Milk Research Articles

Looking Inside of the Intestinal Permeability Regulation by Protein‐Derivatives from Bovine Milk

AbstractThe prime function of the epithelium is to regulate the intestinal permeability; the latter is a quantitative parameter that refers to the measurement of the rate of passage of solutes through the epithelial monolayer. Function of epithelial monolayer depends on the expression of protein complexes known as tight junction proteins; whose function and expression can be disrupted under conditions of inflammation including irritable bowel disease (IBD), intestinal infections, and high‐fat diets, among others. This manuscript is focused to outline the effects of bovine milk protein derivatives on the intestinal permeability addressed mostly in animal models in which the intestinal barrier is disrupted. At present, the properties of bovine milk protein derivatives on intestinal permeability have been scarcely documented in humans, but evidence raised from clinical trials provides promising findings of potential application of colostrum to control of the intestinal permeability in critically ill patients, users of non‐steroid anti‐inflammatory drugs, like athletes and militia members.

In Vitro Cholesterol Uptake by the Microflora of Selected Kefir Starter Cultures

Kefir, a fermented milk beverage, is recognized for its potential health benefits, including its cholesterol-lowering properties. This study demonstrated that selected kefir starter cultures, including Lactococcus strains and yeasts, significantly reduce cholesterol-binding capacity under simulated gastrointestinal conditions, underscoring the challenges of probiotic delivery. We compared the performance of these cultures under laboratory conditions (growth broths) and simulated digestive juice models. Lactococcus strains showed significant differences in cholesterol binding between the two environments, highlighting the limitations of relying solely on laboratory testing. Yeast cultures also exhibited greater cholesterol binding in their native broths, but their survival was limited in digestive models. Our findings suggest that effective probiotic formulations should prioritize strains with high cholesterol-binding capacity and robust survival rates throughout the digestive tract. This study provides valuable insights for future research on the mechanisms behind these functionalities and the potential of kefir yeast strains for use in human digestive models. Our results can be used to inform the development of improved probiotic formulations for cholesterol management.

Bovine milk as a source of nitro‐conjugated linoleic acid

Nitrated fatty acids (NO2‐FAs), specifically nitroalkenes, are gaining recognition for their anti‐inflammatory and therapeutic properties. Bovine milk, a major dietary component, may serve as a significant source of these bioactive molecules, complementing its established nutritional profile. This study examined nitroalkene's presence in milk from different bovine strains and lactation stages. NO2‐conjugated linoleic acid (NO2‐cLA) was detected at concentrations up to 5 μM, comprising 2.7% of total cLA. The concentration of NO2‐cLA varied slightly with the Holstein strain and lactation stage, with its free form predominantly observed, suggesting limited triglyceride incorporation. Further research into NO2‐cLA's biological significance in milk is required.

Genomic evaluation of residual feed intake in US Holstein cows: insights into lifetime feed efficiency

Residual feed intake (RFI) is an important trait of feed efficiency that has been increasingly considered in the breeding objectives for dairy cattle. The objectives of this study were to estimate the genetic parameters of RFI and its component traits, namely, dry-matter intake (DMI), body weight (BW), and energy-corrected milk (ECM), in lactating Holstein cows; we thus developed a system for genomic evaluation of RFI in lactating Holstein cows and explored the associations of the RFI of heifers and cows. The RFI values were calculated from 2,538 first (n = 2,118) and second (n = 420) lactation Holsteins cows between 2020 and 2024 as part of the STgenetics EcoFeed® program. Of the animals, 1,516 were heifers from the same research station with previously established RFI values . After quality control, 61,283 single-nucleotide polymorphisms were used for the analyses. Univariate analyses were performed to estimate the heritabilities of RFI and its components in lactating cows; bivariate analyses were then performed to estimate the genetic correlations between the RFI of heifers and lactating cows using the genomic best unbiased linear prediction method. Animals with phenotypes and genotypes were used as the training population, and animals with only genotypes were considered the prediction population. The reliability of breeding values was obtained by approximation based on partitioning a function of the accuracy of the training population’s genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs) and magnitudes of genomic relationships between the individuals in the training and prediction populations. The heritability estimates (mean ± SE) of the RFI, DMI, ECM, and BW were 0.43 ± 0.07, 0.44 ± 0.04, 0.40 ± 0.05, and 0.46 ± 0.04, respectively. The average reliability of the GEBVs for RFI from the training and prediction populations were 44% and 30%, respectively. The genetic correlations for the RFI were 0.42 ± 0.08 between heifers and first lactation cows and 0.34 ± 0.06 between heifers and first and second lactation cows. Our results show that the genetic components of RFI are not fully carried over from heifers to cows and that there is re-ranking of the individuals at different life stages. Selection of animals for feed efficiency on a lifetime basis thus requires accounting for the efficiencies during animal growth and milk production as a lactating cow.

