Proteomic Analysis Comparing Effect of Feeding Practices on the Milk Fat Globule Membrane Proteins from Camelus dromedarius

Feeding systems are key factors shaping the biochemical and bioactive composition of camel milk, yet their impact on the milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) remains insufficiently understood. This study employed 2D-DIGE MALDI mass spectrometry-based proteomics to compare the MFGM protein profiles of milk obtained from desert-fed camels (DFCs) (<i>n</i> = 5) and farm-fed camels (FFCs) (<i>n</i> = 5), of the Waddah breed. The proteomic analysis revealed statistically significant changes in abundance (ANOVA <i>p</i> ≤ 0.05; fold change ≥ 1.5) in 40 proteins between the two groups. Nine proteins were upregulated and thirty-one proteins were downregulated in the DFCs compared to the FFCs. The DFC group showed a statistically significant increase in proteins including erythropoietin, keratin isoforms, COX16, and αS2-casein, while levels of Lactotransferrin, Lactadherin, Toll-like receptor 2, and superoxide dismutase among others were decreased. Increased abundance of proteins seen in the MFGM component of the DFC group is probably associated with stress adaptation related to desert feeding. Our findings from this pilot study provide proof-of-concept that the composition of proteins in the MFGM fraction varies according to feeding environment and practices. Farm feeding improved the bioactive protein content, whereas DFC milk contained higher levels of proteins related to stress adaptation. These insights have important implications and should be further evaluated in larger cohorts.