Impact of dietary regime on the metabolomic profile of bovine buttermilk and whole milk powder

Introduction

Bovine milk contains a rich matrix of nutrients such as carbohydrates, fat, protein and various vitamins and minerals, the composition of which is altered by factors including dietary regime.

Objectives

The objective of this research was to investigate the impact of dietary regime on the metabolite composition of bovine whole milk powder and buttermilk.

Methods

Bovine whole milk powder and buttermilk samples were obtained from spring-calving cows, consuming one of three diets. Group 1 grazed outdoors on perennial ryegrass which was supplemented with 5% concentrates; group 2 were maintained indoors and consumed a total mixed ration diet; and group 3 consumed a partial mixed ration diet consisting of perennial ryegrass during the day and total mixed ration maintained indoors at night.

Results

Metabolomic analysis of the whole milk powder (N = 27) and buttermilk (N = 29) samples was preformed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, with 504 and 134 metabolites identified in the samples respectively. In whole milk powder samples, a total of 174 metabolites from various compound classes were significantly different across dietary regimes (FDR adjusted p-value ≤ 0.05), including triglycerides, of which 66% had their highest levels in pasture-fed samples. Triglycerides with highest levels in pasture-fed samples were predominantly polyunsaturated with high total carbon number. Regarding buttermilk samples, metabolites significantly different across dietary regimes included phospholipids, sphingomyelins and an acylcarnitine.

Conclusion

In conclusion the results reveal a significant impact of a pasture-fed dietary regime on the metabolite composition of bovine dairy products, with a particular impact on lipid compound classes.