Low-fat Milk Research Articles

Implementation of Minimum Nutrition Standards and Best Practices in Childcare Centers

BackgroundThe federal Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) provides reimbursable meals to 4.6 million children annually and sets nutrition standards for foods served. Licensing regulations in many states extend these rules to nonparticipating programs. ObjectiveTo evaluate the quality of meals and snacks served in Connecticut licensed childcare centers in 2019 and assess implementation of a state licensing requirement to adhere to CACFP minimum nutrition standards in all centers. DesignCross-sectional survey. Participants/settingTwo hundred licensed childcare centers in Connecticut in 2019. Main outcome measuresMeal/snack quality was assessed based on menus. Foods/beverages listed were compared to the minimum CACFP nutrition standards and optional best practices. Surveys completed by center directors measured center characteristics. Statistical analysisLogistic and linear multivariable regression models tested differences in centers’ adherence to nutrition standards and best practices by CACFP participation status. ResultsCACFP centers complied with more required nutrition standards than non-CACFP centers (an adjusted mean of 4.7 vs 3.4 standards among programs serving meals, P < 0.001), with particularly large mean differences for whole grains and low-fat milk. Implementation of optional best practices, except for beverages, was relatively low among all centers, especially for snacks. Compliance (adjusted mean number of minimum nutrition standards met) was greater among centers accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and those using a registered dietitian or a sponsoring agency to prepare menus and receiving food from a vendor. Recent completion of nutrition training was associated with greater mean implementation of best practices. Conclusions and implicationsBetter adherence to minimum nutrition standards and best practices among CACFP-participating childcare centers contributed to higher nutritional quality of meals and snacks offered. Snack quality would benefit most from greater compliance with nutrition standards. Providers outside of CACFP need additional supports in the implementation of licensing regulations to improve the food environment for young children.

Effects of Subacute Ruminal Acidosis (SARA) on Epidemiological and Clinicopathological Parameters of Dairy Cattle

Background: Subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) is one of the most important metabolic disease of dairy cattle which decrease milk production, dry matter intake, productivity and increase culling rate and even cause death.Methods: In this study the epidemiological status of SARA namely age, breed, stage of lactation, lactation number, general health condition, body condition score, daily milk production, milk fat content and biochemical alteration were investigated.Result: Out of 100 cows examined 20 were found to be positive for SARA and the mean age of dairy cows suffering from SARA was found to be 6.53 ±0.68 years. The prevalence of SARA was 70 and 30 per cent in Jersey and HF breed of cows respectively and was high in mid lactation and the lactation number ranged from 2 to 6. 65 per cent. SARA affected cows were in poor body condition score, milk production and milk fat content was significantly low (P≤ 0.05). The mean GGT (Gamma Glutamyl Transferase) and AST (Asparate aminotransferase) values were significantly increased in SARA affected dairy cows. SARA seems to be a common problem in dairy cattle and it has to be considered when dealing with herd level problems like low milk fat, low milk production, poor body condition and appropriate management measures should be implemented to prevent it.

Stability of milk fatty acid profile during simulated shipping for analysis by gas chromatography

Milk fat trans-10 C18:1 can be used in diagnosing low milk fat production on dairy farms because it is a specific marker of biohydrogenation-induced milk fat depression. Individual fatty acids (FA), including the trans C18:1 isomer, can be determined only by gas-liquid chromatography. The analysis is currently available at a limited number of laboratories and often requires long-distance shipping. Expedited shipping with dry ice or ice packs is expensive. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of heat treatment before shipping, shipping temperature, and shipping time on milk FA profile. Samples were collected from 3 farms on 2 occasions and stored in a polystyrene foam cooler with an ice pack, at room temperature, or at 37°C for 1, 2, 3, and 7 d. Heating the sample before shipping, shipping temperature, and shipping time had very little effect on any FA analyzed. Differences observed were of small magnitude and not of practical importance, demonstrating that milk FA profile is expected to be very stable during shipping. Based on this, we propose that freezing samples and shipping in a sealed bag by second-day shipment is appropriate and demonstrated that this had little effect on FA profile of 48 milk samples. Importantly, these methods are recommended only for gas-liquid chromatography analysis of FA profile. Freezing is not appropriate for shipping for analysis by mid-infrared spectrometry-based methods or methods quantifying compounds per unit of milk because it is difficult to homogenize samples after freezing or extended shipping that results in denaturization of proteins and breaking of fat globules.

