AUTHOR=Yang Chun , Pan Jiancun , Pang Shaojie , Hu Shuang , Liu Miao , Zhang Xinyan , Song Liping , Ren Xiangnan , Wang Zhongli 

TITLE=Comparative analysis of the nutritional composition, digestibility, metabolomics profiles and growth influence of cow, goat and sheep milk powder diets in rat models

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Nutrition

VOLUME=Volume 11 - 2024

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2024.1428938

DOI=10.3389/fnut.2024.1428938

ISSN=2296-861X

ABSTRACT=The study aims to explore the nutritional composition, growth performance, digestibility, and serum metabolic differences of milk powders from cow, goat, and sheep using LC-MS/MS-based metabolomics in rat models. Sixty male rats were fed milk powder samples, and their feces and urine were then analyzed for fat and protein content. Among all the samples, the sheep milk powder showed highest protein and fat content level, while cow and goat milk powders separately demonstrated higher lactose and carbohydrate levels. Each milk powder had a unique mineral profile, with sheep milk powder containing the highest calcium content. All groups exhibited consistent growth in body weight and high rates of protein and fat digestibility.Metabolomics analysis revealed distinct metabolic profiles, with goat milk powder linked to steroid hormone biosynthesis and sheep milk powder associated with hormone regulation and bile acid pathways. The study indicates that understanding the sources of milk is crucial for effective dietary planning.