# Lipidomics profile shows differences of polar lipids between donkey and bovine colostrum: a comparative study

## TL;DR

This study compares polar lipids in donkey and bovine colostrum to understand their differences and improve nutritional strategies.

## Contribution

The study identifies 141 significantly different polar lipids and highlights key metabolic pathways between donkey and bovine colostrum.

## Key findings

- 206 polar lipids across 11 subclasses were identified in donkey and bovine colostrum.
- 141 lipid species showed significant differences between the two colostrums.
- Glycerophospholipid metabolism was the most enriched pathway among the differences.

## Abstract

Donkey colostrum (DC) is recognized as a valuable nutritional source; however, its extremely low lipid content (especially polar lipids) demands lipid supplementation during processing through the addition of fish oils, vegetable oils, or functional lipids. Therefore, a comprehensive characterization of polar lipids in both DC and bovine colostrum (BC) is required. In this study, totally 11 subclasses of 206 polar lipids in DC and BC were characterized. Using rigorous screening criteria (VIP > 1, P < 0.05, and fold change >2 or < 0.5), 141 lipid species were identified as having significantly different polar lipids (SDPLs) between DC and BC. Subsequent investigations revealed six key lipid metabolic pathways, with the glycerophospholipid metabolism being the most critical. These findings substantially enhance our understanding of the polar lipid differences between DC and BC, while providing a theoretical basis for synergistic utilization of the two milk sources to optimize nutritional enrichment strategies.

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•206 polar lipids of 11 subclasses were identified in donkey colostrum (DC) and bovine colostrum (BC).•141 significantly different polar lipids (SDPLs) were screened.•These SDPLs were mainly enriched in the glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway.•This study established the basis for synergistic BC and DC use to optimize nutritional enrichment.

206 polar lipids of 11 subclasses were identified in donkey colostrum (DC) and bovine colostrum (BC).

141 significantly different polar lipids (SDPLs) were screened.

These SDPLs were mainly enriched in the glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway.

This study established the basis for synergistic BC and DC use to optimize nutritional enrichment.