Factor affecting the 3′ sialyllactose, 6′ sialyllactose and disialyllactose content in caprine colostrum and milk: Breed and parity

• We report the effect of goat breed on 3' sialyllactose, 6' sialyllactose and disialyllactose content in colustrum and milk from Saanen goats, a cosmopolitan breed, and from Garganica goats, native breed.
• We compare the 3' sialyllactose, 6' sialyllactose and disialyllactose levels in colostrum and milk of Saanen goats in their 2nd parity with goats in their 3rd parity.
• Garganica goats produced a higher level of 3' sialyllactose and 6' sialyllactose in colostrum and milk than Saanen goats.
• Saanen goats in 2nd parity produced a higher level of 3' sialyllactose than in 3rd parity.

The fraction of oligosaccharides (OS) in goat milk is becoming increasingly important for its bio-functional role. OS profile of goat milk shows more similarity to human milk in comparison to bovine and ovine milk, in addition goat milk contains sialylated OS which play an important role in brain development and increase immunity in infants.In the first study, in order to improve the knowledge on breed effect on sialyloligosaccharides (SOS), we have focused on three of the most representative SOS; 6′ sialyllactose (6′-SL), 3′ sialyllactose (3′-SL) and disialyllactose (DSL) in colostrum and milk from Saanen goats, a cosmopolitan breed, and from Garganica goats, native breed. Successively, we compared the SOS levels in colostrum and milk of Saanen goats in two different parity. The results showed a significant effect of breed on SOS content (P < 0.05) and a significant interaction breed × sampling time occurred for 3′-SL (P < 0.001) and 6′-SL (P < 0.01). Concerning parity, a significant effect was found only for the 3′-SL content (P < 0.05). The present finding is particularly relevant in order to preserve and improve native breed production in view of a sustainable land use.