Lactation curves for milk, fat and protein in dairy cows under regenerative versus conventional farming practices

ABSTRACT Regenerative agriculture aims to utilise more diverse pasture species and enhance animal performance through sustainable soil management and pasture quality. This study evaluated the influence of regenerative and conventional farming on dairy cow performance and milk production under different pasture mixes and management strategies. Monthly herd test records were used to model individual lactation curves for daily milk, fat, and protein yield for the 2022–2023 season using random regression with third-order orthogonal polynomials. Total yields were calculated from predicted daily yield. Treatments were SPCM: Standard pasture under conventional management, DPCM: Diverse pasture mix under conventional management, and DPRM: Diverse pasture mix under regenerative management. Total milk yield was similar across treatments, averaging 3370 kg (SPCM), 3649 kg (DPCM), and 3626 kg (DPRM) for the 2022–2023 season. No significant differences were observed in fat, protein, milk solids yield, or milk composition. Cows on diverse pastures, regardless of management approach, showed heavier liveweights than those on standard pastures. DPCM and DPRM cows averaged 474 kg, significantly greater than SPCM cows at 464 kg (P < 0.0001), likely due to longer grazing rotation and higher post-graze mass. These findings suggest that pasture species diversity, regardless the management, enhances liveweight without affecting milk composition.

Methodological principles for creating an adaptive mechanical-information system for cow milking

Methodological principles for creating an adaptive mechanical-information system for cow milking

Supplementation with a Whey Protein Concentrate Enriched in Bovine Milk Exosomes Improves Longitudinal Growth and Supports Bone Health During Catch-Up Growth in Rats

Supplementation with a Whey Protein Concentrate Enriched in Bovine Milk Exosomes Improves Longitudinal Growth and Supports Bone Health During Catch-Up Growth in Rats

Antimicrobial activities and bacteriocins of lactic acid bacteria isolated from Nigeria indigenous fermented cowmilk &amp;ldquo;nunu&amp;rdquo;

Nunu is a nutritious fermented yoghurt-like milk beverage that can serve as a source of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with antimicrobial and bacteriocin potentials. Nunu samples were screened for LAB with antimicrobial activity against test organisms. Three LAB, namely Lactobacillus parafarraginis OCLP1, L. fermentum CSL58 and L. buchneri MZE12 out of a total of 14 isolates produced antimicrobial activity against Bacillus anthracis CHF-2011-32b, B. cereus DHM5-1, Providencia vermicola KSVDL-09-71600, P. rettgeri SIRT3, P. stuartti SILT11 and other test organisms. Antimicrobial factors were assayed in LAB cell-free extracts (CFE), neutralized CFE, and ammonium sulphate precipitants of the CFE, and Lactobacillus parafarraginis OCLP1 demonstrated highest activity with zone of inhibition = 20.33±3.51 mm­, 13.33±1.09 mm and 25.33±2.52 mm respectively. The CFE of the LAB especially L. parafarraginis OCLP1 demonstrated wide activity spectra by inhibiting both the gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria tested. Result of plasmid curing of the LAB indicate that the bacteriocins of L. parafarraginis OCLP1 was plasmid-encoded while the others have their gene clusters on the chromosome. This study concluded that bacteriocin-producing LAB can be found in “nunu” and recommend the use of the isolated LAB as starter in fermented food production after ensuring their safety through toxicological studies.

