# Characterization of Milk Fat Globule Membrane Phospholipids in Colostrum of Holstein cows, Yaks and Buffaloes as Well as in Yak Colostrum and Mature Milk

## TL;DR

This study compares phospholipid compositions in colostrum from different bovine species and finds unique patterns in yak milk that may support infant development.

## Contribution

The study identifies distinct phospholipid profiles in yak colostrum and mature milk, suggesting potential as a breast milk alternative.

## Key findings

- Yak colostrum has higher sphingomyelin and immune-supporting phospholipids compared to other species.
- Phospholipid levels in yak milk change dynamically during lactation, with some compounds increasing and others decreasing.
- Yak milk phospholipid composition supports both early immune development and later membrane stability.

## Abstract

Milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) phospholipids could promote the development of infants’ brain, nervous system and digestive system. This research conducted a comparative analysis of phospholipid composition in MFGM of colostrum from different bovine species (Holstein cattle, yak, and Buffalo), with a particular focus on analyzing phospholipid variations in yak MFGM across different lactation stages. Chromatographic quantification revealed phosphatidylcholine (PC) as the predominant phospholipid class (34.7–47.44%) in all examined species. Notably, Holstein cow milk contains significantly higher levels of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE). Distinct phospholipid profiles emerged between species: yak milk demonstrated significantly higher concentrations of sphingomyelin (SM), lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE), dimethylphosphatidylethanolamine (dMePE), and bis-methylphosphatidic acid (BisMePA), whereas buffalo milk showed preferential accumulation of phosphatidylinositol (PI), phosphatidylserine (PS), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), and lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC). Longitudinal analysis revealed dynamic changes in yak milk phospholipids during lactation: as the lactation period in-creases, PC, PS, LPC, LPE, methylphosphatidylcholine (MePC), BisMePA, and dMePE exhibited progressive decline, while PE, SM, PI and PG showed incremental increases. Analysis of phospholipid metabolism pathways indicates that yak colostrum supports early calf development by enriching phospholipids associated with immune and neuroprotection, while mature milk shifts toward maintaining membrane stability. These compositional characteristics position yak milk as a promising phospholipid-fortified alternative to human breast milk.