Association between milk and dairy product intake and the risk of dental caries in children and adolescents: NHANES 2011-2016.

To date, few studies have comprehensively explored the associations between milk and dairy product intake and dental caries. Therefore, this study aimed to simultaneously assess the associations between whole milk, low-fat milk, skim milk, yogurt, milk desserts, cheese, creams, and total fluid milk intake and the risk of dental caries in children and adolescents. Data were from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2016. Two 24-hour dietary recall interviews measured dietary milk and dairy product intake. Primary teeth caries was diagnosed by the dfs (decayed or filled primary tooth surfaces) index, and permanent teeth caries was diagnosed by the DMFS (decayed, missing, or filled permanent tooth surfaces) index. We used logistic regression to explore the associations between milk and dairy product intake and the risk of dental caries. A total of 6885 individuals aged 2-17 years were included in this study. In the fully adjusted model, the odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of dental caries were 0.66 (0.47-0.93) for intake ≥123 g/day of yogurt and 0.82 (0.69-0.98) for intake <22.6 g/day of cheese, as compared with non-consumers. Our study indicates that high yogurt and low cheese intake were associated with a decreased risk of dental caries among American children and adolescents. These findings may be applied to update and supplement the evidence that informs public health policies on milk and dairy products and the prevention of dental caries.

Consumption of decaffeinated coffee with milk and sugar added before a high-glycemic-index meal lowers postprandial glucose surge when compared with consuming it after the meal

This study aimed to compare the effect of consuming decaffeinated coffee at different times around a high glycemic index (GI) meal on postprandial glycemic responses. Ten healthy adults completed this randomized, crossover trial. In each session, overnight-fasted participants consumed the test drink, which was a cup of decaffeinated coffee with low-fat milk and white sugar added, at different timepoints before or after a high GI meal. Postprandial levels of glucose, insulin, and nitrotyrosine at individual timepoints, as well as the area-under-curves (AUC), were compared among the treatments using mixed-effect linear model. Results showed that consuming the test drink 30 and 60 min before the high GI meal (glucose AUC ± SE: 862.6 ± 24.8 and 861.4 ± 24.8 mmol * 120 min/L, respectively) led to significantly reduced glycemic responses when compared with consuming it after the meal (952.7 ± 24.8 mmol * 120 min/L, p < 0.05 compared with either treatment). Drinking the test drink at least 30 min before the meal also led to smaller insulinemic responses, while nitrotyrosine levels were not significantly different between different consumption times. These showed that consuming decaffeinated coffee with milk and sugar added at least 30 min before a meal could benefit postprandial glycemic control.

Differences in Dairy Intake Among Americans by Ethnicity and Age: NHANES 2015–2018

ObjectivesConsuming dairy foods helps Americans meet recommendations for calcium, vitamin A, vitamin D, and protein. The Healthy U.S.-Style Dietary Pattern in the 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) recommends 3 daily servings of low-fat or fat-free milk, cheese, and yogurt for those 9 years and older, 2.5 servings for children 4–8 years and 2 servings for children 2–3 years. The objective of this study was to assess dairy consumption by Americans 2 years of age and older to identify population groups at higher risk for underconsumption. MethodsUsing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2015–2016 and 2017–2018, we evaluated the daily intake of total dairy foods, milk (total, white, flavored), cheese (total and cottage cheese separately), yogurt (regular and Greek), and milk substitutes (soy, rice, almond and others) by Americans, separating into groups by age (2 + years, 2–4 years, 4–8 years, 9–13 years, 14–18 years, 19 + years) and ethnicity (Asian, Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black, non-Hispanic White). Dairy serving amounts were defined as MyPlate serving size cup-equivalents. ResultsRegardless of age or ethnicity, Americans did not meet the DGA’s dairy intake recommendations. Average total daily dairy intake for Americans ages 2 + was 1.57 ± 0.03 cup-equivalents, with 0.73 servings coming from milk and 0.73 from cheese. Children ages 2–4 and 4–8 years came the closest to meeting recommendations, consuming an average of 1.93 ± 0.06 and 1.93 ± 0.05 servings, respectively, of dairy foods daily. Intake fell to 1.83 ± 0.06 daily servings among children ages 9–13, more than 30% below the recommendation that children begin consuming 3 daily servings at age 9.Daily dairy intake continued to decrease among those 14–18 years (1.75 ± 0.07 servings) and among adults 19+ (1.48 ± 0.03 servings). Among those ages 2 and older, non-Hispanic Black Americans had the lowest average intake (1.18 ± 0.04 servings daily) and non-Hispanic White Americans (1.67 ± 0.03) had the highest. Across all ethnic groups, plain milk was consumed in greater quantities than any other dairy food. ConclusionsBoth age and ethnic disparities exist in dairy intake for Americans. Improving adherence to dairy recommendations from the DGA could help Americans move closer to nutrient recommendations and overall healthy dietary patterns. Funding SourcesNational Dairy Council.