Deciphering the conformational changes induced by high-risk nsSNPs in β-lactoglobulin

Whey protein from bovine milk is highly valued in the food and pharmaceutical industries because of its high protein content and abundance of essential amino acids. The relationship between whey protein and the β-lactoglobulin (BLG) gene has been extensively discussed because BLG is the most abundant whey protein, making up approximately 50 % of the total whey protein in bovine milk. In recent years, researchers have been interested in this gene because of its critical role in healthy milk production, and any genetic polymorphism in this gene may deteriorate the milk quality. In the current study, we identified several deleterious and damaging non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) in BLG and analyzed their destabilizing effects using different computational algorithms. Cumulative results from all tools and evolutionary conservation profiles of BLG suggested that four nsSNPs, G17A, W19C, F136S, and C119R, were the most deleterious and could affect the structural integrity of the protein. Detailed molecular dynamics simulation analysis revealed that all variants induced major structural alterations, that affected the ability of the protein to interact with natural and synthetic ligands. Particularly, the G17A, F136S, and C119R variants induced large conformational changes in the EF loop and main α-helix of BLG, which may affect the access of natural and synthetic ligands to the central calyx of BLG. We hope that the suggested nsSNPs will guide future studies and assist researchers in improving the quality of bovine milk.

Comparing the lipid self-assembly behaviour and fatty acid composition of plant-based drinks to bovine milk during digestion

In this study, a static in-vitro digestion model was coupled with synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) to compare the lipid self-assembly behaviour of plant-based drinks and bovine milk during digestion. The diffraction profiles were combined with principal component analysis (PCA) of the fatty acid (FA) composition during digestion. Half of the plant-based drinks were found to form an inverse micellar cubic phase which is substantially different from the inverse hexagonal and bicontinuous cubic phases determined in bovine milk during digestion. The PCA inferred that the plant-based drinks all had similar FA compositions with slight changes in oleic and linoleic acid ratios. The polyunsaturated long-chain fatty acids of the plant-based drinks forming inverse micellar structures are in agreement with the critical packing parameter theory. These findings increase the understanding of the behaviour of plant-based drinks and aid further development of new and existing plant-based dairy substitution products.

Comparison of fatty acid characteristics in human milk, bovine milk and infant formula for better emulation

Comparison of fatty acid characteristics in human milk, bovine milk and infant formula for better emulation

Emerging non-thermal treatment approaches for camel milk: A review

Camel milk (CM) has recently gained popularity in international dairy markets. According to projections, the global market for CM products is expected to reach USD 18.3 billion by 2027 with a compound annual growth rate of 6.8 % during the forecast period. The increasing demand for CM among people with lactose intolerance is expected to positively impact the industry. Despite efforts to develop a range of products from CM, its processing is generally considered challenging, and the resulting products are not comparable to those made from bovine milk. For decades, the dairy industry has relied primarily on conventional methods to process various dairy products; however, these methods can affect the organoleptic quality and nutritional profiles. This review focuses on innovative non-thermal processing methods for CM, including high-pressure processing, pulsed electric fields, ultrasonication, UV pasteurization, cold plasma technology, and microwave processing. These approaches can provide viable alternatives to thermal treatments, offering several benefits, such as enhanced nutrient retention, improved organoleptic properties, and better microbial safety, thus supporting the industry's growth in response to increasing consumer demand for high-quality dairy products.

The Characterization of Lactobacillus Strains in Camel and Bovine Milk During Fermentation: A Comparison Study

The Characterization of Lactobacillus Strains in Camel and Bovine Milk During Fermentation: A Comparison Study

Candida species covered from Traditional Cheeses: Characterization of C. albicans Regarding Virulence Factors, Biofilm Formation, Caseinase Activity, Antifungal Resistance and Phylogeny

