Yanshi Jiang , Rongmei Liu , Xiaolin Liu , Ran Xiao , Weihong Lu , Tianjiao Niu , Ying Ma , Kaifang Guan , Rongchu Wang
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Geographical and seasonal dynamics of nutritional and functional profiles in Maiwa yak milk from the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau
Yak milk is an underexplored high-altitude dairy resource. This study systematically evaluated geographical (Sichuan vs. Qinghai; Zoige vs. Hongyuan) and seasonal (summer vs. autumn) variations in nutritional and functional profiles. Results showed that Sichuan milk contained higher fat, protein, and total solids than Qinghai. Zoige and Hongyuan milk exhibited highest conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and α-linolenic acid (ALA), forming cardioprotective fatty acid triad with optimized saturated fatty acid (SFA)/unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) ratios. Sichuan milk also presented 18–31 % more odd-chain fatty acids and 23–35 % greater lipid antioxidant activity. Protein analysis revealed that Zoige summer milk had elevated casein, β-CN/α-CN ratios, lactoferrin, and immunoglobulins, indicating superior micelle stability and immune potential. Seasonal patterns showed summer milk enriched in insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), lysozyme, and vitamin C, while autumn milk had higher protein and selenium. These findings provide scientific basis for valorizing yak milk as functional dairy source for high-altitude populations.
期刊介绍:
The International Dairy Journal publishes significant advancements in dairy science and technology in the form of research articles and critical reviews that are of relevance to the broader international dairy community. Within this scope, research on the science and technology of milk and dairy products and the nutritional and health aspects of dairy foods are included; the journal pays particular attention to applied research and its interface with the dairy industry.
The journal''s coverage includes the following, where directly applicable to dairy science and technology:
• Chemistry and physico-chemical properties of milk constituents
• Microbiology, food safety, enzymology, biotechnology
• Processing and engineering
• Emulsion science, food structure, and texture
• Raw material quality and effect on relevant products
• Flavour and off-flavour development
• Technological functionality and applications of dairy ingredients
• Sensory and consumer sciences
• Nutrition and substantiation of human health implications of milk components or dairy products
International Dairy Journal does not publish papers related to milk production, animal health and other aspects of on-farm milk production unless there is a clear relationship to dairy technology, human health or final product quality.