Search Results (2,022)

Cattle breeds are optimized either for milk or meat production and secrete consumed nutrients in the form of milk or accrete nutrients as skeletal muscle tissue, respectively. Surplus energy is usually stored in the form of fat in adipose tissues. To gain more insight into the physiological and genetic background of nutrient accretion as either protein or fat, an experimental F₂ population was generated crossing Charolais (CH) bulls and German Holstein (GH) cows. Mutations in two genes with known, profound effects on growth were segregating in this population: the I442M mutation in the non-SMC condensin I complex, subunit G (NCAPG) gene, and the Q204X mutation in the myostatin (MSTN) gene. The major aim of this study was to close the gap between the described effects of the NCAPG/LCORL region and MSTN SNPs on carcass and meat quality traits, as well as on the structure and composition of the underlying tissues. Whole carcass data, meat quality traits, composition of major cuts and their dominating muscles, including muscle and fat cell structure, were analyzed as well as chemical and fatty acid composition. Mutant alleles of both loci were associated with higher weights, increased muscularity, and reduced fatness, e.g., each explaining about 15% of the observed variance. However, both loci apparently affect traits in a specific manner, influencing either dimensional traits or mass accretion. Full article

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of rumen-protected γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) supplementation on milk productivity of lactating Holstein cows. Eighteen Holstein dairy cows (mean parity, 2.2 ± 1.0 year; mean milk yield, 34.3 ± 5.5 kg) were selected in a commercial dairy farm for the experiment. The experiment was conducted from 17 July 2024 to 11 September 2024 (56 days). Generally, THI 72 is set as a threshold since the productivity of Holstein cows starts to decrease. Animals were exposed to heat stress conditions (THI ≥ 72) during the experimental period. The basal diet was fed as a total mixed ration (TMR), and GABA was top-dressed onto the TMR. The treatments were basal diet (Control), basal diet supplemented with rumen-protected GABA 3 g/d (Treatment 1), and basal diet supplemented with rumen-protected GABA 6 g/d (Treatment 2) as a completely randomized design. Statistical significance was compared between the control and GABA treatment groups using the method of repeated measurement. Increased levels of rumen-protected GABA supplementation tended to mitigate the decline in milk yield associated with heat stress (p = 0.083). Milk fat content in the GABA supplementation groups was significantly greater than that in the control group (p = 0.036). Milk lactose content was significantly increased by GABA supplementation (p = 0.017). Blood metabolic profiles and cortisol did not differ significantly between the control and GABA supplementation groups. Activities in the GABA supplementation groups were significantly greater than those in the control group (p < 0.05). Rest and rumination times in the GABA supplementation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (p < 0.05). These results suggest that rumen-protected GABA can be a practical nutritional intervention for minimizing productivity losses in Holstein cows during periods of elevated ambient temperature. Full article

Milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) phospholipids could promote the development of infants’ brain, nervous system and digestive system. This research conducted a comparative analysis of phospholipid composition in MFGM of colostrum from different bovine species (Holstein cattle, yak, and Buffalo), with a particular focus on analyzing phospholipid variations in yak MFGM across different lactation stages. Chromatographic quantification revealed phosphatidylcholine (PC) as the predominant phospholipid class (34.7–47.44%) in all examined species. Notably, Holstein cow milk contains significantly higher levels of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE). Distinct phospholipid profiles emerged between species: yak milk demonstrated significantly higher concentrations of sphingomyelin (SM), lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE), dimethylphosphatidylethanolamine (dMePE), and bis-methylphosphatidic acid (BisMePA), whereas buffalo milk showed preferential accumulation of phosphatidylinositol (PI), phosphatidylserine (PS), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), and lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC). Longitudinal analysis revealed dynamic changes in yak milk phospholipids during lactation: as the lactation period in-creases, PC, PS, LPC, LPE, methylphosphatidylcholine (MePC), BisMePA, and dMePE exhibited progressive decline, while PE, SM, PI and PG showed incremental increases. Analysis of phospholipid metabolism pathways indicates that yak colostrum supports early calf development by enriching phospholipids associated with immune and neuroprotection, while mature milk shifts toward maintaining membrane stability. These compositional characteristics position yak milk as a promising phospholipid-fortified alternative to human breast milk. Full article

