Search Results (454)

Mare milk is rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds, and its composition changes throughout lactation. This study investigated variations in the production, nutritional composition, and bioactive components of Yili mare milk across lactation stages. Twenty-six healthy grazing Yili mares were sampled on days 1, 10, 30, 60, 90, and 120 of lactation. Milk production, nutritional components, amino acids, fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, and immunologically active proteins were analyzed. Milk production peaked on day 30 and then declined. Colostrum contained significantly higher fat, protein, solids-not-fat, total solids, minerals, lactoferrin, lysozyme, and immunoglobulins than mature milk (p < 0.05), whereas lactose increased and stabilized after day 30. Essential amino acids peaked on day 30. As lactation progressed, saturated fatty acids decreased while polyunsaturated fatty acids increased. Vitamin profiles also varied across lactation, with ascorbic acid increasing during late lactation. β-casein content was higher during mid-lactation. In summary, colostrum is enriched in immunoactive proteins and minerals, whereas mature milk exhibits a more balanced amino acid and fatty acid profile. While these observed variations likely reflect the combined effect of lactation stage and seasonal pasture fluctuations under natural grazing, these findings provide practical insights into changes in milk composition in grazing Yili mares and may support the development of mare milk products under similar grazing systems. Full article

Background/Objectives: Early enteral feeding in preterm infants remains controversial because, despite promoting intestinal maturation, concerns about necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) persist. Donor human milk (DHM) is recommended when the mother’s milk is unavailable, but the optimal initiation timing is unclear. This study evaluated the association between DHM initiation timing and outcomes in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants in Japan. Methods: This multicenter retrospective cohort study used data from a national human milk bank registry (2018–2023) and the Neonatal Research Network of Japan (NRNJ; 2022). Infants with birth weight <1500 g were categorized by DHM initiation timing (≤24, 25–48, or >48 h), with infants in the NRNJ cohort serving as the comparison group. The primary outcome observed was NEC incidence, including all stages; secondary outcomes included in-hospital mortality and time to full enteral feeding. Bayesian regression models were applied. Detailed feeding data were unavailable in the NRNJ cohort. Results: Among 2962 infants, NEC incidence was low across groups. NEC occurred in 1.31% of the ≤24 h DHM group and 1.83% of the NRNJ group, with mortality rates of 4.53% and 6.23%, respectively. Although NEC incidence was numerically lower in the ≤24 h DHM group, estimates were imprecise because of limited events. Early DHM initiation was associated with lower in-hospital mortality and earlier full enteral feeding, particularly in infants with <1000 g birth weight. Conclusions: Early DHM initiation was associated with lower mortality and earlier achievement of full enteral feeding in VLBW infants without elevated NEC risk. However, because detailed feeding information was unavailable in the comparison cohort, these associations should be interpreted cautiously. Given the observational design and heterogeneous nutritional exposures, further prospective studies are warranted. Full article

Background/Objectives: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) involves metabolic alterations that may affect breast milk composition. Imbalances in protein and fatty acid (FA) profiles have been reported in mature milk from mothers with GDM. However, evidence for colostrum and transitional milk is limited, despite the key role of ω-3 and ω-6 Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in neonatal neurodevelopment. This study compared ω-3 and ω-6 PUFAs and protein concentrations in colostrum and transitional milk from women with and without GDM. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2023 to December 2024. Women aged ≥ 18 years with GDM and non-GDM pregnancies recruited at Hospital General de México “Dr. Eduardo Liceaga” were included. Colostrum and transitional milk samples were collected at 0–5 and 6–14 days postpartum, respectively. To assess whether postpartum time (hours) and maternal group (non-GDM vs. GDM) affected milk volume, an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was performed. Differences in milk composition between the GDM and non-GDM groups were assessed using Student’s t test or the Mann–Whitney U test, according to variable distribution. Results: A total of 71 milk samples were analyzed: 51 colostrum samples (25 from women with GDM and 26 from women with non-GDM) and 20 transitional milk samples (10 from women with GDM and 10 from women with non-GDM). A moderate correlation was observed between milk volume and postpartum time, with no significant differences between the GDM and non-GDM groups. Colostrum from women with GDM had lower protein content compared with milk from women with non-GDM (3.8 ± 0.4 vs. 5.2 ± 0.5 g/dL, p = 0.02) and transitional milk (1.4 ± 0.2 vs. 2.2 ± 0.2 g/dL, p = 0.02). Transitional milk from GDM group showed higher total fat (5.7 ± 1.8 vs. 2.0 ± 0.4 g/100 g, p = 0.05) and fat-to-protein ratio (3.9 ± 1.1 vs. 1.0 ± 0.3, p = 0.02), along with an increased ω-6/ω-3 ratio driven by higher linoleic acid and lower α-linolenic acid concentrations. Conclusions: GDM was associated with variations in breast milk protein and FA profiles with a potential negative impact on the newborn’s neurodevelopment. Full article

