Lipidomics-Based Analysis of the Regulatory Effects of Phytosterol Esters on Lactation Performance and Lipid Metabolism in Tarim Bactrian camels

TL;DR

Phytosterol esters improve milk production and lipid metabolism in Bactrian camels, with effects linked to changes in lipid metabolites.

Contribution

The study reveals novel lipidomic mechanisms by which phytosterol esters enhance lactation and regulate cholesterol in Tarim Bactrian camels.

Findings

PSE supplementation increased milk yield and components while lowering serum cholesterol.

Lipidomic analysis identified changes in phosphatidylcholine and lysophosphatidylcholine in serum and milk.

PSE-modulated metabolites enriched in glycerophospholipid and linoleic acid metabolism pathways.

Abstract

In this study, dietary supplementation with phytosterol esters (PSEs) enhanced lactational performance and regulated lipid metabolism. To further explore the underlying mechanisms, lipidomic analyses of serum and milk were conducted. The results demonstrated that PSE significantly increased milk yield and the content of milk components, while decreasing serum cholesterol levels. Lipidomic profiling identified notable changes in lipid metabolites, including phosphatidylcholine and lysophosphatidylcholine, in both serum and milk. These metabolites were enriched in key pathways related to glycerophospholipid metabolism and linoleic acid metabolism, thereby contributing to optimized lipid metabolism and improved lactation performance. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the nutritional management of Bactrian camels and align with the existing literature on the cholesterol-lowering properties of PSE.

Plantsterol esters (PSEs) exert beneficial effects on animal product quality, indicating their potential as a nutritional intervention strategy. This study investigated the effects of dietary PSE supplementation on lactation performance and lipid metabolism in Tarim Bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus) to establish a scientific basis for its application in their husbandry. Thirty-two mid-lactation female camels were randomly allocated to four groups (n = 8): CON (basal diet), L (200 mg/kg PSE), M (400 mg/kg PSE), and H (800 mg/kg PSE). Since lactation performance is closely linked to metabolic status, biochemical and lipidomic analyses were conducted on serum and milk samples. Analysis revealed that the H group showed significantly increased milk yield, lactose yield, and milk fat yield compared to other groups. Serum cholesterol levels decreased progressively with higher PSE supplementation, while serum urea levels rose dose-dependently. Blood Glu was lower in the L group but higher in the H group relative to CON. Lipidomic profiling identified 644 and 257 differential metabolites in milk and serum, respectively. Milk metabolites were enriched in the EGFR inhibitor resistance, MAPK, and ErbB signaling pathways; serum metabolites were linked to glycerophospholipid, arachidonic acid, and linoleic acid metabolism. These findings indicate that PSE-modulated metabolites in serum and milk significantly influence lactation performance and glucolipid metabolism in Tarim Bactrian camels, supporting further investigation into precision nutrition strategies.

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