Changes to the Oligosaccharide Profile of Bovine Milk at the Onset of Lactation

Erinn M Quinn,Katie Sugrue,Rita M Hickey,John Paul Murphy,John T Tobin,Helen Slattery,Tom F O’Callaghan,Michael O’Donovan

doi:10.3390/dairy1030019

Erinn M Quinn, Katie Sugrue + Show 6 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/dairy1030019

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Abstract

Numerous bioactive components exist in human milk including free oligosaccharides, which represent some of the most important, and provide numerous health benefits to the neonate. Considering the demonstrated value of these compounds, much interest lies in characterising structurally similar oligosaccharides in the dairy industry. In this study, the impacts of days post-parturition and parity of the cows on the oligosaccharide and lactose profiles of their milk were evaluated. Colostrum and milk samples were obtained from 18 cows 1–5 days after parturition. Three distinct phases were identified using multivariate analysis: colostrum (day 0), transitional milk (days 1–2) and mature milk (days 3–5). LS-tetrasaccharide c, lacto-N-neotetraose, disialyllacto-N-tetraose, 3’-sial-N-acetyllactosamine, 3’-sialyllactose, lacto-N-neohexaose and disialyllactose were found to be highly affiliated with colostrum. Notably, levels of lactose were at their lowest concentration in the colostrum and substantially increased 1-day post-parturition. The cow’s parity was also shown to have a significant effect on the oligosaccharide profile, with first lactation cows containing more disialyllacto-N-tetraose, 6’-sialyllactose and LS-tetrasaccharide compared to cows in their second or third parity. Overall, this study identifies key changes in oligosaccharide and lactose content that clearly distinguish colostrum from transitional and mature milk and may facilitate the collection of specific streams with divergent biological functions.

Highlights

The diversity and abundance of complex sugars known as human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) remain some of the most remarkable features of breast milk
Variation in oligosaccharide profiles over the course of lactation may be linked to varying biological activities, which may reflect the co-evolution between maternal milk and the changing needs of the nursing off-spring
Identification of hallmark changes in the oligosaccharide profile of milk as it evolves from colostrum to mature milk could help food manufacturers identify specific phases in lactation most suitable for specific processes and products such that optimum value can be obtained from bovine milk

Summary

Introduction

The diversity and abundance of complex sugars known as human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) remain some of the most remarkable features of breast milk. Oligosaccharides are indigestible to the infant, and reach the colon intact [1]. HMOs are the preferred substrates for several health-promoting bacteria in the colon, including bifidobacteria, thereby acting as prebiotics [2]. HMOs can directly modulate the host’s epithelial responses by blocking the binding of pathogens to intestinal epithelial cells, or by acting as decoy receptors, inhibiting the binding of enteric pathogens [3]. Metabolic products from HMOs, such as sialic acid, have been suggested to play important roles in brain development, neural transmission and synaptogenesis [4,5].

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