding rumenic acid; but vaccenic acid increased, though total trans isomers decreased; the worsened n-6/n-3 ratio and atherogenicity index is mostly because of the adverse effect on PUFAn-3 but also on myristic and lauric acid. In all products SFA and MUFA did not change, including palmitic, stearic, and oleic acid. It can be concluded that the decrease of CLA in yoghurt and curd is partially compensated by the increase in the vaccenic acid, while cheese making altered individual isomers but not groups of beneficial acids.

Buffalo Milk as a Source of Probiotic Functional Products

In the past two decades, consumption of food has been accruing due to its health claims which include gastrointestinal health, improved immunity, and well-being. Currently, the dairy industry is the sector where probiotics are most widely used, especially in fermented milk, cheese, yoghurt, butter, and dairy beverages. Although, it is still necessary to face many challenges regarding their stability and functionality in food. Considering the increasing demand for healthy products, it is necessary to develop strategies that aim to increase the consumption of functional foods in order to meet probiotic usefulness criteria and the consumer market. This review aimed to promote the utilization of buffalo milk considering its probiotic effects as a functional food and natural remedy to various ailments, emphasizing the potential of innovation and the importance of milk-based products as health promoters. The intake of probiotics plays an important role in modulating the health of the host, as a result of a balanced intestinal microbiota, reducing the risk of development of various diseases such as cancer, colitis, lactose intolerance, heart diseases, and obesity, among other disorders. However, further studies should be carried out to deepen the knowledge on the relationship between raw buffalo milk, its dairy products microbiota and consumer’s health beneficial effects, as well as to implement a strategy to increase the variety and availability of its products as a functional food in the market.

Variations in fatty acid and amino acid profiles of doi and rasomalai made from buffalo milk

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated and compared the chemical composition, cholesterol content, fatty acid (FA), and amino acid (AA) profiles of doi and rasomalai made from buffalo milk.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Bangladesh Agricultural University Dairy Farm, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh was the source of raw buffalo milk. Then, doi and rasomalai were produced and analyzed. Prior to the production of doi and rasomalai, the gross composition and AAs of milk were evaluated. Milk and dairy products were evaluated for gross composition using an automated milk analyzer and the Association of Agricultural Chemists techniques, respectively. At the Bangladesh Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh, the cholesterol, FA, and AA levels of doi and rasomalai were determined. Additionally, atherogenic and thrombogenic indices were determined using established equations.

RESULTS

The results indicated that the majority of the proximate components were significantly greater (p < 0.05) in rasomalai than in doi. Rasomalai had 3.64 mg more cholesterol (p > 0.05) than doi. The FA profile was identical across doi and rasomalai with the exception of oleic acid (C18:1cis-9), which was 1.50% greater (p < 0.05) in rasomalai. The atherogenicity index was found to be statistically higher in doi than in rasomalai (p > 0.05). Similarly, the thrombogenic index was found to be significantly higher (p > 0.05) in doi (1.98) when compared to the rasomalai (1.92). The concentrations of all AAs were found to be quantitatively higher in doi than in rasomalai (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The conclusion is that buffalo milk rasomalai appears to have a higher nutritional density than buffalo milk doi.

Red Chittagong Cattle: An Indigenous Breed to Help Tackle the Challenges of Modern Animal Production Systems

Modern livestock selection is rapidly condensing the indigenous cattle gene pool. This trend limits the options for future genetic selection to benefit both animal well-being and farmer challenges. Here we reveal the potential of Red Chittagong cattle (RCC), a native genotype of Bangladesh, for tackling these current and pending challenges. Red Chittagong cattle are reddish in color and small in size with mature bulls and cows weighing 342 and 180 kg from birth weights of 16 and 14 kg, respectively. Whilst low mean levels of milk production of 618 L across a 228-day lactation are recorded so are high levels of milk protein (3.8%) and fat (4.8%) with offered feed types typically low in nutritive value, particularly crude protein. However, one in five cows under farm condition yield &gt;1,000 L/lactation. Alongside high levels of milk protein and fat, other key features of this breed include resistance to common diseases and parasites with a high level of adaptation to agro-ecological conditions. As opposed to other indigenous breeds, there is currently high genetic variation in the RCC population, and associated variation in productive and reproductive traits highlighting the opportunity for development through long-term breeding programs alongside improved management conditions. Such efforts would enable this breed to become a global resource for tackling the challenges of modern animal production systems. In addition, further work is required to reveal the demographic distribution of the breed, potential production levels through the provision of improved diets and the mechanisms enabling disease resistance and digestibility of feeds.