University Students’ Knowledge and Perceptions Regarding the Nutrient Content of Plant-Based Beverages

Abstract Objectives While the consumption of milk in the U.S. continues to decline, plant-based beverages, like almond milk, are becoming increasingly popular. The purpose of this study was to assess university students’ knowledge and perceptions on the nutrient content of plant-based beverages they consume. Methods An online survey was used to collect responses from students at three U.S. universities. Responses were collected from February through September 2020. Students were asked to describe the type of plant-based beverage they drank most often. They were then asked to indicate whether they thought the beverage was greater than, less than, or equal to low-fat cow's milk with regard to energy, protein, vitamin D, and calcium content. Participants were instructed to respond without looking-up their answers, and they were given the option to select “I am not sure” as a response to each question. Using product nutrient labels, responses were scored for accuracy. Results One hundred forty-four students who indicated they drank plant-based beverages completed the survey. Fifty-four % (n = 77) correctly rated the energy content of their beverage, 23% (n = 34) were unsure, 14% (n = 20) overestimated, and 8% (n = 11) underestimated the energy content. When asked about protein, 34% (n = 49) were unsure, 22% (n = 32) overestimated, 21% (n = 30) accurately estimated, and 2% (n = 3) underestimated their beverage's content. For calcium, 43% (n = 58) underestimated, 32% (n = 43) were unsure, 20% (n = 33) answered accurately, and 4% (n = 5) overestimated the content of their beverage. Lastly, for vitamin D, 38% (n = 50) were unsure, 38% (n = 50) underestimated, 23% (n = 30) were accurate, and 1% (n = 1) overestimated the amount of vitamin D in their plant-based beverage. Conclusions Roughly half of all students had an accurate understanding of the energy content of the plant-based beverages they consume. However, the majority did not have an accurate understanding of their beverage's protein, vitamin D, or calcium content. Overall, students appeared to pay attention to the calorie content more than any other nutrient. Although more research is needed, the findings suggest the need to improve students’ awareness of nutrition information and labeling in order to make informed beverage choices. Funding Sources College of Health and Human Sciences, Kansas State University.

Sodium caseinate reduces the swelling of konjac flour: A further examination

Konjac flour can quickly swell and dissolve in a short time, leading to extremely high viscosity and easily agglomerative phenomenon. Such characters limit its application as ingredients in brewed foods and there is a high demand to restrict its swelling. Ethanol is usually adopted as a swelling inhibitor but it cannot be applied in the food industry. In this study, two types of milk (full-fat milk and low-fat milk) were selected and the swelling rates of konjac flour in these milk systems were measured. The results showed that the swelling rate of konjac flour significantly decreased. The konjac particles quickly cracked and dissolved in water within 3 min while only swelled in milk systems. To reveal which component in milk played a key role, we further studied the influence of the three components (lactose, whey protein isolate and sodium caseinate) on the swelling limitation of konjac flour. Sodium caseinate was found to be the strongest component than lactose and whey protein isolate in limiting the swelling of konjac flour. Our study revealed that casein was the crucial actor in inhibiting konjac flour swelling in milk and simulated milk system, indicating a new way to better control its swelling behavior in aqueous solution.