This study has provided characterization data (carriage of virulence, antifungal resistance, caseinase activity, biofilm-forming ability and genotyping) of Candida albicans isolates and the occurrence of Candida species in traditional cheeses collected from Kayseri, Türkiye. Phenotypic (E-test, Congo red agar and microtiter plate tests) and molecular tests (identification, virulence factors, biofilm-formation, antifungal susceptibility) were carried out. The phylogenetic relatedness of C. albicans isolates was obtained by constructing the PCA dendrogram from the mass spectra data. Of 102 samples, 13 (12.7%) were found to be contaminated with C. albicans, 15 (14.7%), 10 (9.8%) and five (4.9%) were found to be contaminated with C. krusei, C. lusitane and C. paraplosis, respectively. While seven (16.2%) of 43 Candida spp. isolates were obtained from cheese collected from villages, 36 (83.7%) belonged to cheeses collected from traditional retail stores. The carriage rate of C. albicans isolates belonging to virulence factors HSP90 and PLB1 genes was 30.7%. ALST1, ALST3, BCR, ECE, and HWP (virulence and biofilm-associated) genes were harbored by 30.7%, 23%, 38.4%, 53.8%, and 38.4% of the 13 isolates. According to the microplate test, eight (61.5%) of 13 isolates had strong biofilm production. ERG11 and FKS1 (antifungal resistance genes) were found in 46.1% and 23% of 13 isolates, respectively. Due to missense mutations, K128T, E266D and V488I amino acid changes were detected for some isolates regarding azole resistance. As a result of the E-test, of the 13 isolates, one (7.6%) was resistant to flucytosine, four (30.7%) were resistant to caspofungin, and nine (69.2%) were resistant to fluconazole. The PCA analysis clustered the studied isolates into two major clades. C. albicans isolates of traditional cheese collected from villages were grouped in the same cluster. Among the C. albicans isolates from village cheese, there were those obtained from the same dairy milk at different times. Samples from the same sales points produced at different dairy farms were also contaminated with C. albicans. Concerning food safety standards applied from farm to fork, in order to prevent these pathogenic agents from contaminating cheeses, attention to the hygiene conditions of the sale points, conscious personnel, prevention of cross contamination will greatly reduce public health threats in addition to the application of animal health control, milking hygiene, pasteurization parameters in traditional cheese production.

Enhanced creaminess of plant-based milk via enrichment of papain hydrolyzed oleosomes

There is an increased consumer demand for plant-based milk in substituting dairy milk due to the ethical, health concerns and environmentally-friendly choice. However, perceived creaminess as dominant attributes present a big challenge in consumer acceptance for those milk alternatives. In this study, we developed a novel and easily scalable strategy to enhance the creaminess of soy milk via enrichment of oleosomes. The soybean oleosome creams were extracted and hydrolyzed with papain, resulting in formation of oil droplets with more phospholipid and less protein at the surface, which significantly reduce friction coefficient in the presence of saliva (from 0.15 to 0.03 at a speed around 50 mm/s). Moreover, blending papain-hydrolyzed oleosome creams with raw soy milk enables the creation of a plant-based milk that matches the nutritional profile, lubrication properties, and creaminess of full-fat dairy milk. QCM-D and passive microrheology were employed to characterize hydration of oleosomes into the mucin layer and relevant viscosity change, suggesting that papain hydrolyzed oleosome might decrease friction coefficient via hydration lubrication mechanism. This approach could be applied to enhance the creaminess mouthfeel and nutritional profile of plant-based milk.

A DIGITAL TOURISM MAP TO GUIDE THE FEATURED TOURIST LOCATIONS IN THE BENDOSARI-PUJON TOURISM VILLAGE

Each tourist village has its own set of attractions; that being said, Bendosari-Pujon Tourism Village offers its own beautiful. This village in Malang Regency provides dairy farming, milk processing, and plantation excursions. Additionally, one of the village famous sites, Grojokan Sewu Waterfall is really popular. Bendosari-Pujon Tourism Village is unique in that it converts cow dung into biogas. However, the wide terrain of Bendosari Village makes tourist sites difficult to reach without a car. This issue significantly lowers visitors' awareness of Bendosari Village's tourist attractions. Rapid technological growth has benefited humanity in numerous ways. Almost every productive-aged person utilizes a smartphone on a regular basis. This could help share information. Based on this rationale, the researchers employed descriptive, qualitative methodologies to find the best option. During data collection, researchers were able to restrict Bendosari Village's advertising needs and expand its tourism attractions thanks to technological advances. The research seek to identify the most effective digital channel for promoting key tourist destinations.

Seasonal Factors and The Potential of Artificial Insemination (AI) in Dairy Cattle

Dairy cattle are dominant milk producer in Indonesia. Several programs have been carried out to increase the population of dairy cattle and milk production, one of which is Artificial Insemination (AI). Indonesia is a tropical country that has two seasons, namely the rainy season and the dry season. This study was conducted in the KPSBU Lembang working area, West Java, from November 2019 to January 2020. Rainfall data from the BMKG Dramaga Climatology Station and artificial insemination (AI) records of Frisian Holstein dairy cattle from 2017 to 2019 were collected. AI success was assessed using the Service per Conception (S/C) and Conception Rate (CR) parameters, obtained through pregnancy checks two months after insemination. Pregnancy checks were conducted using rectal palpation to confirm conception. Statistical analysis focused on seasonal differences in reproductive performance based on these metrics. Highest S/C value was 2.02 with CR Value 53.27% on rainy season with rainfall 253.67 mm month-1. The analysis showed a strong correlation (α = 0.005) between S/C and CR value (0.89*), very weak correlation between rainfall with S/C (r = -0.05) and CR (r = -0.08). The results of the research show that the rainy season and the dry season are not the main factors affecting the AI in dairy cattle, however they didn’t directly affect the season to increase the productivity of saplings.

