Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry based metabolomic approach to investigate the changes in goat milk yoghurt during storage

The overall goal was to utilize a gas chromatography spectrometry based metabolomics approach to investigate the metabolite changes in goat milk yoghurt during storage. A total of 129 metabolites were identified in goat milk yoghurt during 28 days refrigerated storage. Among 129, 39 metabolites were differentially regulated (p < 0.05) wherein 22 were upregulated (UR) and 17 were downregulated (DR). 17 (9 UR, 8 DR), 20 (11 UR, 9 DR) and 2 (both UR) differential metabolites were identified during storage period of 0–14, 14–28, and 0–28 days, respectively. Metabolic pathway analysis revealed that aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis and phenylalanine metabolism altered during 0–14 days storage; while fatty acid biosynthesis, and propanoate metabolism altered during 14–28 days of storage. Metabolite-gene interaction analysis identified genes regulated by differentially expressed metabolites. Functional annotation of interacted genes in corroboration with that of KEGG pathway analysis provided the probable mechanisms that altered the metabolites during storage. These findings reveal comprehensive insights into the metabolite alterations during storage. This research provides practical information for developing goat milk yoghurt with enhanced bio-activities and would aid in future investigations into the nutritional research and isolation of functional compounds.