Milk-Fat Intake and Differences in Abdominal Adiposity and BMI: Evidence Based on 13,544 Randomly-Selected Adults

The primary purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the relationship between milk-fat intake and obesity, particularly abdominal obesity, in 13,544 U.S. adults. A lesser objective was to measure the degree to which the association was influenced by multiple potential confounding variables. This cross-sectional study used data from the 2011–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Quantity of milk-fat regularly consumed was the exposure variable. Sagittal abdominal diameter (SAD), a measure of abdominal obesity, and body mass index (BMI) were the outcome variables. Sagittal abdominal diameter is a strong predictor of visceral abdominal fat, when measured by computed tomography, and has been shown to predict cardiometabolic disorders better than BMI. After controlling for age, race, gender, physical activity, leisure computer use and gaming, alcohol habits, and cigarette use, significantly lower BMIs were associated with consistent non-fat and full-fat milk consumption (F = 4.1, p = 0.0063). A significantly lower SAD was associated only with regular consumption of non-fat milk (F = 5.0, p = 0.0019). No significant differences were detected between the other milk-fat groups or milk abstainers. In this nationally representative sample, only 19.6% of adults regularly consumed low-fat milk. In conclusion, consistent non-fat milk intake was predictive of lower levels of abdominal adiposity compared to consumption of higher levels of milk-fat.

Abstract P039: No Beneficial Associations Between Dairy Products And Kidney Function After Myocardial Infarction

Introduction: Population-based studies showed beneficial associations between (low-fat) dairy products and kidney function. Kidney function declines with age, which is accelerated after myocardial infarction (MI). Little is known about dairy consumption and kidney function in MI patients. Hypothesis: Dairy intake may slow down kidney function decline after MI. Methods: We analysed 2,247 Dutch post-MI patients (60-80 years, 81% men) from the Alpha Omega Cohort. Dietary intakes, including types of dairy, were assessed at baseline (2002-2006) using a validated 203-item food frequency questionnaire. Glomerular filtration rate was estimated at baseline and after ~40 months, using the Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Epidemiology Collaboration equations for serum cystatin C alone (eGFR cysC , in ml/min per 1.73m 2 ). Associations between dairy intake and annual eGFR cysC change were obtained using multivariable linear regression models, adjusting for age, sex, lifestyle and dietary factors. Betas (β), with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), represent additional eGFR cysC changes on top of annual decline, per increment in dairy intake. Results: At baseline, 22% was obese, 18% had diabetes and 15% had CKD (eGFR cysC &lt;60). Median dairy intakes were 70 g/day for milk (62% consumed low-fat milk), 41 g/day for yogurt and 17 g/day for hard cheeses. The mean ± SD eGFR cysC at baseline was 82 ± 19, which on average declined by 3.42 ± 11.04, corresponding to an annual decline of 0.99 ± 3.21. Total milk consumption was not associated with annual eGFR cysC change in the multivariable model (β: 0.01 per 100 g/day, 95% CI: -0.08;0.10; Figure 1). Associations for hard cheeses (per 10 g/day) and yogurt (per 25 g/day) with eGFR cysC decline were also weak and non-significant. Sensitivity analyses in non-diabetic (n=1,843) or non-CKD patients (n=1,910) yielded similar results (Figure 1). Conclusions: Milk, hard cheeses and yogurt consumption were not associated with eGFR cysC decline in Dutch post-MI patients.

Dietary patterns are associated with central adiposity and carotid intima-media thickness in children and adolescents with congenital heart disease.

