Abstract: Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), an important bioactive ingredient in breast milk, have become a popular nutritional fortifier in infant formula. While only a limited variety of synthetic functional oligosaccharides is available now, naturally occurring oligosaccharides from animal milk are a promising substitute for HMOs. Goat milk oligosaccharides (GMOs) are rich in neutral oligosaccharides, which are more similar in structure to HMOs. However, most studies on the separation of milk oligosaccharides concentrate on bovine milk oligosaccharides, while little research has been done on milk oligosaccharides from animal species other than cows, and the structure and composition of animal milk oligosaccharides are different from those of HMOs. In addition, there are few systematic studies on the structures and functions of oligosaccharides, which limits the development and utilization of oligosaccharides in animal milk. This review summarizes the latest progress in research on oligosaccharides in animal milk with a focus on the structures, detection methods and physiological functions of GMOs, and it compares and analyzes the structural differences between animal milk oligosaccharides and HMOs. It is anticipated that this review can provide theoretical support for the development and application of animal milk oligosaccharides in the future.

Key words: goat milk oligosaccharides; animal milk oligosaccharides; structure; function; research progress