Feeding graded levels of camelina expeller meal up to 20% of dietary dry matter decreases feed intake and milk production but enhances concentration in milk fat of n-3 fatty acids in dairy cows

Abstract

Eight Holstein cows were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design study to determine the effects of feeding 0%, 10%, 15%, and 20% camelina expeller meal (CEM) on production and milk fatty acid profiles. Dry matter intake (DMI) and milk fat content decreased linearly, whereas milk yield decreased quadratically, as CEM increased. Concentrations in milk fat of C18:2n-6 and cis-9, trans-11 C18:2 increased linearly, whereas those of C18:3n-3 and trans-10, cis-12 C18:2 increased quadratically as CEM increased. Results show that CEM levels up to 20% decrease DMI and milk yield but increase concentrations in milk fat of desirable n-3 fatty acids.