Unhealthy dietary patterns (DP) in childhood are associated with cardiovascular disease in adulthood. DP in children and adolescents with congenital heart disease (CHD) are unknown. The aims of this study were to describe DPs of children and adolescents with CHD and to evaluate their associations with central adiposity, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT). A cross-sectional study including 232 children and adolescents with CHD. Dietary data were based on three 24-h dietary recalls. Central adiposity was evaluated by waist circumference. hs-CRPs were determined by nephelometry. The cIMT was measured using ultrasound. DPs were identified using principal component analysis. Data were examined using logistic and linear regressions. Six DPs were identified. In multivariable-adjusted analysis, unhealthy DP (high intake of poultry, red meat, cold cuts and processed meats, soft drinks and sweetened beverages) and healthy DP (high intake of fish, eggs, bread, beans, tubers and roots, fruit and fruit juice) were associated with increased and decreased odds of central adiposity, respectively (Odds ratio (OR):2.10; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.09; 4.02; OR: 0.48 95% CI 0.24; 0.93). Besides, low-fat dairy DP (high intake of low-fat milk and dairy, mixed dishes, ultra-processed breads, candy and chocolate) was inversely associated with cIMT (β: -0.024; 95% CI -0.04; -0.01). Unhealthy DP seems to increase the risk of central adiposity, while the healthy DP seems to decrease the risk of central adiposity. Still, low-fat dairy DP was inversely associated with cIMT. These findings may be helpful to develop nutrition recommendations for early cardiovascular disease prevention in children and adolescents with CHD.

Determination of relationships between rumination and milk fat concentration and fatty acid profile using data from commercial rumination sensing systems

Milk fat production is highly influenced by nutrition and rumen fermentation. Rumination is an essential part of the ruminant digestive process and can serve as an indicator of rumen fermentation. The objective of this research was to quantify variation in rumination time between and within dairy herds and test for relationships between rumination time and milk fat production and fatty acid (FA) profile as a proxy of rumen fermentation. Our hypothesis was that rumination may indicate disruptions to rumen fermentation and that cows that spent less time ruminating would have lower milk fat due to these rumen disruptions. Data were collected from 1,733 Holstein cows on 5 commercial dairy farms (4 in Pennsylvania and 1 in New York) of 200 to 700 head using 1 of 2 commercially-available rumination sensing systems, CowManager SensOor ear tags (Agis Automatisering BV) or SCR model HR-LDn neck collars (SCR Engineers). Rumination data were collected for 7 consecutive days leading up to a DHIA test, summed within day, then averaged to obtain mean daily minutes of rumination time. Milk samples from the DHIA test were analyzed for fat content by mid-infrared spectroscopy and for milk FA profile by gas chromatography. Rumination data were analyzed using multiple linear regression models. Rumination time was related to concentration of specific odd- and branched-chain and trans FA in milk but was not directly related to milk fat concentration. Rumination time also did not contribute to models predicting milk fat concentration after accounting for other cow-level variables. There was a linear relationship between trans-10 C18:1 and rumination time that was positive after accounting for the effect of farm (partial R2 of 2.97% across all data, 4.24% in SCR data, and 2.22% in CowManager data). Although rumination time was not related directly to milk fat, it was associated with differences in trans and odd- and branched-chain FA that have been demonstrated to change during subacute ruminal acidosis or biohydrogenation-induced milk fat depression, which may affect milk fat and other production variables. These associations suggest that further investigation into using rumination data from commercial systems to predict or identify the presence of these conditions is warranted.

Risk and protective behaviors for chronic non-communicable diseases among Brazilian adults

ObjectivesThis study aimed to analyze behavioral patterns of protective and risk factors for chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among adults and to explore the association between these patterns and sociodemographic characteristics using data from the National Health Survey 2013. Study designThis was a cross-sectional study. MethodsThis is a population-based study, nationwide, of individuals aged ≥18 years (n = 60,202). The sampling process used was grouping with three selection stages: census sector, households, and individuals. The factor analysis by principal component was used to identify behavioral patterns of protective and risk factors for NCDs. Linear regression was used to explore the association between patterns and sociodemographic characteristics. ResultsTwo behavioral patterns were identified: a ‘protective pattern’ featured by consumption of vegetable, fruits/natural fruit juice, and low-fat milk and recommended physical activity practice during leisure time; and a ‘risk pattern’ characterized by consumption of high-fat meat and soft drinks, alcohol abuse, and smoking habit. Adherence to the protective pattern was associated with older White women who had higher levels of education, were economically active, and lived in the urban areas of the country. Younger, economically active men living in the urban areas were associated with the risk patterns. ConclusionsTwo behavioral patterns for NCDs have been identified and are distributed non-randomly in the adult Brazilian population. These findings are expected to contribute to better targeting health promotion and prevention of NCDs.

