Untargeted metabonomics of genetically modified cows expressing lactoferrin based on serum and milk

The metabolites of the serum and milk between the genetically modified (GM) cows and contrast check (CK) cows were investigated. Serum and milk were collected from genetically modified (GM) cows and contrast check (CK) cows and then they were analyzed using UPLC-MS and GC-MS. Although the level of some blood biochemical indexes for GM cows were shifted up or down, they were generally in normal physiological conditions. Serum samples from lactoferrin GM cows exhibited reduced levels of the amino acids, elevated levels of indolecacetate, alpha-keto acids, long-chain fatty acids, etc. GM milk possessed elevated levels of pentose and amino sugar metabolites including arabitol, xylulose, glucuronate, and N-acetylgalactosamine. Interestingly, some essential nutrients such as certain unsaturated fatty acids (e.g., EPA, DHA and DPA) and some necessary rare sugars were significantly up-regulated. Compared to the CK group, a KEGG pathway analysis was conducted based on the increased or decreased metabolites identif...