Effect of Heat Stress on Dairy Cow Performance and on Expression of Protein Metabolism Genes in Mammary Cells

Simple Summary

Environmental temperatures are increasing, and consequent global warming also has negative effects on dairy cattle farms, which may result in reduced production and poorer milk quality. The protein content of casein, in particular, is important in influencing the coagulation properties of milk and, therefore, the production and quality of cheese. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of heat stress on animal performance and on the expression of selected genes involved in milk protein metabolism. Eight dairy cows were kept under thermoneutral conditions for 8 days. The same animals were then maintained under mild heat stress conditions for an additional 8 days. The results of this study revealed that mild heat stress reduced the feed intake and performance of dairy cows in terms of milk and protein yield, but not the expression of the target genes involved in milk protein metabolism, such as those coding for caseins.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of heat stress on dairy cow performance and on the expression of selected genes involved in milk protein metabolism. Eight Italian Holstein Friesian cows were kept under thermoneutral conditions (temperature–humidity index (THI) < 72, CON) for 8 days and under mild heat stress conditions (72 < THI < 78, HS) for an additional 8 days. The rectal temperature, feed intake, and milk yield were recorded during the last 3 days of the CON and HS periods. During the same time period, milk samples were collected to assess the composition and expression of selected genes involved in milk protein metabolism. Gene expression analyses were performed on somatic cells from milk, which are representative of mammary tissue. In terms of dairy cow performance, HS resulted in lower milk and protein yields and feed intake but higher rectal temperature than for CON (p < 0.05). Under HS, there were greater abundances of HSPA1A (p < 0.05) and BCL2 (p < 0.05), compared to CON, but similar levels of CSN2 (p > 0.05), CSN3 (p > 0.05), HSPA8 (p > 0.05), and STAT5B (p > 0.05) mRNA. Mild heat stress reduced the performance of dairy cows without affecting the expression of genes coding for caseins.

Comparative gene expression profiling of milk somatic cells of Sahiwal cattle and Murrah buffaloes

India is the world's largest milk producing country because of massive contribution made by cattle and buffaloes. In the present investigation, comprehensive comparative profiling of transcriptomic landscape of milk somatic cells of Sahiwal cattle and Murrah buffaloes was carried out. Genes with highest transcript abundance in both species were enriched for biological processes such as lactation, immune response, cellular oxidant detoxification and response to hormones. Analysis of differential expression identified 377 significantly up-regulated and 847 significantly down-regulated genes with fold change >1.5 in Murrah buffaloes as compared to Sahiwal cattle (p_adj <0.05). Marked enrichment of innate and adaptive immune response related GO terms and higher expression of genes for various host defense peptides such as lysozyme, defensin β and granzymes were evident in buffaloes. Genes related to ECM-receptor interaction, complement and coagulation cascades, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and keratinization pathway showed more abundant expression in cattle. Network analysis of the up-regulated genes delineated highly connected genes representing immunity and haematopoietic cell lineage (CBL, CD28, CD247, PECAM1 and ITGA4). For the down-regulated dataset, genes with highest interactions were KRT18, FGFR1, GPR183, ITGB3 and DKK3. Our results lend support to more robust immune mechanisms in buffaloes, possibly explaining lower susceptibility to mammary infections as compared to cattle.

