Species-specific variations in milk fat globule membrane lipid composition of colostrum from yak, buffalo, and cow: A UHPLC-Qtrap-MS targeted lipidomics study

The lipid composition of colostrum milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) exhibits significant interspecies variability, influencing its bioactivity. This study employed targeted UHPLC-Qtrap-MS lipidomics to comprehensively characterize and compare the lipid profiles of MFGM from yak (YC), buffalo (BC), and cow (CC) colostrum. We identified 1463 lipid species across 24 subclasses, with 395, 292, and 353 significantly different lipids were identified in YC vs CC, BC vs CC, and YC vs BC, respectively. YC showed enrichment in glycerophospholipids with polyunsaturated fatty acids (GP-PUFAs), particularly containing neurodevelopmental ω-3 PUFAs. Conversely, BC exhibited accumulation of triglycerides with saturated fatty acids (TG-SFAs). These differences reflected species-specific adaptations: YC exhibits enhanced membrane fluidity for high-altitude adaptation, whereas BC improves thermal stability. Consequently, YC-specific lipids showed potential for neurodevelopmental supplements and cardiovascular/neuroprotective foods, and BC may be suitable for thermostable formulations and sustained-energy applications. This study provides critical lipid markers for developing species-tailored functional dairy products.