Ambient Conditions and Feeding Strategy Influence δ18O of Milk Water in Cows (Bos taurus).

Abstract

There are increasing concerns by consumers regarding agricultural product traceability and authenticity. Oxygen isotope composition (δ18O) has been used in this context based on the relationship between δ18O of animal products and annual precipitation. However, in dairy products this relationship is affected by the seasonality of δ18O in milk water which in turn depends on the feeding system used. We measured 608 milk samples from 28 farms with various feeding strategies in southern Germany throughout the year, investigating the influences of ambient conditions, drinking water source, and feeding strategies on seasonal variation of δ18O in milk water (δmilk). The mechanistic Munich-Kohn model reflecting these influences predicted the seasonal and farm-specific variation of δmilk well. The relationship between δ18O of precipitation and δmilk varied in different feeding strategies. The interplay of ambient conditions and feeding strategy on δmilk should thus be carefully considered when identifying the origin of milk.