Comparative milk metabolite profiling for exploring superiority of indigenous Indian cow milk over exotic and crossbred counterparts

This study was planned to identify differences in the milk metabolite composition of Indian (Sahiwal), exotic (Holstein-Friesian) and their crossbred cows in intensive system of management. To mimic the management system of ancient India, indigenous cattle under extensive system (zero input) were also included. Holstein-Friesian (HF) had significantly higher amount of saturated fatty acids (SFA, 76.3%) as compared to the crossbred (73.3%) and Sahiwal (68.0%). HF had the highest concentration (42.7%) of hypercholesterolemic fatty acids and the maximum value (68.5) of athrogenecity index (AI). Sahiwal had the highest proportion (32.1%) of total unsaturated fatty acids (UFA). Mineral, vitamin, n-3 fatty acids and total amount of essential amino acids did not vary across the three groups. Milk of indigenous cattle maintained only on grazing had more favorable nutrient profile. It had low SFA (61.4%), high UFA (38.6%) and higher concentrations of both monounsaturated fatty acids (31.4%) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (7.2%). The n-6/n-3 ratio (2.7) and the AI (33.9) were significantly lower. Significantly higher concentrations of minerals (Zn, Fe, P and Cu) and vitamins except vitamin B5 were recorded in their milk. The study revealed that milk metabolite characteristics can be used to promote indigenous cattle.

Milk Composition for Admixed Dairy Cattle in Tanzania

It is well established that milk composition is affected by the breed and genotype of a cow. The present study investigated the relationship between the proportion of exotic genes and milk composition in Tanzanian crossbred dairy cows. Milk samples were collected from 209 animals kept under smallholder production systems in Rungwe and Lushoto districts of Tanzania. The milk samples were analyzed for the content of components including fat, protein, casein, lactose, solids-not-fat (SNF), and the total solids (TS) through infrared spectroscopy using Milko-Scan FT1 analyzer (Foss Electric, Denmark). Hair samples for DNA analysis were collected from individual cows and breed composition determined using 150,000 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. Cows were grouped into four genetic classes based on the proportion of exotic genes present: 25-49, 50-74, 75-84, and >84%, to mimic a backcross to indigenous zebu breed, F1, F2, and F3 crosses, respectively. The breed types were defined based on international commercial dairy breeds as follows: RG (Norwegian Red X Friesian, Norwegian Red X Guernsey, and Norwegian Red X Jersey crosses); RH (Norwegian Red X Holstein crosses); RZ (Norwegian Red X Zebu and Norwegian Red X N'Dama crosses); and ZR (Zebu X GIR, Zebu X Norwegian Red, and Zebu X Holstein crosses). Results obtained indicate low variation in milk composition traits between genetic groups and breed types. For all the milk traits except milk total protein and casein content, no significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed among genetic groups. Protein content was significantly (p < 0.05) higher for genetic group 75-84% at 3.4 ± 0.08% compared to 3.18 ± 0.07% for genetic group >84%. Casein content was significantly lower for genetic group >84% (2.98 ± 0.05%) compared to 3.18 ± 0.09 and 3.16 ± 0.06% for genetic group 25-49 and 75-84%, respectively (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference (p < 0.05) between breed types with respect to milk composition traits. These results suggest that selection of breed types to be used in smallholder systems need not pay much emphasis on milk quality differences as most admixed animals would have similar milk composition profiles. However, a larger sample size would be required to quantify any meaningful differences between groups.

Separation and quantification of milk casein from different buffalo breeds

Understanding the milk protein expression profile in different buffalo breeds plays an important role in improving hybrid selection and determining the effects on milk protein synthesis. The aim of this research is to compare the differences in milk protein content, composition and distribution between River buffalo and their crossbreeds for hybrid screening. Four groups of milk samples that included Nili-Ravi (N), Murrah (M), a Nili-Ravi-Murrah crossbreed (M-N), and a crossbreed of river buffalo with local swamp buffalo (C) were collected. The protein composition of the buffalo milk was determined by RP-HPLC. A gel-based proteomic approach consisting of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis coupled with mass spectrometry was utilised for the detailed protein characterisation of milk from different breeds. The results of this analysis showed that the river/swamp buffalo crossbreed (C) displayed the highest content of total protein (4·46%) and κ-casein (11·14%) but the lowest content of α-lactalbumin (6·79%). By selecting 23 different protein spots among the four types of milk that contained the most spots corresponding to κ-casein, β-casein and αs1-casein, correlations between the crossbreeds, protein polymorphism and phosphorylation could be made. The results of this study indicate that crossbreeding a swamp buffalo with a river buffalo has a notable effect on the protein content and composition that may be exploited for producing high-quality raw milk in food technology applications and dairy food production.

