Search Results (63)

The β-casein gene (CSN2) encodes one of the major milk proteins involved in calcium and phosphorus transport and combines a highly conserved genomic organization with extensive genetic diversity, making it an informative model for investigating mammalian genome evolution. Although numerous studies have described CSN2 polymorphisms, particularly in domestic species, the broader evolutionary history of the locus remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated the evolutionary architecture of CSN2 across Bovidae and related Cetartiodactyla by integrating coding variation, non-coding polymorphisms, retroposon insertions and recombination analyses. Comparative genomic analyses identified previously undescribed caprine haplotypes, expanded the known spectrum of β-casein variation in domestic and wild Caprinae, and revealed multiple structural configurations of the locus, including distinct retroposon architectures and intronic insertion/deletion polymorphisms. Retroposon mapping and comparative analyses supported a hierarchical accumulation of structural variants, while also indicating ancestral polymorphism and lineage-specific retention in rapidly radiating caprine lineages. A locus-level phylogenetic analysis revealed two deeply divergent allelic lineages and provided evidence of ancient interallelic recombination predating the divergence of Capra and Ovis. Comparative analyses further showed that a two-amino-acid deletion previously associated mainly with Caprinae is more widely distributed across Bovidae than previously recognized. Overall, the CSN2 locus emerges as a multilayered evolutionary system shaped by structural variation, ancestral polymorphism, incomplete lineage sorting and ancient recombination, illustrating how the integration of coding, structural and retroposon variation can improve locus-level evolutionary reconstruction in Bovidae. Full article

Milk flow dynamics during mechanical milking are strongly influenced by species-specific mammary anatomy, milk partitioning between cisternal and alveolar compartments, and milking management. The present study aimed to compare milkability traits across the main dairy species reared in central Italy using a large dataset collected over 20 years. A total of 7315 animals were included: dairy cows (1103), buffaloes (2870), goats (2399), sheep (754), and donkeys (189). Milk flow curves were recorded using a portable Lactocorder^® device. The following traits were analyzed: milk yield (MY), lag time (LT), milk ejection time (MET), total milking time (TMT), peak flow rate (PFR), average flow rate (AFR), plateau phase (PL), bimodal phase (BM), and bimodality incidence (Bimo). Marked interspecific differences emerged. Dairy cows showed the highest MY and PFR, with bimodality occurring in 23.7% of curves. Buffaloes exhibited lower flow rates, prolonged LT, and extended TMT, reflecting their strong dependence on oxytocin-mediated alveolar milk ejection. Sheep demonstrated short milking times and low bimodality (13.5%), consistent with their large cisternal milk fraction. Goats displayed breed-dependent variability, with specialized dairy breeds showing higher PFR and longer TMT. Donkeys produced low milk volumes but exhibited rapid and efficient milk flow, with the lowest incidence of bimodality (7.4%). Overall, milk flow patterns reflected species-specific udder morphology and physiological mechanisms of milk ejection. Although this field-based study faces inherent limitations in environmental and protocol standardization across farms, the resulting long-term dataset remains highly representative. These findings highlight the importance of tailoring milking machine settings and prestimulation protocols to species and breed characteristics to optimize milking efficiency, labor management, and animal welfare. Full article

This study systematically compared the lipidomes of canine, feline, bovine, and caprine milk. Feline milk contained the highest total lipid content (110.83 mg/mL), significantly exceeding that of canine (81.52 mg/mL), caprine (40.27 mg/mL), and bovine milk (36.25 mg/mL). The phospholipid content in both canine (0.97 mg/mL) and feline milk (0.90 mg/mL) was approximately three times higher than that in bovine and caprine milk (approximately 0.30 mg/mL). Compared to bovine and caprine milk (approximately 30%), canine and feline milk had markedly higher proportions of unsaturated fatty acids (approximately 70%) and were enriched with functional long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, including arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. A distinctive feature was that over 60% of palmitic acid was esterified at the sn−2 position of triacylglycerols in canine and feline milk, a structural similarity shared with human milk. Lipidomic analysis identified 2708 lipid molecules across the four milk types, revealing several triacylglycerol species as potential species-specific biomarkers. These findings provide a concrete scientific basis for developing precisely formulated milk replacers that meet the specific nutritional requirements of puppies and kittens. Full article

