Investigating in vivo digestion of sheep and cow milk in a rat model using an NMR metabolomics approach: A Bachelor’s thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering

Due to growing interest in ‘alternative milks’, such as goat, sheep or camel milk, and a lack of fundamental studies on the digestion and health benefits of these milks, the aim of this study was to elucidate the differences between the digestion of sheep and cow milk. Metabolites in caecal matter and blood serum from rats fed sheep milk and rats fed cow milk were quantified. The results show that the consumption of these milks created significant differences in the serum and caecal matter metabolite profiles. Significantly higher concentrations of some metabolites such as dimethyl sulfone and γ-aminobutyric acid, as well as amino acids and short chain fatty acids were found in serum and caecal matter from sheep milk-fed rats. The study shows that the difference in composition between sheep milk and cow milk is reflected in the digestion products that reach the large bowel and are absorbed by the body. These differences raise the potential for sheep and cow milk to have differential effects on physiology and health.