Characterization and Comparison of Lipids in Yak Colostrum, Buffalo Colostrum, and Cow Colostrum Based on UHPLC-QTOF-MS Lipidomics

Colostrum is a nutrient-dense food rich in proteins, immune modulators, and growth factors essential for neonatal development. Its lipids serve as a key energy source and facilitate cellular functions. While yak colostrum (YC) and buffalo colostrum (BC) exhibit high nutritional value, their lipid compositions remain unclear. This study employed lipidomics to analyze and compare the lipid profiles of YC and BC with cow colostrum (CC), identifying 872 lipids across 33 subclasses. Differential analysis revealed 137, 100, and 131 lipids, with significant expression differences between YC vs. CC, BC vs. CC, and YC vs. BC, respectively. YC exhibited higher levels of α-linolenic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, suggesting a potential role in enhancing neurodevelopment and cognitive function. In contrast, the upregulation of specific lipid components in BC, such as phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylinositol (PI), coupled with the downregulation of specific lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) and lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE), indicated a potential benefit for lipid metabolism and inflammatory regulation. These findings suggest that YC may be particularly suitable for neonates requiring enhanced energy support, while BC may offer advantages in lipid metabolism modulation. The study provides critical insights into the distinct lipid compositions of YC and BC, laying a scientific foundation for the development of tailored nutritional supplements. These results also hold significant implications for the dairy industry, driving innovation and optimization of colostrum-based products to meet diverse nutritional demands.