Nutritional Adequacy and Diet Quality Are Associated with Standardized Height-for-Age among U.S. Children.

Nutritional status affects linear growth and development. However, studies on the associations between nutritional status, diet quality, and age-standardized height in children are limited. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between macro- and micronutrient intake and food consumption and height-for-age Z score (HAZ) among US children in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). This cross-sectional population-based study included 6116 US children aged 2–18 years. The usual dietary intake of nutrients and food groups was estimated by the multiple source method (MSM) using two-day food consumption data from NHANES 2007–2014. After adjusting for covariates, HAZ was positively associated with intakes of energy, protein, carbohydrate, fat, vitamins A, D, E, B6, and B12, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, calcium, and iron. Children in the highest tertile of HAZ were less likely to consume lower than the EAR for vitamin E and calcium. Major foods consumed by children with lower HAZ were soft drinks, high-fat milk products, cakes, cookies, pastries, and pies, whereas children with higher HAZ tended to consume low-fat milk products, tea, and low-calorie fruit juice. These findings suggest that adequate nutritional intake, diet quality, and nutrient-dense food are important factors for height in children.

Associations between diet quality scores and central obesity among adults in Puerto Rico.

Adults in Puerto Rico experience an excessive burden of central obesity. It remains unknown which dietary components are more strongly associated with central obesity in this high-risk group. We aimed to evaluate the relationship of the Mediterranean diet (MeDS) and Alternate Healthy Eating Index 2010 (AHEI) with central obesity in the Puerto Rico Assessment of Diet, Lifestyle and Diseases (PRADLAD) cross-sectional study. Data from PRADLAD participants (ages 30-75years) were used (n=166). Dietary intake was assessed by food frequency questionnaire. The MeDS [nine components; range: 0 (lowest) to 9 (highest observance of a Mediterranean-like diet)] and AHEI [11 components; range: 0 (lowest) to 110 (highest diet quality)] were defined. Daily intake of foods and beverages within each MeDS component was ranked by contribution to total energy intake. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate associations between MeDS and AHEI with central obesity (waist circumference >102cm males, >88cm females). Mean±SD MeDS was 4.46±1.77 and AHEI was 60.2±11.1. Traditional foods representative of the MeDS included potatoes, root vegetables, fruit juice, avocados, bread, oatmeal, beans, chicken, seafood, low-fat milk, cheese, eggs and beer. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals of central obesity were 0.78 (0.63-0.97) per unit increment of MeDS and 0.61 (0.42-0.90) per 10-unit increment of AHEI. Higher adherence to MeDS or AHEI was associated with lower central obesity in adults in Puerto Rico. Consuming traditional foods reflecting these dietary patterns (i.e., Mediterranean-like) may reduce central obesity in high-risk populations.

Integrative analysis of miRNAs and mRNAs revealed regulation of lipid metabolism in dairy cattle.

Lipid metabolism in bovine mammary epithelial cells has been the primary focus of the research of milk fat percentage of dairy cattle. Functional microRNAs can affect lipid metabolism by regulating the expression of candidate genes. The purpose of the study was to screen and identify differentially expressed miRNAs, candidate genes, and co-regulatory pathways related to the metabolism of milk fat. To achieve this aim, we used miRNA and transcriptome data from the mammary epithelial cells of dairy cattle with high (H, 4.85%) and low milk fat percentages (L, 3.41%) during mid-lactation. One hundred ninety differentially expressed genes and 33 differentially expressed miRNAs were significantly enriched in related regulatory networks, of which 27 candidate genes regulated by 18 differentially expressed miRNAs significantly enriched in pathways related to lipid metabolism (p < 0.05). Target relationships between PDE4D and bta-miR-148a, PEG10 and bta-miR-877, SOD3 and bta-miR-2382-5p, and ADAMTS1 and bta-miR-2425-5p were verified using luciferase reporter assays and quantitative RT-PCR. The detection of triglyceride production in BMECs showed that bta-miR-21-3p and bta-miR-148a promote triglyceride synthesis, whereas bta-miR-124a, bta-miR-877, bta-miR-2382-5p, and bta-miR-2425-5p inhibit triglyceride synthesis. The conjoint analysis could identify functional miRNAs and regulatory candidate genes involved in lipid metabolism within the co-expression networks of the dairy cattle mammary system, which contributes to the understanding of potential regulatory mechanisms of genetic element and gene signaling networks involved in milk fat metabolism.