The use of mixed cow–goat milk in yogurt production allows for balancing fermentation performance, textural properties and sensory attributes of the products. This study evaluated the fermentation behavior and physicochemical, microbiological, textural, and color properties of yogurts produced from cow milk (A), goat milk (E), and mixed cow–goat milk at volume ratios (v/v) of 75:25 (B), 50:50 (C), and 25:75 (D). Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were analyzed in milk before fermentation and in yogurts after production and during two weeks of refrigerated storage. Sensory attributes were assessed after two weeks of storage. An increase in the proportion of goat milk in the milk blend shortened the fermentation time, whereas a higher proportion of cow milk enhanced the survival of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), improved water-holding capacity (WHC), strengthened textural properties, and reduced syneresis. Yogurts with higher proportions of goat milk exhibited increased lightness and whiteness. Milk type influenced chemical composition, with higher fat content and lower lactose content observed in goat milk yogurts. A higher proportion of goat milk in the milk blend promoted the formation of methyl ketones and aldehydes associated with a characteristic fatty aroma. Among the mixed-milk yogurts, the sample containing 25% goat milk (D) achieved the highest sensory acceptance. The study demonstrated that cow–goat mixed-milk yogurts represented a balanced compromise between textural stability, microbial viability, and sensory acceptance. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of varying dietary salt and boric acid addition doses on the milk quality of Savak Akkaraman sheep. A total of 120 animals were as-signed to six treatment groups (n = 20): control (C), rock salt (S; 10 g/day), boric acid 20 mg/day (B20), boric acid 40 mg/day (B40), BS20 (20 mg boric acid + 10 g/day rock salt), and BS40 (40 mg boric acid + 10 g/day rock salt). All analyses were performed in duplicate on six samples, taken on days 30 and 35 following the administration of the additives. Physicochemical analyses only showed significant variation in milk pH (p = 0.006), while acidity, dry matter, and ash remained unaffected. Strong positive correlations were found among protein, lactose, salt, and density (r > 0.95; p < 0.001). Coagulation times differed widely, with the longest being observed in BS20 (995.03 s) and the shortest in BS40 (141.73 s). Among mineral parameters, only selenium levels differed significantly between the treatment groups (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found for fat, solids-not-fat, lactose, freezing point, or electrical conductivity. Importantly, boron addition had a significant influence on total casein content (p < 0.001). Overall, dietary rock salt and boric acid did not markedly alter the basic milk composition but produced notable physicochemical changes, particularly in coagulation behavior and casein levels, which may influence the technological properties of sheep milk. Full article

Objective: This study aims to investigate the dietary assessment and trends of preschoolers aged 3 to 5 years in Korea from 2012 to 2021 and to provide basic data for early childhood dietary education and policy development. Methods: Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) from 2012 to 2021 were analyzed for 2510 children in the 3–5 age group. Dietary intake was assessed using a 24 h recall. Intakes of food groups, dishes, and nutrients were calculated, and trends across years were tested using generalized linear models adjusted for gender, age, household income, energy intake, mother’s age, and mother’s education. Results: Over the tenyear period, intakes of carbohydrates, phosphorus, iron, sodium, potassium, carotene, thiamine, niacin, and vitamin C, as well as the carbohydrate energy ratio, showed significant declines. Meanwhile, protein, fat, retinol, and riboflavin increased, as did the protein and fat energy ratios. Fruit intake decreased by approximately 42 g among food group intakes. Analysis of foods contributing to total food intake revealed that milk, white rice, apples, and eggs consistently accounted for a high proportion of total intake in all survey years. Average calcium intake was approximately 100 mg below the estimated average requirement. Conclusions: The results of this study showed that preschoolers exhibit insufficient intake of certain nutrients, such as calcium, and a decrease in fruit intake. Interventions are needed to establish regular meal patterns, promote plant food intake such as fruit, and improve calcium intake. These results provide valuable evidence for designing dietary education programs and dietary guidelines tailored to early childhood. Full article

