Effect of early lactation stage on goat colostrum: Assessment of lipid and oligosaccharide compounds

Colostrum provides the initial intake of several nutrients required for the development and survival of newborn; however, its composition is highly variable during lactation. Literature on changes of lipid and sugar compounds during goat lactation is scarce; the present study was therefore conducted to assess changes in the main lipid and sugar compounds of goat colostrum during the first four days of lactation. Different analytical techniques were used, including liquid and gas-chromatography coupled to different detectors. While fat and protein content decreased, increasing amounts of lactose were detected during lactation. Long chain fatty acids and triacylglycerol, tocopherols and cholesterol were most abundant in the first days after parturition; however, phospholipids increased during lactation. Finally, oligosaccharide were significantly affected by lactation time; their content drastically decreased after 48 h of lactation. However, the high content of oligosaccharide promotes goat colostrum as a good functional ingredient.