Differentially expressed whey proteins of donkey and bovine colostrum revealed with a label-free proteomics approach

Proteomics and Peptidomics As a Tool to Compare the Proteins and Endogenous Peptides in Human, Cow, and Donkey Milk

“…Most lactocyte-inactive proteins in breast milk are transcribed from the maternal circulation and enter the lumen. , Milk proteins are produced on ER ribosomes and then transferred into the ER lumen through the translocation machinery, resident folding chaperones, post-translational modifications, and disulfide bond formation. , Whey proteins, milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) proteins, and caseins can undergo various postmodifications, with glycosylation and phosphorylation being the most prevalent. ,, The protein concentration in breast milk varies with the lactation period. Colostrum has the highest protein content and is often rich in antibodies, immune and growth factors, and other bioactive compounds. ,, These active ingredients are beneficial to a newborn’s health. With the continuous extension of the lactation time, the protein content of milk gradually decreases from transitional to mature milk.…”

“…Colostrum has the highest protein content and is often rich in antibodies, immune and growth factors, and other bioactive compounds. 13,65,66 These active ingredients are beneficial to a newborn's health. With the continuous extension of the lactation time, the protein content of milk gradually decreases from transitional to mature milk.…”

“…19,20 Bovine colostrum (BC) also contains a variety of bioactive components, which can regulate the intestinal and immune functions of newborns. 13,21 Donkey colostrum (DC) is more similar to human colostrum than cow colostrum in terms of nutritional components such as protein, lactose, and fats. 22 The specific protein composition of donkey milk makes it less likely to cause allergic reactions compared to cow milk.…”

“…Compared with mature milk, colostrum contains a higher concentration of bioactive components, which play a more crucial role in the growth of newborns. Human colostrum (HC) contains numerous antibodies that not only protect newborns from infectious diseases but also provide passive immunity and growth factors for gastrointestinal development. , Bovine colostrum (BC) also contains a variety of bioactive components, which can regulate the intestinal and immune functions of newborns. , Donkey colostrum (DC) is more similar to human colostrum than cow colostrum in terms of nutritional components such as protein, lactose, and fats . The specific protein composition of donkey milk makes it less likely to cause allergic reactions compared to cow milk.…”

“…However, casein accounts for 80% of the total protein in bovine milk, and the ratio of casein to whey protein is as high as 4.5, rendering infants highly vulnerable to allergic reactions. − Donkey milk has been known as a “therapeutic food” since ancient times and has recently gained more attention due to its composition being comparable to that of human milk. Donkey milk is less casein-rich than cow milk and has a lower casein-to-whey protein ratio (1.3), making it easier to digest and less prone to triggering allergies. − It could be a viable alternative to cow milk when a baby is allergic to the protein in bovine milk.…”