Identification of feeding pattern and their impact on milk fatty acid profiles from traditional dairy cows in Pangalengan Sub-district

Abstract

Fatty acids (FA) profiles especially conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) are commonly used to distinguish milk quality. However, its content is very sensitive and tends to change with a different type of feed. The study aims to identify the relationship between the feeding system and milk FA profile in the Pangalengan sub-district. The feeding system and milk FA profiles were studied using two-step post observatory research. Step one, milk was collected from 27 traditional-dairy farms using purposive random sampling and compare with a large-scale farm. The result shows that FA profiles vary greatly among traditional-farms especially for long-chain FA (LCFA) which was found in small concentrations. CLA content was also found higher in traditional-farms. Step two, five traditional-farms with the highest CLA milk content were observed for their feeding systems. Parameter observed including cow’s specification, feed type used, and feed intake. The best ration produced high milk CLA and production was the ration consisted of 38 % high-quality forages and 62 % commercial concentrate. Thus, it can be concluded that milk from traditional farms was better than milk from large-scale farms. The best milk CLA was produced with a combination of 38 % high-quality forages and 62 % commercial concentrate.