The proteins most frequently associated with pregnancy are the pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs), which are abundantly expressed placental products in species belonging to the order Cetartiodactyla. Multiple PAG isoforms are expressed across different species and stages of gestation, with their expression influenced by factors, such as breed and bodyweight. These proteins can be detected in both blood and milk samples using ELISA or RIA assays, serving as early indicators of pregnancy. The present study aimed to detect PAGs in caprine milk through a non-invasive, high-throughput, mass-spectrometry-based proteomic approach. Milk samples were collected from 20 Skopelos breed goats at 20 and 45 days post-mating. Following appropriate processing for whey protein extraction, the samples underwent tryptic digestion to generate peptides for LC-MS/MS analysis. The proteomic investigation identified five distinct PAGs (caPAG₂ on day 20 and caPAG₃, caPAG₅, caPAG₆, and caPAG₁₂,on day 45 post-mating) annotated to Capra hircus, along with 22 additional proteins associated with the fetal–maternal interface, pregnancy progression, and immune-related pathways. These findings demonstrate that LC-MS/MS provides a non-invasive, sensitive, and reliable method for detecting PAGs in caprine milk during the early stages of pregnancy (day 20, as the presence of caPAG₂ revealed), applicable to both individual animals and flock-level monitoring. Full article

Gastrointestinal strongyle infections are a common challenge in dairy goat farming, potentially impacting animal health and milk production. We, therefore, conducted a study to evaluate the efficacy of pour-on eprinomectin (EPM) in early-lactating dairy goats naturally infected with gastrointestinal strongyles and to verify the related effects on milk yield and quality. A total of 42 pluriparous Camosciata delle Alpi goats, from two farms (F1 and F2), were involved in the trial. In each farm, the goats were divided into two groups: untreated (CONTROL) or treated (EPM, 1 mg/kg BW). Following the treatment, faeces were individually collected weekly for one month, subjected to copromicroscopic analysis, a faecal egg count reduction (FECR) test, and coproculture; according to the same time schedule, individual milk yield was recorded, and individual milk samples were collected and analysed (fat, protein, lactose, and somatic cell count). Data were statistically analysed by a mixed-model procedure for repeated measures over time. The low efficacy of EPM was demonstrated at all experimental times; overall FECR percentages (90% CI lower and upper bounds) were 39.00% (30.12–50.53) for F1 and 38.82% (30.08–50.10) for F2. Coprocultures allowed the identification of larvae of the genera Haemonchus, Teladorsagia, and Trichostrongylus. Goats treated with EPM showed a lower prevalence of Teladorsagia and Trichostrongylus larvae, and higher prevalence of Haemonchus larvae, compared with CONTROL goats (p < 0.001). The treatment did not significantly improve milk yield or overall milk composition. Full article

This paper describes a detailed evaluation of published works, in which proteomics methodological approaches and technologies were used to advance knowledge about small ruminants. The specific objective of this assessment was the presentation of quantitative characteristics on the content and the bibliometric details of publications on the use of proteomics methodological approaches and technologies in small ruminant work. For the search of published papers, the following topical search string was used: [sheep OR ovine OR Ovis aries OR goat* OR caprine OR Capra hircus] AND [proteom*], in the Web of Science database. In total, 481 published papers (448 original articles and 33 reviews) were evaluated individually. These originated from 56 countries, mostly from China and the United States of America, and increased gradually with time. Most (85.7%) original articles presented experimental work with animals, most often in sheep/goat production (37.4%) and reproduction (21.8%), and less often in physiology (19.0%) or diseases (17.9%). Tissues analyzed more often were milk (17.9%), blood (10.3%), and muscle (9.2%). The proteomics methodological approach and technology employed most frequently was the liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (52.9% of articles). The journal, in which papers were published most frequently, was the Journal of Proteomics (8.3%). There were 3689 authors in total in the published papers, with a median number of 7 per paper Median number of references was 50 per published paper. Median number of citations was eight per published paper, and median number of annual citations was 2.0 per published paper. Significant predictors for the number of annual citations were (a) for reviews, the number of references, and (b) for original articles, the number of references, the topic of study, and the animal species referred to in the articles. The Epimetre briefly reviews the contribution of proteomics in the health management of sheep and goats. Overall, the results have indicated that the use of proteomics methodological approaches and technologies in sheep and goat work has advanced our knowledge and understanding of the biology of these two animal species in a multitude of fields and topics internationally, with an increasing dissemination and applicability. Full article