Rosemary extract (RE), rich in carnosic and rosmarinic acid, which have antibacterial/antioxidant/anti-inflammatory effects, is a potential natural feed supplement for heat-stressed dairy buffaloes. This study systematically evaluated dietary RE effects on dairy buffaloes during hot weather. Twenty Mediterranean dairy buffaloes were randomly allocated into two groups for a 35-day trial: the control (CON) group receiving a basal diet, and the RE group receiving the same basal diet supplemented with 20 g/d of RE. Results showed RE tended to reduce buffalo body surface temperature; increased milk production, 4% fat-corrected milk, milk protein, lactose, and solids-not-fat; and optimized milk fatty acid profiles. In regard to blood, the RE group exhibited higher catalase activity, total antioxidant capacity, and concentrations of immunoglobulin A and M, together with lower concentrations of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α. Additionally, RE markedly elevated concentrations of total volatile fatty acid, acetate, propionate, and butyrate; improved microbial α-diversity indices (Sobs and Ace); and increased the abundances of Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group and Butyrivibrio spp., as well as the enrichment of multiple genera belonging to the family Lachnospiraceae. In conclusion, supplementing the diet of heat-stressed dairy buffaloes with 20 g/d of RE improves milk production and composition-related performance by optimizing the rumen ecosystem and enhancing systemic health status, with these effects observed as short-term responses under the conditions of the present study. Full article

Bovine milk is a complex biological fluid whose lipid fraction plays essential roles in nutrition, processing, and product quality. While conventional analyses have traditionally focused on total fat content and fatty acid composition, recent advances in liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) have unveiled the molecular diversity of polar lipids, particularly phospholipids and sphingolipids. These compounds, largely associated with the milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), include key molecular species such as phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), sphingomyelin (SM), ceramides (Cer), and lysophospholipids, which collectively contribute to emulsion stability, flavor development, and bioactive functionality. This review summarizes current progress in the determination of sphingolipids and phospholipids in bovine milk, with a specific focus on analytical strategies enabling their accurate detection, identification, and quantification. We discuss how advanced LC–MS platforms have been applied to investigate factors shaping the milk polar lipidome, including lactation stage, animal diet, metabolic and inflammatory stress, and technological processing. Accumulating evidence indicates that specific lipid species and ratios, such as PC/PE balance, SM and ceramide profiles, and Lyso-PC enrichment, act as sensitive molecular indicators of membrane integrity, oxidative status, heat stress, and processing history. From an applied perspective, these lipidomic markers hold strong potential for dairy quality control, shelf-life assessment, and authenticity verification. Overall, advanced lipidomics provides a robust analytical framework to translate molecular-level lipid signatures into actionable tools for monitoring cow health, technological performance, and the nutritional valorization of bovine milk. Full article

N6-methyladenosine (m6A), a predominant and reversible modification of mammalian RNA, plays a critical role in regulating growth, development, and metabolism. While methyltransferase-like 14 (METTL14) is an essential component of the m6A methyltransferase complex, its specific function in regulating milk fat metabolism in dairy goats remains unexplored. This study therefore aimed to elucidate the role of METTL14 in lipid metabolism within dairy goat mammary epithelial cells (GMECs). METTL14 overexpression significantly promoted the synthesis of TAG (Triacylglycerol) and TC (Total cholesterol), as well as lipid droplet accumulation in GMECs. Furthermore, METTL14 upregulated CCAAT enhancer binding protein beta (CEBPB) expression at both the mRNA and protein levels by directly inducing m6A modification on its transcripts. Finally, we confirmed that m6A modification occurs specifically at site 1662 of CEBPB mRNA, and the “Readers” YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA binding protein F1 and F3 (YTHDF1/3) were found responsible for the m6A site recognition and interpretation. This study demonstrated that METTL14 facilitates lipid synthesis and deposition in GMECs. Mechanistically, METTL14 installs the m6A modification at site 1662 of CEBPB transcripts. This m6A mark is specifically recognized by the readers YTHDF1 and YTHDF3, which promote the translation of CEBPB mRNA, thereby upregulating its expression. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the supplementation with rumen-protected fat from soybean or palm and thermally processed soybean on the feed intake, digestibility of nutrients, milk production, and milk content of ewes. Twenty-five Pantaneiras ewes, 3–6 years old, 39.8 ± 3.51 kg body weight, and 65 ± 4 days in milk, were distributed into five treatments (5 ewes in each) in a completely randomized design continuous trial, over 56 days. The treatments consisted of daily supplementation with soybean-based rumen-protected fat (SPF; 30 g/d), palm-based rumen-protected fat (PPF; 30 g/d), a blend of soybean and palm rumen-protected fats (Blend; 30 g/d), thermally processed soybean (TPS; 124 g/d), and a control without supplementation. We performed a daily evaluation of feed intake and milk production, and every 14 days, we evaluated the nutrient digestibility, milk composition, and fatty acid profile. The protein and casein content were lower in the SPF treatment. Supplementation with PPF resulted in a higher saturated fatty acid content, while supplementation with TPS resulted in higher monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acid contents. The supplementation with SPF resulted in higher milk fatty acid functionality. Feeding ewes SPF or TPS enhanced nutrient intake and digestibility, leading to increased milk production and an improved milk fatty acid profile. In contrast, supplementation with PPF resulted in a less favorable fatty acid composition. Full article

