Comparison of canine colostrum and milk using a multi-omics approach

TL;DR

This study compares the composition of canine colostrum and milk across breeds and lactation stages using metabolomics and microbiome analysis.

Contribution

The study provides a novel multi-omics characterization of canine milk and colostrum, revealing dynamic changes in metabolites and microbes during lactation.

Findings

63 metabolites showed significant abundance changes between day 1 and day 8 of lactation.

Microbial compositions of colostrum and milk were largely similar, with only two differentiating genera.

Metabolic shifts in canine milk align with those observed in human milk and puppy development.

Abstract

A mother’s milk is considered the gold standard of nutrition in neonates and is a source of cytokines, immunoglobulins, growth factors, and other important components, yet little is known about the components of canine milk, specifically colostrum, and the knowledge related to its microbial and metabolic profiles is particularly underwhelming. In this study, we characterized canine colostrum and milk microbiota and metabolome for several breeds of dogs and examined profile shifts as milk matures in the first 8 days post-whelping.

Through untargeted metabolomics, we identified 63 named metabolites that were significantly differentially abundant between days 1 and 8 of lactation. Surprisingly, the microbial compositions of the colostrum and milk, characterized using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, were largely similar, with only two differentiating genera. The shifts observed, mainly increases in several sugars and amino sugars over time and shifts in amino acid metabolites, align with shifts observed in human milk samples and track with puppy development.

Like human milk, canine milk composition is dynamic, and shifts are well correlated with developing puppies’ needs. Such a study of the metabolic profile of canine milk, and its relation to the microbial community, provides insights into the changing needs of the neonate, as well as the ideal nutrition profile for optimal functionality. This information will add to the existing knowledge base of canine milk composition with the prospect of creating a quality, tailored milk substitute or supplement for puppies.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s42523-024-00309-4.

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