Comparative Lipidomic Profiling of Camel and Cow Milk from a Shared Semi-Desert Pasture: Implications for Camel Adaptation to Arid Environments

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Abstract
This study reveals lipidomic adaptations in camel milk that are crucial for neonatal development in desert environments. Using UHPLC-MS/MS and targeted oxylipidomics, we compared milk from free-grazing camels and cows from the same region. We identified 2460 lipids across 44 subclasses and 11 oxygenated lipids in three groups. Glycerophospholipids (GP) were dominant in both. We found 498 differentially expressed lipids, including potential biomarkers such as phosphatidylinositol (PI 18:0/22:3), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE 18:0/22:3), and two triacylglycerol (TG) species. Camel milk was dominated by phosphatidylcholine (PC, approximately 49%) and PI (approximately 22%), whereas cow milk was predominantly composed of TG (nearly 98%). Pathway analysis showed 11 key altered lipid pathways, mainly glycerophospholipid metabolism. These results define camel milk’s unique lipid profile—linked to desert adaptation—and provide molecular insights into its role in supporting neonatal camels in arid environments.
Funding Information
  • Special National Key Research and Development Plan (2022YFD1600103)
  • Key Research and Development Special Program of the Autonomous Region (2023B02039-2)
  • Xinjiang Agricultural University Undergraduate Innovation Project (dxscx2025076)

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