Physicochemical and nutritional properties of high protein emulsion-type lupin-based model milk alternatives: effect of protein source and homogenization pressure.

Plant-based milk alternatives are becoming more popular. However, many are low in nutrients, particularly protein. More attention is being given to plant protein isolates / concentrates as potential ingredients in high-protein milk alternative formulations. The effect of lupin protein source on the physicochemical, functional, and nutritional characteristics of model milk alternatives was investigated. Milk alternatives were produced with either blue lupin or white lupin protein isolate, formulated to contain similar levels of protein and fat as low-fat cow's milk. Nutritional composition and predicted glycemic properties were measured. The effect of homogenization pressure on the physicochemical properties and storage stability was also assessed, with cow's milk and soy milk alternative analyzed for comparison. Both blue and white lupin milk alternatives were high in protein, low in fermentable oligo-, di- and monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs), and had a low predicted glycemic index. White lupin milk alternatives had smaller particle size as well as greater stability, with less creaming compared to blue lupin milk alternatives, although the former showed slightly higher sediment layers. Increasing homogenization pressure from 180 to 780 bar resulted in smaller particle size, lower separation rate, and greater foamability for both blue and white lupin milk alternatives. White lupin milk alternative homogenized at 780 bar was found to be the most stable product, with a similar separation rate to cow's milk. These results indicate that protein source and processing can influence functional properties significantly along with product stability, and this is an important consideration when formulating high-protein milk alternatives. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of Starch Level and a Mixture of Sunflower and Fish Oils on Nutrient Intake and Digestibility, Rumen Fermentation, and Ruminal Methane Emissions in Dairy Cows.

Simple SummaryMethane produced by ruminants contributes to increased greenhouse gas effect. There are various nutritional strategies to reduce methane emission, such as supplementing fat or changing starch levels in the diet. Understanding the interactions of these strategies on methane emission, as well as performance, digestibility, and rumen fermentation is important. The present study aimed to assess the effects of starch level with or without a mixture of sunflower and fish oils on nutrient intake and digestibility, milk yield and composition, rumen fermentation, ruminal CH4 emissions and microbial ecology in dairy cows. Oil mixture rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids supplemented to low- or high-starch diets reduced dry matter intake and increased energy digestibility of lactating cows. High starch level improved nutrient digestibility and tended to reduce ruminal acetate:propionate ratio but did not affect rumen pH, molar propionate ratio, or ruminal CH4 emissions. Oil decreased absolute ruminal CH4 emission or tended to decrease CH4 per energy corrected milk.Four multiparous dairy cows were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square to examine how starch level and oil mixture impact dry matter (DM) intake and digestibility, milk yield and composition, rumen fermentation, ruminal methane (CH4) emissions, and microbial diversity. Experimental treatments comprised high (HS) or low (LS) levels of starch containing 0 or 30 g of a mixture of sunflower and fish oils (2:1 w/w) per kg diet DM (LSO and HSO, respectively). Intake of DM did not differ between cows fed LS and HS diets while oil supplementation reduced DM intake. Dietary treatments did not affect milk and energy corrected milk yields. There was a tendency to have a lower milk fat concentration due to HSO compared with other treatments. Both high starch level and oil supplementation increased digestibility of gross energy. Cows receiving HS diets had higher levels of total rumen VFA while acetate was lower than LS without any differences in rumen pH, or ruminal CH4 emissions. Although dietary oil supplementation had no impact on rumen fermentation, decreased CH4 emissions (g/day and g/kg milk) were observed with a concomitant increase in Anoplodinium-Diplodinium sp. and Epidinium sp. but a decrease in Christensenellaceae, Ruminococcus sp., Methanobrevibacter ruminantium and Mbb. gottschalkii clades.