The kinetics of milk release is influenced by several factors, including the milking facility, which affects the milk emission profile and quality. In dairy goats, the typical working vacuum level is 41–44 kPa; higher levels negatively impact health, quality, and milkability traits. This study, which was conducted on a commercial dairy farm located in the Latium region (central Italy), evaluates the impact of two vacuum levels (38 kPa and 42 kPa) on the milk emission profile and somatic cell content in Saanen goats. Statistical analysis (one-way ANOVA) of 400 milk flow curves recorded from 100 goats in four different afternoon milking sessions (200 at 42 kPa and 200 at 38 kPa) showed no significant differences in terms of milk yield, total milking time, or bimodal curve percentage when using two different operating vacuum levels. However, the milk emission time was longer at 38 kPa (1.86 vs. 1.71 min), while the peak flow rate (1.04 vs. 0.96 kg/min) and blind time (0.32 vs. 0.24 min) were higher at 42 kPa. Somatic cell content decreased significantly as the working vacuum level decreased (2470 vs. 2167 × 1000 cells/mL). This is in line with current studies which suggest that high vacuum levels increase the risk of udder injury and intramammary infection. In conclusion, adjusting the milking machine to a working vacuum level of 38 kPa, and performing proper maintenance and routine checks, significantly improves somatic cell content, and, consequently, milk quality, in goats. Full article

The assessment of milk coagulation properties (MCPs) is crucial for enhancing goat cheese production and quality. In this study, 501 bulk goat milk samples were collected from various farms to evaluate the MCPs. Traditionally, cheesemaking aptitude is evaluated using lactodynamographic analysis, a reliable but time-consuming laboratory method. Mid-infrared spectroscopy (MIRS) offers a promising alternative for the large-scale prediction of goat milk’s technological traits. Reference MCP measurements were paired with mid-infrared spectra, and prediction models were developed using partial least squares regression, with accuracy evaluated through cross- and external validation. The ability of MIRS to classify milk samples by coagulation aptitude was evaluated using partial least squares discriminant analysis. Only the model for rennet coagulation time obtained sufficient accuracy to be applied for screening (R²_CrV = 0.68; R²_Ext = 0.66; RPD = 2.05). Lower performance was observed for curd-firming time (R²_CrV = 0.33; R²_Ext = 0.27; RPD = 1.42) and curd firmness (R²_CrV = 0.55; R²_Ext = 0.43; RPD = 1.35). Classification of high coagulation aptitude achieved balanced accuracy values of 0.81 (calibration) and 0.74 (validation). With further model refinement and larger calibration datasets, MIRS may become a resource for the dairy-goat sector to monitor and improve milk suitability for cheesemaking. Full article

Caprine arthritis and encephalitis (CAE), caused by small ruminant lentivirus (SRLV), is a key disease of goats, with chronic inflammation of joints and brain symptoms leading to losses in milk production and animal trade. In this study, we analyzed gene expressions in the milk somatic cells (MSCs) of seropositive (SRLV-SP) and seronegative (SRLV-SN) goats to identify transcriptomic changes using a non-invasive sampling method. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on goats of two Polish breeds (Polish Improved White and Polish Improved Fawn), which were kept at the Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology, Polish Academy of Sciences, during their first lactation. MSCs were isolated from milk, and gene expression was analyzed using the Goat Gene Expression Microarray. The results were verified by RT-qPCR for five genes (DUSP26, PRLR, SCARA3, APBB2, OR4F4). Statistical analysis was performed in GeneSpring 12 software. Results: Microarrays showed reduced expression of DUSP26, PRLR, SCARA3, APBB2, and OR4F4 genes in SRLV-SP goats. RT-qPCR confirmed changes for DUSP26, SCARA3, and APBB2. Functional analysis indicated associations with immune processes and HIV-like pathways. Discussion: The results suggest that SRLV induces transcriptomic perturbations, especially in immunity-related genes. MSCs are an effective model for non-invasive studies, and further studies may support strategies for combating CAE. Full article

