Analysis of triacylglycerol composition in giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) milk fats from different lactation stages

To our knowledge, the triacylglycerol (TAG) composition of giant panda milk fats (GPMFs) and its variation across lactation stages remain uncharacterized. In this study, TAG profiles of GPMFs during different lactation stages were assayed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. A total of 107 TAGs were identified in GPMFs, including those with acyl carbon number (ACN) of 26–62 and double bond (DB) of 0–10. TAG 52:2 (ACN:DB) showed the highest abundance (8.55 %–13.35 %), with oleic acid, palmitic acid, and linoleic acid as its components. Interestingly, TAG profiles at 23 d still exhibited transitional characteristics via multivariate analysis. In colostrum, TAGs had a higher degree of unsaturation. Compared to mature milk, colostrum exhibited significantly higher levels of TAGs with 3–6 DBs and those with ACN of 52 and 54. Uncovering variation in GPMFs during lactation can provide a foundation for developing specific milk fat substitutes.