Enhancing Milk Production by Nutrient Supplements: Strategies and Regulatory Pathways

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The demand for the milk and dairy products keeps growing due to the growing population, the rising consumption of protein-enriched food, and other factors. Thus, enhancing milk production becomes a critical issue for the world. Of all the factors related to promoting milk production, nutrient supplementation is widely investigated. First, researchers provided mammary epithelial cells or animals with appropriate nutrients such as amino acids, peptides, lipids, carbohydrates, and others. Then, they detected the increase in milk protein expression or milk production. Finally, the researcheres further investigated the essential pathways on which the nutrients act. As much effort has been made on this topic, we summarize recent work on enhancing milk production through nutrient supplements. We hope this review provides a systematic reference for researchers in related fields and can help understand the mechanism of milk production promotion by nutrients. ABSTRACT: The enhancement of milk production is essential for dairy animals, and nutrient supplements can enhance milk production. This work summarizes the influence of nutrient supplements—including amino acids, peptides, lipids, carbohydrates, and other chemicals (such as phenolic compounds, prolactin, estrogen and growth factors)—on milk production. We also attempt to provide possible illuminating insights into the subsequent effects of nutrient supplements on milk synthesis. This work may help understand the strategy and the regulatory pathway of milk production promotion. Specifically, we summarize the roles and related pathways of nutrients in promoting milk protein and fat synthesis. We hope this review will help people understand the relationship between nutritional supplementation and milk production.