Identification of Antihypertensive Peptides Derived from Low Molecular Weight Casein Hydrolysates Generated during Fermentation by Bifidobacterium longum KACC 91563

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity was evaluated for the low-molecular-weight fraction (<3 kDa) obtained from milk fermentation by Bifidobacterium longum KACC91563. The ACE inhibitory activity in this fraction was 62.3%. The peptides generated from the <3 kDa fraction were identified by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization quantitative time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis. Of the 28 peptides identified, 11 and 16 were identified as β-casein (CN) and α_s1-CN, respectively. One peptide was identified as κ-CN. Three peptides, YQEPVLGPVRGPFPIIV, QEPVLGPVRGPFPIIV, and GPVRGPFPIIV, from β-CN corresponded to known antihypertensive peptides. We also found 15 peptides that were identified as potential antihypertensive peptides because they included a known antihypertensive peptide fragment. These peptides were as follows: RELEELNVPGEIVE (f1-14), YQEPVLGPVRGPFP (f193-206), EPVLGPVRGPFPIIV (f195-206), PVLGPVRGPFPIIV (f196-206), VLGPVRGPFPIIV (f197-206), and LGPVRGPFPIIV (f198-206) for β-CN; and APSFSDIPNPIGSENSEKTTMPLW (f176-199), SFSDIPNPIGSENSEKT- TMPLW (f178-199), FSDIPNPIGSENSEKTTMPLW (f179-199), SDIPNPIGSENSEKTTMPLW (f180-199), DIPNPIGSENSEKTTMPLW (f181-199), IPNPIGSENSEKTTMPLW (f182-199), PIGSENSEKTTMPLW (f185-199), IGSENSEKTTMPLW (f186-199), and SENSEKTTMPLW (f188-199) for α_s1-CN. From these results, B. longum could be used as a starter culture in combination with other lactic acid bacteria in the dairy industry, and/or these peptides could be used in functional food manufacturing as additives for the development of a product with beneficial effects for human health.

Ex vivo Digestion of Milk from Red Chittagong Cattle Focusing Proteolysis and Lipolysis

Ex vivo digestion of proteins and fat in Red Chittagong Cattle milk from Bangladesh was carried out using human gastrointestinal enzymes. This was done to investigate the protein digestion in this bovine breed’s milk with an especial focus on the degradation of the allergenic milk proteins; α_s1-casein and β-lactoglobulin and also to record the generation of peptides. Lipolysis of the milk fat and release of fatty acids were also under consideration. After 40 min of gastric digestion, all the α_s-caseins were digested completely while β-lactoglobulin remained intact. During 120 min of duodenal digestion β-lactoglobulin was reduced, however, still some intact β-lactoglobulin was observed. The highest number of peptides was identified from β-casein and almost all the peptides from κ-casein and β-lactoglobulin were identified from the gastric and duodenal samples, respectively. No lipolysis was observed in the gastric phase of digestion. After 120 min of duodenal digestion, milk fat showed 48% lipolysis. Medium (C10:0 to C16:0) and long (≥C17:0) chain fatty acids showed 6% to 19% less lipolysis than the short (C6:0 to C8:0) chain fatty acids. Among the unsaturated fatty acids C18:1∑others showed highest lipolysis (81%) which was more than three times of C18:2∑all and all other unsaturated fatty acids showed lipolysis ranging from 32% to 38%. The overall digestion of Bangladeshi Red Cattle milk was more or less similar to the digestion of Nordic bovine milk (Norwegian Red Cattle).