The making and unmaking of demand for dairy and chicken in Norway: a systems of provision perspective

This study examines the supply and demand for chicken meat and fresh cow’s milk in Norway and argues that understanding demand as being co-constituted and interrelated with supply is crucial for reducing consumption. This study takes a constructivist systems of provision perspective to examine the chain of activities that links production and consumption. Analyzing how the use of chicken meat and fresh cow’s milk has evolved through socially and historically contingent processes in Norway, the article describes how these products became commonplace through state involvement, nutritional advice, companies, and consumers. The demand for liquid milk decreased in the 1980s, providing a rare insight into a system of provision in decline, although both government and industry actors wanted the situation to be otherwise. This study highlights that the milk-provision system failed to address the factors that contributed to the decline in milk consumption, which worsened the situation for dairy farmers. This is contrasted with the case of chickens, which represents a story of expanded demand through industrial intensification and new food norms. Under the presumption that a theory that explains an increase in demand must also be able to explain a decrease in demand, the analysis highlights the factors that caused a reduction in fresh milk consumption and the factors that led to growth in the demand for chicken meat. The article concludes that a constructivist perspective allows for a more nuanced understanding of the making and unmaking of demand through processes of alignment/misalignment with established political, economic, and societal goals.

Comparative Analysis of Skim Milk and Milk Fat Globule Membrane Proteomes between Human and Farm Animal Milk for Infant Formula Production.

Human and animal milk contain a rich variety of milk proteins that meet the needs of their newborns. In total, 1263 skim milk proteins and 1754 MFGM proteins were identified in human milk and six types of animal milk, respectively. Both similarities and differences were observed among the species. Human milk contained more immunoglobulins involved in the adaptive immune response, playing a crucial role in mucosal defense in newborn babies. In contrast, ruminant milk contained higher amounts of antimicrobial proteins, which protect newborns from bacterial infections. The most dominant difference in MFGM proteins between human and animal milk was related to protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum. Goat milk and camel milk were more similar to human milk in terms of skim milk and MFGM proteins compared to the other five types of animal milk. Moreover, immunoglobulins and complement and coagulation cascade proteins in goat milk were most similar to those in human milk. A higher content of immunoglobulin A was observed in donkey milk, which could be considered as a source of IgA in infant formula. These results provide more comprehensive and novel insights into protein variation among animal milk, which may support improving dairy products such as infant formula.

Genomic evaluation of the probiotic and pathogenic features of Enterococcus faecalis from human breast milk and comparison with the isolates from animal milk and clinical specimens.

Enterococcus faecalis is considered a probiotic, commensal lactic acid bacterium in human breast milk (HBM), but there are circulating antibiotic resistant and virulence determinants that could pose a risk in some strains. The study aimed to conduct genomic analysis of E. faecalis isolates recovered from HBM and animal milk and to evaluate their probiotic and pathogenic features through comparative genomics with isolates from clinical specimens (e.g., urine, wound, and blood). Genomic analysis of 61 isolates was performed, including E. faecalis isolates recovered from HBM in Saudi Arabia. Genome sequencing was conducted using the MiSeq system. The fewest antibiotic resistance genes (lsaA, tetM, ermB) were identified in isolates from HBM and animal milk compared to clinical isolates. Several known and unknown mutations in the gyrA and parC genes were observed in clinical isolates. However, 11 virulence genes were commonly found in more than 95% of isolates, and 13 virulence genes were consistently present in the HBM isolates. Phylogenetically, the HBM isolates from China clustered with the probiotic reference strain Symbioflor 1, but all isolates from HBM and animal milk clustered separately from the clinical reference strain V583. Subsystem functions 188 of 263 were common in all analyzed genome assemblies. Regardless of the source of isolation, genes associated with carbohydrate metabolism, fatty acid, and vitamin biosynthesis were commonly found in E. faecalis isolates. In conclusion, comparative genomic analysis can help distinguish the probiotic or pathogenic potential of E. faecalis based on genomic features.