Maize production in the black soil region of Northeast China is highly vulnerable to drought and flood stress, yet stage-specific mechanisms under rain-fed conditions remain unclear. Daily meteorological records from 1951 to 2024 were used to calculate the Crop Water Surplus Deficit Index (CWSDI) for four maize phenological stages, and 2025 in situ soil moisture and temperature observations were used to derive root-zone soil water storage (SWS), soil water depletion rate (SWDR), and the soil temperature–moisture coupling index (STMI). The growing season showed a persistent water deficit (mean CWSDI = −39.19%). Drought risk was greatest during sowing–jointing (S1; CWSDI = −64.73%; drought frequency = 73.0%) and milk–maturity (S4; CWSDI = −49.84%; drought frequency = 58.1%), whereas jointing–tasseling (S2) had the highest flood frequency (13.5%). Soil hydrothermal indicators showed that S1 drought was evaporation-driven, S2 involved potential hot-wet compound stress, tasseling–milk (S3) had rapid root-zone water depletion, and S4 drought was driven by insufficient late-season precipitation. These findings show that maize water stress is a sequence of stage-specific mechanisms rather than a uniform seasonal phenomenon. We therefore propose a regulation strategy combining soil moisture conservation, rainwater harvesting, precision supplemental irrigation, and field drainage to improve maize resilience. Full article

Nutrition in the early years of life plays a fundamental role in newborn growth, immune maturation, metabolic regulation, endocrine signaling, and neurological development, specifically through its interaction with the developing gut microbiota. Breast milk is the biological gold standard for infant nutrition; however, when breastfeeding is not possible, the development of formulations supplemented with bioactive substances can improve functional outcomes in comparison to standard milk formula. This narrative review discusses current evidence on formulas enriched with prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics, synbiotics, human milk oligosaccharides, and other bioactive molecules. The review focuses on gut microbiota modulation, gastrointestinal function, growth and nutritional adequacy, immune development, infection-related outcomes, safety and tolerability, endocrine signaling, intestinal stem-cell regulation, obesity-related metabolic pathways, and emerging gut–brain axis interactions. Overall, available data indicate that bioactive-supplemented formulas are generally safe, well tolerated, and able to support normal growth, including in selected infants with specific clinical conditions. The most consistent effects are observed in the gastrointestinal tract, where supplementation promotes a more bifidogenic microbial profile, improves stool characteristics, supports intestinal barrier function, and influences microbial metabolic activity. By contrast, evidence regarding systemic immune effects, endocrine modulation, obesity prevention, and neurodevelopmental outcomes remains promising but heterogeneous and is still largely derived from preliminary human studies and experimental models. Therefore, these formulas may be considered a useful option when breastfeeding is not feasible, provided that their use is clinically appropriate and evidence based. Further studies are needed to clarify their long-term functional and clinical implications. Full article

The aroma of camel milk is a key sensory indicator for evaluating its quality and flavor. Camel milk collected at different lactation stages exhibits unique flavor characteristics. However, no systematic study has yet explored the aroma characteristics and variation patterns of camel milk across these stages. This study employs HS-SPME-GC-MS, multivariate statistical analysis, and metagenomics to systematically reveal differences in aroma formation in camel milk across lactation periods and their interactions with microbial communities. A total of 577 metabolites is detected. Through OPLS-DA screening, 24 key differential flavor compounds are identified. ROAV analysis indicates that 2,4-undecadienal and (E)-2-undecenal are the main contributors to the fatty, creamy, fresh green, and citrus aromas of camel milk. Some compounds are more abundant in colostrum, while others are richer in mature milk. For microbiota, colostrum is dominated by Proteobacteria, Psychrobacter, and Janthinobacterium, whereas mature milk is dominated by Acinetobacter and Moraxella. Mature milk shows significantly higher alpha diversity and species richness. Spearman correlation analysis shows that core bacterial groups such as Enterococcus and Lactococcus are significantly positively correlated with characteristic flavor compounds, including aldehydes and lactones. This finding suggests that HS-SPME-GC-MS, combined with multivariate analysis, effectively distinguishes patterns associated with microbes and flavor metabolites in camel milk at different lactation stages, which provides a theoretical basis for quality control and further processing of camel milk. Full article

