GC-MS metabolomics comparison of yoghurts from sheep's and goats' milk

In this study, the polar metabolite profile of commercial yoghurt samples produced in Sardinia (Italy) from milk of local sheep and goats was studied by GC-MS and multivariate statistical data analysis (MVA). Milks underwent the same manufacturing procedures and yoghurts were analysed one day post-manufacture. Results of discriminant analysis indicated that the two yoghurt types had very different metabolite profiles, with different levels of health promoting compounds. Goats' milk yoghurt was richer in free amino acids, γ-aminobutyric acid, pyroglutamic acid and β-phenyllactic acid when compared with yoghurt produced with sheep's milk. Sheep's milk yoghurt was characterised by higher levels of myo-inositol, N-acetylgalactosamine and N-acetylglucosamine. Comparing yoghurt metabolites with those of the original milk, it was found that goats' milk underwent stronger metabolite changes after inoculum. The comparison between the two yoghurt types gave us a deeper insight on the effects of manufacture on different milks.