Sialyloligosaccharides content in colostrum and milk of two goat breeds

Abstract Milk sialyloligosaccharides (SOS) play an important role in brain development and increasing immunity in infants. The few studies on goat colostrum and milk OS have shown similar profile to human milk and the highest content of SOS in comparison to other ruminants. Considering the large importance given to OS to enrich infant formulas, this work aimed investigating the content of three SOS, 3′-sialyllactose, 6′-sialyllactose and disialyllactose in colostrum and milk in two Italian goat breeds during lactation. The results obtained showed significant effect of breed and sampling time on SOS content. The results revealed that the Garganica colostrum and milk contained levels of 3′-SL and 6′-SL higher than Maltese breed. The Maltese breed was characterised by interesting content of DSL. Concerning stage of lactation, from colostrum 0 h to 24 h the 3′-SL and DSL content increased, while no significant increase of 6′-SL was detected. In milk sampled at 7, 30 and 90 days after kidding, 6′-SL decreased significantly. A significant interaction breed × sampling time occurred for 3′-SL and DSL ( P