Buffalo milk is a rich source of various nutritional components and bioactive peptides, offering significant health benefits. Endogenous peptides, which occur naturally in milk, represent a valuable source of bioactive peptides with potential nutraceutical applications. However, research on endogenous peptides in buffalo milk remains limited. This study employed a quantitative peptidomic approach to characterize endogenous peptides across different lactation stages. A total of 2099, 2946, and 4418 peptides were identified in colostrum, transitional milk, and mature milk, respectively. The majority of these peptides were derived from β-casein, followed by α_S1-casein, κ-casein, and other proteins. Notably, variations in precursor proteins contributing to peptide production were observed throughout lactation. Phosphorylation levels of endogenous peptides were highest in mature milk, with serine residues predominating. Enzymatic cleavage analysis identified cathepsin D as the key enzyme involved in endogenous peptide production, while proline endopeptidase and plasmin exhibited stage-specific activities. Bioinformatics analysis revealed differentially expressed precursor proteins linked to complement cascades and NF-κB signaling, emphasizing the immune protective role of colostrum. Furthermore, 54 potentially bioactive peptides with favorable water solubility were identified in colostrum, of which 17 were predicted to possess anti-inflammatory properties. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the molecular basis of buffalo milk’s functional properties, highlighting its potential as a source of bioactive peptides for both nutritional and pharmaceutical applications. Full article

Dairy foods—particularly cheeses produced from raw or minimally processed milk—remain vulnerable to hazards such as Listeria monocytogenes, where delayed laboratory confirmation can expand recalls, increase food waste, and delay outbreak containment. This study proposes a veterinary-aware digital traceability framework that embeds herd health data, milk-quality testing, and inspection outcomes directly into batch-level EPCIS event records. By representing veterinary public health controls as structured, machine-actionable traceability elements, the framework enables automatic logging of mandatory control points, systematic compliance verification, and rule-based risk state transitions within standard EPCIS infrastructures. Using regulation-consistent dairy simulations modeling delayed Listeria detection during maturation, we evaluate the operational impact of event-level causal traceability within the proposed architecture. Compared with conventional time-window recall strategies, provenance-based trace-forward queries reduced recall scope under the evaluated synthetic scenarios. Integrating structured veterinary controls into EPCIS-based traceability systems supports automated regulatory evidence generation and more targeted recall decisions, contributing to improved auditability and reduced food waste in dairy supply chains. Full article

This study was conducted in Northwest Ethiopia in 2025 to estimate genetic parameters for dairy cattle hybrids under a group-based mass selection scheme. The objective was to investigate lactation milk yield (MY), lactation length (LL), and key fitness traits across varying breed compositions, aligned with suitable agro-ecological zones and milkshed systems. The findings may then serve as a framework to develop economically efficient and sustainable dairy genotypes tailored to the region. Data were collected from 355 dairy households using semi-structured questionnaires and monthly monitoring of MY. A mass selection scheme was applied to evaluate the productive and reproductive performance of Holstein-Friesian (HF) and Jersey hybrids across varying levels of exotic breed compositions. To identify superior genotypes, a total merit index (TMI) was developed, utilizing economic weights of +0.20 for production traits and −0.12 for reproductive traits. General liner model (GLM) analyses were performed to evaluate the performance of different breeds and exotic breed composition. Realized genetic parameters including genetic correlations (rg) as an indicator of pleiotropy, genetic gain (GG) per trait, and aggregate genetic response (AGG) were estimated for each group using specialized procedures in R software. Breed type (stratified by exotic breed composition), agro-ecology zone, and milkshed system were defined as the main and sub-fixed effects. The genetic contribution to the performance of hybrids indicated that the Holstein-Friesian (HF) hybrid baseline scheme achieved significantly higher efficiency, with an aggregate genetic gain) (AGG) of 155.50, compared with 136.03 for the Jersey hybrid schemes. Specifically, the >75% HF hybrid group exhibited the highest predicted AGG (183.00), a result primarily underpinned by significant gains in MY (182.53 L) and extended LL (0.28 months). This indicated that higher exotic breed composition in HF crosses maximizes the genetic gain when selection is weighted toward productivity. Conversely, the 62.5% Jersey hybrid exhibited the lowest AGG (110.38) and GG for MY (109.86 L), indicating that intermediate Jersey breed compositions may be suboptimal under the studied conditions. Analysis of interaction effects revealed environment-specific superiorities: in the Bahir Dar midland milkshed, the >75% HF hybrids achieved the highest genetic gains in MY (182.53 L) and a superior AGG (181.34). In contrast, within the Gondar midland milkshed, >75% Jersey hybrids reached the highest overall AGG (177.11), with a corresponding GG for MY of 178.75 L per lactation. The observed variance in MY (δ² = 362.44) indicated significant potential for genetic improvement through group-based selection. Pleiotropy was identified between MY and LL (r_g = 0.14), whereas an antagonistic trade-off was observed between maturity and conception efficiency (r_g = −0.34). The consistent upward trend in the performance of hybrids as breed composition increased from 50% to >75% across both main and sub-effects suggests that these genotypes are suited to the environment. In conclusion, single- and multiple-trait predictions based solely on breed and breed comparisons were suboptimal; instead, selection strategies incorporating genotype-by-environment (G × E) interactions offered the most effective alternative for regional dairy selection alternatives. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the effects of pterostilbene (PTE) on the intestinal barrier function, antioxidant capacity, lipid metabolism, and microbial and metabolite homeostasis of suckling piglets via its action on breast milk. Findings indicate that PTE supplementation enhanced the antioxidant status of mature milk and strengthened intestinal barrier function in piglets. Specifically, PTE enhanced intestinal antioxidant status and fatty acid β-oxidation in piglets by regulating the PI3K-AKT and SIRT1-Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathways. 16S rDNA sequencing and Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectroscopy (LC–MS) identified breast milk and gut microbiota and their metabolites, respectively. Results indicate that PTE significantly elevated levels of amino acid derivatives in colostrum (Glutathione Reducedform (GSH) and N-acetyl-L-glutamate (NAG)), whilst concurrently reducing levels of glycerophospholipid-related metabolites in both colostrum and mature milk (p < 0.05). Moreover, PTE supplementation markedly altered the composition of the colonic mucosal microbiota in piglets, with Faecalibacterium, Mucispirillum and Ruminococcus identified as key beneficial microbial markers of the colonic mucosa. Combined multi-omics revealed strong correlations in microbial community composition between mature milk and the colon, identifying glycerophospholipid metabolism as a key metabolic pathway that may be associated with the regulatory effects of PTE on milk and the piglet colon. In conclusion, the PTE supplement can improve the quality of breast milk and have a positive impact on the intestinal homeostasis of the offspring. Full article