75 Sampling technique affects mare milk composition

Accurately measuring milk composition is important for many research studies. Different techniques are utilized to collect milk samples; however, little is known of the effect of sampling technique on mare milk composition. The objective was to compare milk composition collected by 3 sampling techniques and evaluate changes in composition within an individual milking. We hypothesized that milk composition would be affected by sampling technique and that milk fat would increase within a milking. Milk samples were collected from 4 Thoroughbred mares at 7 d postpartum in 3 ways: during natural milk let down while the foal nursed (>50 mL), stripping a residual sample between nursing bouts (15–20 mL), and total evacuation of the udder after muzzling the foal for 2 h. Samples were collected at the same time of day to avoid diurnal variation. Changes in composition within a milking were evaluated by muzzling the foal for 2 subsequent 2 h intervals then allowing the foal to nurse one side of the udder while milking the opposite side. The first 2 h milking was used to calculate fractions of the total volume collected. During the second milking, milk was collected into separate containers to represent the following fractions of the total collection: 10%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%. Milk fat, protein, and carbohydrates were measured using an infrared-based milk analyzer (MilkoScan FT+, Foss, Denmark). Effects of sampling technique and milk fraction on milk composition were evaluated using mixed model ANOVA with repeated measures (SAS 9.4). Milk fat was affected by sampling technique ( P < 0.0001). Residual samples had the highest concentration of milk fat (2.83 ± 0.13%), the total evacuations had the lowest milk fat (1.32 ± 0.13%), and the milk collected during let down was intermediate (2.13 ± 0.13%). Milk carbohydrates tended to be higher in total evacuations compared with residual or let down samples ( P = 0.067). There was no difference in milk protein between sampling methods ( P = 0.803). Milk fat increased through the duration of an individual milking ( P = 0.0002). Fat was the lowest in the first 10% of the total milk collected (0.976 ± 0.20%) and increased to 2.53 ± 0.20% in the last 25% of the collection. The concentration of milk protein and carbohydrates were similar between milking fractions ( P > 0.05). Milk composition is affected by sampling technique. Collecting a sample during active milk let down may be more representative of the milk composition the foal is consuming. Additionally, changes in milk fat during an individual milking followed a similar pattern as other species; milk fat increases through the duration of a milking while carbohydrates and protein remains unchanged.

Identification of the Potential Role of the Rumen Microbiome in Milk Protein and Fat Synthesis in Dairy Cows Using Metagenomic Sequencing.

Simple SummaryThe rumen is the main digestive and absorption organ of dairy cows. It contains abundant microorganisms and can effectively use human-indigestible plant mass. Therefore, we used metagenomics to explore the role of rumen microbes in the regulation of milk protein and fat in dairy cows. This study showed that Prevotella species and Neocallimastix californiae in the rumen of cows are related to the synthesis of milk components due to their important functions in carbohydrate, amino acid, pyruvate, insulin, and lipid metabolism and transportation metabolic pathways.The rumen contains abundant microorganisms that aid in the digestion of lignocellulosic feed and are associated with host phenotype traits. Cows with extremely high milk protein and fat percentages (HPF; n = 3) and low milk protein and fat percentages (LPF; n = 3) were selected from 4000 lactating Holstein cows under the same nutritional and management conditions. We found that the total concentration of volatile fatty acids, acetate, butyrate, and propionate in the rumen fluid was significantly higher in the HPF group than in the LPF group. Moreover, we identified 38 most abundant species displaying differential richness between the two groups, in which Prevotella accounted for 68.8% of the species, with the highest abundance in the HPF group. Functional annotation based on the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genome (KEGG), evolutionary genealogy of genes: Non-supervised Orthologous Groups (eggNOG), and Carbohydrate-Active enzymes (CAZy) databases showed that the significantly more abundant species in the HPF group are enriched in carbohydrate, amino acid, pyruvate, insulin, and lipid metabolism and transportation. Furthermore, Spearman’s rank correlation analysis revealed that specific microbial taxa (mainly the Prevotella species and Neocallimastix californiae) are positively correlated with total volatile fatty acids (VFA). Collectively, we found that the HPF group was enriched with several Prevotella species related to the total VFA, acetate, and amino acid synthesis. Thereby, these fulfilled the host’s needs for energy, fat, and rumen microbial protein, which can be used for increased biosynthesis of milk fat and milk protein. Our findings provide novel information for elucidation of the regulatory mechanism of the rumen in the formation of milk composition.