The increasing use of hyperprolific sows has led to greater litter heterogeneity, highlighting the need for effective nutritional support for low-birth-weight piglets. This study explores the potential of using surplus goat transitional milk as a nutritional supplement for piglets, especially for those facing increased survival and developmental challenges during the early life stages. To this end, two experiments were carried out as follows: in the first, goat transitional milk was administered via an oro-esophageal feeding tube to all piglets in the litter; in the second, concentrated transitional milk was administered via an oral dispenser to whole litters composed of low-birth-weight piglets. Performance parameters, mortality, and serum IgG levels were measured. In Experiment 1, supplementation with goat colostrum showed a tendency to improve weight in piglets ≤ 1100 g, with no significant effect on temperature, serum IgG level, or mortality. In Experiment 2, supplementation with goat colostrum did not affect live weight, rectal temperature, or serum IgG levels at 10 and 21 days. However, there was a trend towards lower mortality at 21 days in the supplemented piglets. These results suggest that goat transitional milk may provide context-dependent benefits, with a potentially greater impact on vulnerable piglets in more difficult conditions. Furthermore, its use represents a sustainable strategy to valorize surplus milk from goat farms. Full article

The buffalo species (Bubalus bubalis) is crucial for the global economy, supplying high-nutritional-value animal proteins vital for children’s growth. These animals efficiently convert fiber into energy and thrive in various harsh environments, from frigid climates to hot, humid areas, including wetlands. They produce milk and meat while supporting the sustainability of ecosystems that other ruminants cannot inhabit. Buffalo offers a unique opportunity to supply resources for both rural communities and larger farms located in specific regions, such as marshlands and humid savannahs. They also thrive on extensive pastures and family farms, thus preserving biodiversity, habitats, and cultural practices. Intensive farming brings distinct challenges and is often criticized for its negative effects on climate change. To counter these impacts, multiple strategies have been researched and implemented. These include enhancing livestock genetics, adopting sustainable agricultural practices, optimizing local feed resources (including by-products), managing manure (with an emphasis on renewable energy), and improving animal health and welfare. This review explores various buffalo farming system applications in different global contexts. It is based on the hypothesis that the adaptable traits of buffalo, as well as the environmental and economic challenges that must be addressed for sustainability, are the key factors in determining the viability of such enterprises. Full article

Milk’s biological origin determination, including its adulteration and authenticity, presents serious limitations, highlighting the need for innovative advanced solutions. The utilisation of proteomic technologies combined with personalised algorithms creates great potential for a more comprehensive approach to analysing milk samples effectively. The current study presents an innovative approach utilising proteomics and neural networks to classify and distinguish bovine, ovine and caprine milk samples by employing advanced machine learning techniques; we developed a precise and reliable model capable of distinguishing the unique mass spectral signatures associated with each species. Our dataset includes a diverse range of mass spectra collected from milk samples after MALDI-TOF MS (Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry) analysis, which were used to train, validate, and test the neural network model. The results indicate a high level of accuracy in species identification, underscoring the model’s potential applications in dairy product authentication, quality assurance, and food safety. The current research offers a significant contribution to agricultural science, providing a cutting-edge method for species-specific classification through mass spectrometry. The dataset comprises 648, 1554, and 2392 spectra, represented by 16,018, 38,394, and 55,055 eight-dimensional vectors from bovine, caprine, and ovine milk, respectively. Full article