Background/Objectives: Early postnatal nutrition is a modifiable determinant of brain maturation in preterm infants. Exclusive human milk-based diets (EHMD) are associated with improved neurodevelopmental outcomes. The objective of this exploratory ancillary analysis of the NEOVASC randomized controlled trial was to determine whether prolonging an exclusive human milk-based diet, specifically through continued human milk-based fortification until 36 weeks postmenstrual age, is associated with differences in early brain structure and functional motor development compared with earlier introduction of bovine milk-based fortifier or formula at 32 weeks postmenstrual age. Methods: This ancillary study of the NEOVASC trial included preterm infants (<32 gestational weeks and birthweight of 500–1250 g) randomized to either prolonged EHMD until 36 weeks PMA or a diet introducing bovine milk-based fortifier or formula from 32 weeks. Quantitative brain metrics, fractional anisotropy (FA), and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were analyzed at 40 weeks PMA. Functional maturation was assessed repetitively using the General Movement Optimality Score (GMOS) (34, 36, and 40 weeks PMA) and Motor Optimality Score (52 weeks PMA). Results: Fifty-four infants were included. Groups did not differ in brain growth metrics. After adjustment for imbalances in clinical characteristics, no FA or ADC differences remained statistically significant. GMOS at 40 weeks PMA was higher in the intervention group, with no differences at other time points. Conclusions: In this exploratory ancillary analysis of the NEOVASC trial, prolonging an exclusive EHMD until 36 weeks postmenstrual age was not associated with consistent differences in early brain maturation or motor performance. Given the high overall exposure to human milk in both groups, subtle effects may have been attenuated. These findings require confirmation in larger, adequately powered studies with long-term follow-up. Full article

The field experiment was conducted in 2016–2018 at the Department of Agronomy of the Poznań University of Life Sciences on the fields of the Research and Education Centre in Gorzyń, Złotniki branch. It was a single-factor experiment with six sowing dates of an ultra-early maize variety: A1—12 April, A2—26 April, A3—10 May, A4—24 May, A5—7 June, and A6—21 June. Seeds of the maize variety ‘Pyroxenia’ were used in the experiment. This variety is characterized by extremely early maturity (FAO 130), rapid initial development and elongation growth. Delaying the maize sowing date from A1 to A2 resulted in a 16.5% reduction in starch content in the silage dry matter, and a 14.6% increase in the ADF (Acid Detergent Fiber) fiber fraction. The difference in milk production per hectare between maize sown on date A1 and date A6 was 14,189.51 kg/ha, representing 97.1%. Delaying the maize sowing date led to an increase in the abundance of Clostridium spp. in silages, which are responsible for increased losses of dry matter, including starch. No butyric acid was detected in the silages as a final product of butyric fermentation. The low abundance of bacteria from the family Enterobacteriaceae in the silages indicated that they were well prepared. Silages prepared from maize sown at later dates were characterized by a higher abundance of undesirable mold fungi, which are responsible for dry matter losses, including starch. The coefficient of determination showed that 38.54% of the variation in silage starch content was explained by variation in mold abundance in the silage. According to the Flieg–Zimmer scale, all silages received a very good rating, regardless of maize sowing date. Full article