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of fermented compound Chinese herbal medicine (FCHM, Vaccaria segetali, Tetrapanax papyriferus, Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort and Rhaponticum uniflorum) on the reproductive performance of Ningxiang sows. A total of 30 Ningxiang sows were randomly assigned to the control group (CON), CHM group, and FCHM group. The results indicated that dietary CHMs and FCHM supplementation significantly increased (p < 0.05) the milk production, feed intake, reproductive performance protein content, and lactose content in the milk of sows and significantly decreased (p < 0.05) the number of somatic cells in colostrum and in the number of low-birthweight piglets. Dietary FCHM supplementation significantly increased (p < 0.05) the number of healthy piglets, birth litter weight, colostrum fat content, and feed intake. Moreover, malondialdehyde, porcine interleukin-1α, and porcine interleukin-6 in sow serum were decreased (p < 0.05), and the activity of superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant capacity, immunoglobulin, prolactin and progesterone levels (p < 0.05) were increased, with FCHM supplementation. The colostrum metabolomics analyses showed that FCHM significantly enriched the oxytocin signaling pathway, calcium signaling pathway, and pathways associated with milk composition synthesis. In conclusion, supplementing with FCHM improved the reproductive performance and milk metabolic biomarkers of sows and may serve as an effective feed additive to improve productivity. Full article

Background: Higher intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) increases the risk of childhood obesity, while the effects of non-caloric beverages (NCBs) and dairy beverages remain inconsistent. This study investigated changes in beverage intake following a 10-week lifestyle camp and explored associations between changes in beverage intake and anthropometric measures. Methods: Children from two camp sites and aged 7–14 years (n:190) with overweight/obesity were included and pooled for the present study. Beverage intake was assessed by a Food Frequency Questionnaire at baseline, at 10 weeks, and at a one- and three-year follow-up. Anthropometry was assessed at the same timepoints. Results: Compared to baseline, participants had lower odds of reporting a high intake of SSBs (OR: 0.14, 95%-CI: 0.07; 0.28), NCBs (OR: 0.19, 95%-CI: 0.11; 0.34) and chocolate milk (OR: 0.18, 95%-CI: 0.09; 0.36) at 10 weeks, relative to a low intake, and were more likely to report a high intake of water. One and three years after the camp, the changes attenuated, reaching baseline levels for water, SSBs, and NCBs at the three-year follow-up. Across time, only weak to moderate correlations were observed between changes in beverage intake and BMI-SDS, body fat (%), and skeletal muscle mass (Spearman’s rho = +/− 0.19–0.31). Conclusions: The lifestyle camp intervention effectively improved beverage intake among children with overweight/obesity; however, the changes were not sustained, emphasizing the need for long-term support to maintain the health benefits. Without a control group, it is not possible to determine whether these changes reflect natural variations in beverage intake. Full article

