ABSTRACT Milk from Normande cows exhibits characteristically high protein and fat content, whereas Holstein milk is notable for its superior yield. However, compositional differences between these breeds remain inadequately explored. Thus, we employed physicochemical and multi‐omics techniques (proteomic, lipidomic, and energy metabolomics) to compare the composition of raw milk from Normande and Holstein cows. Results demonstrated significantly higher levels in Normande milk for protein (3.97% ± 0.166%), fat (4.85% ± 1.325%), total solids (14.25% ± 1.284%), lactoferrin (104.30 ± 12.084 mg/L), and α‐lactalbumin (α‐LA) (1.65 ± 0.088 mg/L) compared to Holstein milk. Conversely, Holstein milk contained more sialic acid (33.74 g/100 g ± 0.892 g/100 g) than Normande milk (31.84 g/100 g ± 1.381 g/100 g). Lactopontin enhances bone health by promoting mineralization and remodeling, modulates immune responses, and supports intestinal barrier integrity. α‐LA, a high‐quality protein rich in essential amino acids (notably tryptophan and cysteine), exhibits high digestibility, facilitates tryptophan metabolism, and may improve mood, sleep, and cognitive function. Proteomic analysis revealed significant differential expression of 479 proteins, whereas lipidomic analysis identified 163 significantly differentiated lipids involved in 26 metabolic pathways, primarily related to glycerophospholipid metabolism. Normande milk contained 22 oligosaccharides (11 acidic and 11 neutral), whereas Holstein milk contained 21 oligosaccharides (12 acidic and 9 neutral). In conclusion, this study delineates distinct compositional profiles in raw milk from Normande and Holstein cows.
Li et al. (Mon,) studied this question.