Milk-derived exosomes (MDEs) are bioactive nanocarriers rich in microRNAs (miRNAs) that play critical roles in post-transcriptional regulation during neonatal development and immune adaptation. However, the dynamic changes in miRNA expression across lactation stages and their biological functions remain insufficiently explored. We hypothesized that the miRNA cargo of buffalo MDEs exhibits temporal specificity, thereby dynamically matching the immune requirements of the neonatal calves. Therefore, the present study aimed to systematically characterize the miRNA expression profiles of MDEs derived from colostrum, transitional milk, and mature milk. MDEs were isolated, purified using differential ultracentrifugation, and characterized via transmission electron microscopy, Western blotting, and nanoparticle-tracking analysis. A total of 370 miRNAs were identified in the MDEs, with 220 (59.5%) co-expressed across colostrum, transitional milk, and mature milk. Comparative analysis revealed that colostrum MDEs exhibited the greatest miRNA diversity. Expression patterns of miRNAs showed distinct stage-specific clustering as lactation progressed. Compared to mature milk, 100 differentially expressed miRNAs (DE-miRNAs) were identified in colostrum MDEs, including 39 upregulated and 61 downregulated miRNAs. Bioinformatics analyses indicated that predicted target genes were associated with transmembrane transport, immune response, cell development, and apoptosis. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis identified pathways involved in immune regulation, inflammation, and apoptosis. Moreover, macrophages incubated with buffalo colostrum MDEs showed upregulation of proliferation-related genes and downregulation of pro-inflammatory factors, suggesting an anti-inflammatory effect through activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase-protein kinase B (PI3K-Akt) signaling pathway. These findings offer new insights into miRNA profiles of buffalo MDEs across the early postpartum transition and provide a preliminary basis for exploring immunomodulatory potential of buffalo MDEs. Full article

Human breast milk evolves beyond simple nutrition to function as a complex signaling system that promotes neonatal development. This review analyzes the bioactive components, delineating how its specific constituents compensate for the physiological vulnerabilities of the neonate. Additionally, the distinct roles of colostral and mature milk are in fortifying the immature immune system and promoting gastrointestinal maturation. Focus is placed on the prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis, where milk oligosaccharides and microbiome function to maintain mucosal integrity and symbiosis, while preventing pathogens’ adhesion. Furthermore, how breastfeeding duration is linked to long-term metabolic and immunological programming is evaluated. MicroRNAs and bioactive lipids actively modulate gene expression and immune responses, thereby reducing the incidence of metabolic diseases and childhood malignancies. By integrating findings, this article underscores the irreplaceable role of breast milk in clinical dietetics and pediatric care. Full article

This study presents a genome-resolved shotgun metagenomic analysis of artisanal raw-milk goat cheese from the Masurian region of Poland, addressing the limited understanding of strain-level diversification and functional restructuring during traditional cheese ripening. While microbial succession in cheese has been widely described, comprehensive genome-resolved analyses integrating strain-level genomic heterogeneity, pathway reweighting, and mobile genetic elements in artisanal goat cheese remain scarce. By combining taxonomic profiling with metagenome-assembled genome (MAG) reconstruction and pathway-level functional analysis, we characterised microbial succession and genome plasticity across ripening stages. Genome reconstruction yielded 37 MAGs during early ripening and 141 MAGs in mature cheese, revealing increased genome recoverability and pronounced strain-level heterogeneity within dominant taxa, including Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, and Lactococcus lactis. Alpha diversity increased in mature samples, consistent with progressive community restructuring. Functional profiling demonstrated coordinated metabolic reweighting, particularly within carbohydrate metabolism, while amino acid and lipid metabolism remained proportionally stable. Genome-resolved analyses further identified tetracycline- and sulfonamide-associated resistance determinants and diverse bacteriophages targeting lactic acid bacteria, highlighting the role of mobile genetic elements in horizontal gene transfer and microevolutionary adaptation during ripening. Full article