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Host-microbiome interactions during gut development across species: the role of milk
In humans, the benefits to babies of consuming whole colostrum and breast milk are now universally recognized. As a result, colostrum and breast milk are in high demand and are even donated and banked for use by mothers who are unable to lactate but still want to feed their babies breast milk instead of formula. Despite numerous studies on the functions and properties of human colostrum and breast milk, we have only scratched the surface in describing the specific bioactive factors and the mechanisms by which they protect the baby and promote GIT development, as well as programming future health and function. The same is true of all mammals as all mammalian offspring rely upon mammary secretions (colostrum and milk) to provide nutrients and bioactive factors necessary for survival and subsequent growth and development. Although young of various species can be reared successfully on milk from other species it is generally accepted that homologous milk provides the optimal match of components to requirements of the young. From this perspective, there is much potential to gain understanding from comparative studies of the unique relationships between milk composition and requirements of the suckling young across various species. In addition, recent recognition of the role of the gut microbiome as a key determinant of immunological and digestive system development opens new avenues by which milk components can have long term effects on future health and vitality of offspring. This paper will review current knowledge of milk composition and bioactive components and the effects they have on the young of various species. In addition, the effects of these components and temporal changes in the gut microbiome will be considered.
Keywords: gut microbiome, milk