Metabolites of serum and milk from genetically modified (GM) cows
and contrast check (CK) cows were comparatively investigated. Serum
and milk were collected from genetically modified (GM) cows and contrast
check (CK) cows, and then, they were analyzed using ultraperformance
liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS) and
gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Although
the level of some blood biochemical indexes for GM cows was shifted
up or down, they were generally in normal physiological condition.
Serum samples from lactoferrin GM cows exhibited reduced levels of
amino acids and elevated levels of indoleacetate, α-keto acids,
long-chain fatty acids, etc. GM milk possessed elevated levels of
pentose and amino sugar metabolites, including arabitol, xylulose,
glucuronate, and N-acetylgalactosamine. Interestingly, some essential
nutrients, such as certain unsaturated fatty acids (e.g., eicosapentaenoic
acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and docosapentaenoic acid
(DPA)), and some necessary rare sugars were significantly upregulated.
Compared to the CK group, a Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes
(KEGG) pathway analysis was conducted based on the increased or decreased
metabolites identified in the serum and milk samples of the GM group.
The results showed that the GM cows were in healthy condition and
their milk has improved benefits for customers. The milk from genetically
modified cows was found to be a promising milk source for producing
recombinant human lactoferrin (rhLF) for human beings.