Iodine deficiency is the leading preventable cause of neurological damage worldwide. Dairy foods represent an important dietary iodine source. This study aimed to assess iodine concentration in milk, ricotta cheese, and yogurt, and to evaluate their contribution toward the recommended daily iodine intake. Whole pasteurized milk (WM; n = 12), partially skimmed pasteurized milk (PM; n = 21), skimmed pasteurized milk (SM; n = 7), ricotta cheese (RC; n = 26), whole yogurt (WY; n = 13), and low-fat yogurt (LY; n = 15) were purchased in local stores. Samples were analyzed through inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for iodine quantification. After removing outliers, the final dataset comprised 11 WM, 19 PM, 7 SM, 26 RC, 13 WY and 15 LY samples. Data were investigated through a mixed model with iodine concentration as the dependent variable, product type as fixed effect, and brand as random effect. Low-fat yogurt exhibited the greatest estimated iodine concentration (293.76 µg/kg), while SM and WM exhibited the lowest (211.92 and 197.63 µg/kg, respectively). Based on these results, a serving of milk (250 g) would provide 31.82–39.08% of the average daily iodine requirement, a serving of ricotta (125 g) 21.66%, and a yogurt jar (125 g) 21.54–24.11%. These findings confirm the nutritional relevance of dairy products as primary iodine sources. Full article

Background/Objectives: HMOs are the third most abundant solid component after lactose and fats in human milk. This study aimed to examine the relationships between maternal diet and HMO composition and concentration in human milk among lactating women in Latvia. Methods: Pooled 24 h human milk samples, 72 h food diaries, and questionnaires on anthropometric and sociodemographic characteristics were collected from 68 exclusively breastfeeding women residing in Latvia. HMOs were analyzed by UHPLC/FLD, and dietary data were analyzed using the Estonian NutriData program. Results: The eight most abundant HMO structures were determined with total concentration ranging between 178.66 and 32,910.09 mg L⁻¹. 2′-FL was the most prevalent HMO in human milk (median concentration—3647 mg L⁻¹), followed by 3′-FL (1436.74 mg L⁻¹). Participants had an insufficient intake of vegetables, fruits, berries, milk and dairy products, and fish, leading to vitamin A, vitamin C, folate, and iodine intakes lower than recommended for lactating women. Limitation or exclusion of milk and dairy products from the diet was associated with a higher 2′-FL concentration in human milk (p = 0.037). Preference for “zero sugar” products was associated with a higher 3′-FL, 6′-GL, LNnT, 6′-SL, LNDFH II concentration in human milk (p < 0.050). Dietary supplement use (e.g., vitamin D, calcium) was also associated with differences in HMO composition and concentration in milk (p < 0.050). Conclusions: The findings highlight the importance of dietary habits and supplement use in shaping HMO profiles, though more human milk samples and dietary data need to be evaluated to draw further conclusions. Full article

An elevated somatic cell count (SCC) affects the physicochemical characteristics of milk, altering its renneting ability and ultimately impacting the yield and quality of the cheese produced. This study aims to analyse the variations in the composition of Latvian goat milk and its technological properties in relation to SCC. Individual goat milk samples (n = 240) were collected from one of the largest goat farms in Latvia during 2019 and 2020. Latvian, Saanen, and cross-breed goat milk samples from different lactations were tested for their chemical composition (fat, protein, lactose, dry matter, and SCC), fat-to-protein ratio, freezing point, and curd firmness. Samples were collected during different lactation periods in order to analyse the seasonal effect on milk quality. The results demonstrated that milk samples from goats with lower SCCs (Group I) exhibited the highest fat (3.34%), lactose (4.56%), and dry matter (11.28%) concentrations and fat-to-protein ratios (1.02). Curd firmness decreased progressively from Group I to Group IV, fluctuating between Latvian Native (1.96–1.47 N), Saanen (1.91–1.59 N), and cross-breed (1.66–1.58 N) goat milk samples. A significantly lower (p = 0.030) curd firmness (1.56 N) was determined in the Group IV goat milk samples. Seasonal fluctuations in milk composition were observed in relation to curd firmness, which peaked in late lactation milk (3.85 N), although minor fluctuations were observed in protein concentrations (3.23% to 3.30%) across the sampling periods (2019 and 2020). These findings highlight the necessity of SCC monitoring in Latvian goat milk to ensure appropriate quality for milk processing. Full article