The presence of mycotoxins in cheese is a significant concern due to their potential health risks. Mycotoxins can contaminate cheese through two main routes: indirectly via contaminated animal feed, and/or directly, because of mold growth on dairy products. It has been reported that cheese may contain metabolites of aflatoxin B1 such as aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), aflatoxicol (AFL), and, its precursor, sterigmatocystin (STC). This study presents a reliable method for the simultaneous determination of AFM1, AFL, and STC in cheeses made from ovine, goat, or buffalo milk. The method was developed using single liquid extraction, clean-up by an immunoaffinity column (IAC), and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) determination. The method was subjected to initial validation according to EU regulations, which outline the required performance parameters and criteria of analytical methods for official food control. The limits of quantification (LOQs) of the method for AFM1, AFL, and STC are 2.0 ng/kg, 5.0 ng/kg, and 1.0 ng/kg, respectively. The method was applied in a study for the assessment of mycotoxin transfer from milk to cheeses and also their growth. Full article

Sweet whey (SW), a by-product of cheese production, has potential immunomodulatory properties that could be beneficial in preventing inflammation-related diseases. This study investigated the effects of SW derived from bovine, caprine, ovine, or an ovine/caprine mixture of milk on inflammation-related gene expression in THP-1-derived macrophages, both with and without LPS stimulation. Cells were treated with SW-D-P3 (a fraction smaller than 3 kDa produced by in vitro digestion), and the expression of inflammation-related genes was assessed using quantitative PCR. Results showed that the expression of TLR2 and ICAM1 was attenuated in non-LPS-stimulated macrophages treated with SW-D-P3, regardless of animal origin. Moreover, the expression of TLR4, IL1B, and IL6 was decreased and the expression of an NF-κB subunit RELA and CXCL8 was elevated in a subset of samples treated with SW-D-P3, depending on the milk source. In LPS-challenged cells, the expression of CXCL8 was upregulated and the expression of IRF5 and TNFRSF1A was downregulated in SW-D-P3-treated cells, regardless of animal origin. On the other hand, a number of inflammation-related genes were differentially expressed depending on the animal origin of the samples. Moreover, the higher IL10 expression observed in cells treated with ovine/caprine SW-D-P3 compared to those treated with SW-D-P3 of bovine, caprine, or ovine origin suggests an anti-inflammatory response, in which alternatively activated macrophages (M2 polarization phenotype) may participate. Overall, these findings suggest that incorporating SW into the food industry, either as a standalone ingredient or supplement, may help to prevent inflammation-related diseases. Full article

Amasi, a traditional fermented milk produced in Southern Africa, is associated with several health benefits, such as probiotic activities, immune system modulation, and pharmacological (antimicrobial, antitumor and antioxidant) potential. This study investigated the microbial diversity in Amasi (produced from cow’s and goat’s milk) through targeted metagenomic bacterial 16S rRNA and fungal ITS sequencing, the metabolic functional prediction of Amasi samples using the Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States (PICRUSt) and profiled amino acids constituents using Liquid Chromatographic-Mass Spectrophotometry (LC-MS). The results obtained revealed Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria as the most prevalent bacterial phyla, with Lactococcus and Lactobacillus being the most abundant genera. On the other hand, Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Mucoromycota were the main fungal phyla, while Aspergillus, Kazachstania, and Debaryomyces spp. dominated the fungal genera. Also, Pseudomonas spp., Bacillus spp., Clostridium spp., Cronobacter spp., Alternaria spp., Diaporthe spp., and Penicillium spp. were the probable pathogenic bacteria and fungi genera found, respectively. Atopobium, Synechococcus, and Parabacteroides were found less often as rare genera. It was found that the amino acid and drug metabolism pathway prediction values in Amasi samples were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than in raw cow and goat milk, according to the inferred analysis (PICRUSt). The amino acid validation revealed glutamine and asparagine values as the most significant (p < 0.05) for Amasi cow milk (ACM) and Amasi goat milk (AGM), respectively. Comparatively, ACM showed more microbial diversity than AGM, though there were relative similarities in their microbiome composition. PICRUSt analysis revealed significant metabolites in the two Amasi samples. Overall, data from this study showed heterogeneity in microbial diversity, abundance distributions, metabolites, and amino acid balance between raw cow/goat milk and Amasi samples. Full article