Abstract
Seasonal calving, pasture-based dairy systems are widely practiced in countries with a temperate climate and plentiful rainfall such as Ireland and New Zealand. This approach maximizes milk production from pasture and, consequently, is a low-cost, low-input dairy production system. On the other hand, the majority of global milk supply is derived from high input indoor total mixed ration systems where seasonal calving is not practiced due to the dependence on ensiled silages, grains and concentrated feeds, which are available year-round. Synchronous changes in the macro and micronutrients in milk are much more noticeable as lactation progresses through early, mid and late stages in seasonal systems compared to non-seasonal systems—which can have implications on the processability and functionality of milk.
Highlights
IntroductionPublisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations
The purpose of this review is to examine available literature on the impact of pasture-based feeding strategies and seasonality on the composition and functionality of milk
Understanding the composition of milk is essential to the dairy industry because of its influence on the nutritional value, processing characteristics and the functional properties of dairy products
Summary
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Temperate climate and medium to high rainfall, such as Ireland and New Zealand, allow for seasonal calving pasture-based dairy systems, whereby cows graze outdoors for between 8 and 10 months per year [1]. As dairy farming systems have become more intensive, the presence of pasture in the cows’ diet has declined in certain regions and a migration from pasture-based to indoor based feeding regimen has occurred at a global scale In many countries, this indoor based feeding regimen involves a TMR feeding approach which may contain grain concentrates, forages (hay, straw, grass silage, maize silage), as well as fat, protein or salt supplements [12,13]. The purpose of this review is to examine available literature on the impact of pasture-based feeding strategies and seasonality on the composition and functionality of milk
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
