Comparative Analysis of Protein Digestion Characteristics in Human, Cow, Goat, Sheep, Mare, and Camel Milk under Simulated Infant Condition.

This research paper investigates how proteins in different types of milk (including human, cow, goat, sheep, mare, and camel milk) break down under conditions meant to simulate infant digestion. The study found differences in protein digestion across the various milks, particularly during the gastric phase of digestion. It was also found that some proteins in human milk remained partially intact while similar proteins in animal milk were fully degraded following digestion.

Research Methodology

• The research employed an in vitro digestion model designed to simulate the conditions within an infant’s body.
• The protein digestion characteristics of six different types of milk were studied: human, cow, goat, sheep, mare, and camel milk.
• Techniques like electrophoresis and chromatography were used to assess the breakdown of proteins during digestion.

Comparison of Protein Digestion

• The research explored differences in protein digestion across the various milk types. They found notable differences, particularly during the gastric phase of digestion.
• Some proteins, namely lactoferrin, serum albumin, and immunoglobulin G-heavy chain, remained partially intact in human milk following gastric digestion. In contrast, these proteins were fully degraded in the animal milks investigated.

Peptide Spectra Analysis

• The research also examined the peptide spectra (the types, quantities, and sequence of peptides) of the milk types’ proteins.
• It was found that the peptide spectra of human, mare, and camel milk were highly similar. These three milks showed a preponderance of small peptides of low intensity.
• Contrarily, cow, goat, and sheep milk demonstrated a differing peptide formation, showing an opposite phenomenon.

Heatmap Cluster Analysis

• A heatmap cluster analysis was performed to group and compare the milk types’ protein digestion patterns before and after the simulated infant digestion.
• Interestingly, camel milk was found to be the most comparable to human milk before digestion.
• However, following gastric digestion, sheep milk’s protein digestion pattern was found to be the most similar to human milk.