Milk Quality Research Articles

Obtaining Goats’ Dairy Products Enriched in Healthy Fatty Acids by Valuing Linseed or Hempseed as Dietary Ingredients

The study aimed to assess the effects of including linseeds or hempseeds in the diets of late lactation Murciano-Granadina dairy goats on the nutritional quality of the milk and cheese fat, expressed by the fatty acids profile and the healthy lipid indices. Thirty-six goats were randomly distributed in 3 groups of 12 animals each, according to a 3 × 3 Latin square design, and fed three different diets: group CON (control, with sunflower meal, 11.5% DM basis); group LIN, where sunflower meal was replaced by linseed; and group HMP, where sunflower meal was replaced by hempseeds. The replacement had no effects on the milk yields and the milk protein content as no significant differences were detected among groups. The significant increase of the fat content in the case of the LIN and HMP groups was accompanied by significant decreases in saturated fatty acids concentration and very significant increases in monounsaturated fatty acids. The content of n3 and n6-PUFAs (polyunsaturated fatty acids) increased, mainly due to a 4.1 times higher proportion of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA; C 18:3n-3) in LIN diet milk and a 1.3 times higher proportion of linoleic acid (LA; C 18:2n6c) in HMP diet milk. The conjugated linoleic acid (CLA; isomer c9, t11) was 1.9 times higher for the LIN diet and 5.05 times higher for the HMP diet. Feeding either linseed or hempseeds contributed to the reduction of the atherogenic and thrombogenic indices, increased the hypocholesterolemic: hypercholesterolemic ratio as well as the proportion of other desired fatty acids in the milk fat. The improved nutritional quality of milk, which has potentially far-reaching human health benefits, is maintained in cheese through the increase of the n3 and n6-PUFAs, especially for the LIN diet where the n6/n3 ratio decreased significantly, compared with the CON diet (3.62 vs. 6.88). The CLA concentration was significantly higher (p < 0.001) for the HMP cheese compared with the CON diet (1.89% vs. 0.78%). These effects highlight the opportunity of obtaining dairy products with improved nutritional quality using local feed resources.

Analisis Persediaan Bahan Baku Susu pada Produksi Keju British Cheddar dengan Metode Economic Order Quantity ( EOQ ) di PT. Mazaraat Lokanatura Indonesia Pasuruan

To achieve profit, companies usually process raw materials into finished or semi-finished goods. Therefore, in this company, controlling and managing raw materials becomes an important factor influencing the smooth production process to achieve desired goals. Cow's milk is one of the popular agricultural products, and cheese is a dairy product consumed globally. PT Mazaraat Lokanatura Indonesia is a company that produces local Yogyakarta cheese and creamery products. The instability of organic milk quality from local farmers often negatively impacts the production process and the final quality of the company's British Cheddar Cheese products. This instability also affects raw material inventory planning, so the company must be more careful in maintaining the quality and quantity of organic milk stock to ensure optimal production. To address this issue, an analysis of raw milk inventory using the Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) method was conducted. This research began with observations and identification of problems related to raw material inventory management that could affect production efficiency and operational costs. Then, data collection was conducted regarding the demand amount, order time, ordering cost, and milk storage cost. The research results show that the application of EOQ is proven effective in optimizing inventory costs. Using EOQ allows the company to manage the optimal order quantity, significantly reducing total ordering costs by decreasing the order frequency.

Effect of chokeberry pomace as a feed additive for high-producing dairy goats on oxidative stress parameters and quality of milk

Abstract Introduction Chokeberry pomace, rich in polyphenolic compounds, holds potential to be a valuable feed additive for enhancing the antioxidative capacity and overall quality of milk. This study explores the impact of dietary inclusion of chokeberry pomace on oxidative stress parameters and other milk quality parameters in high-producing dairy goats. Material and Methods Twenty-seven goats were allocated into three groups: a control group provided standard feed and two experimental groups provided feed supplemented with 15 g or 30 g of chokeberry pomace per kilogram. Milk samples were analysed for physicochemical traits, a range of enzyme activities and antioxidant properties. Results Supplementation with chokeberry pomace significantly reduced milk fat content, enhanced antioxidative properties and increased most of the quantified enzyme activities. Total polyphenol content and reduced glutathione levels were significantly higher in the supplemented groups, correlating with improved antioxidative potential of the milk. Conclusion Chokeberry pomace in goat diets enhances milk’s antioxidative properties and upregulates its enzymatic activity profile, suggesting a potential strategy to improve the nutritional quality and health benefits of goat milk. The study underscores the utility of chokeberry pomace as a feed additive that might not only benefit animal health but also contribute to enhanced milk quality.

Heat stress affects milk yield, milk quality, and gene expression profiles in mammary cells of Girolando cows

Heat stress during lactation affects the physiological responses, hormonal release, health, and productivity of dairy cows. However, the adverse effects of heat stress on milk synthesis, immune response, and cellular apoptosis in mammary cells remains unknown in Bos indicus cows. This study aimed to understand the relationship between milk yield, milk quality, and the expression of genes related to milk synthesis, cell apoptosis, and immune response in mammary cells of Girolando cows. Twenty-four Girolando cows (3/4 Holstein and 1/4 Gir) were subjected to control (CT, with a temperature-humidity index ranging from 60 to 74, n = 12) or heat stress treatments (HS, with a temperature- humidity index ranging from 60 to 85, n = 12), from 111 to 120 d of lactation. Heat stress significantly increased the expression of heat shock proteins (HSPD1 and HSPD90AA1), insulin receptors (INSR), and prolactin receptors (PRLRsf) genes, and decreased the expression of glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1) gene in mammary cells of the HS cows when compared with the CT cows. The HS cows exhibited significantly higher vaginal temperatures and cortisol release compared with the CT cows. Moreover, the HS cows had significantly lower dry matter intake and milk yield than CT cows. Although, HS cows showed higher percentage of lymphocytes in milk when compared with that from CT cows. There was no effect of heat stress on other leukocyte counts, somatic cell counts, bacterial counts in milk, or milk composition. Finally, this study demonstrated that Girolando cows are susceptible to heat stress, which decreases milk yield and affects the expression of genes linked to milk synthesis in the mammary cells.

Apple pomace in feeding of dairy cattle as an element of sustainable agriculture strategy - a review

Abstract This work provides an overview of the knowledge about using apple pomace as milk cattle feed. Utilization of apple pomace as livestock feed is one of the possible alternatives to reduce environmental pollution and overcome the feed deficit. Apple pomace, rich in e.g. polyphenolic compounds, holds potential to be a valuable feed additive for enhancing the antioxidative capacity and overall quality of milk. The research on apple pomace as feed additive for livestock are important due to abundance of apples in Poland, the world’s second-largest apple producer. To promote sustainability in animal feed production the use of agro-food-by products as apple pomace as animal feed component should be considered.

Fluctuations in somatic cell count and their impact on individual goat milk quality throughout lactation

The somatic cell count (SCC) is used by the dairy industry as an indicator of milk quality and udder health. However, in goats, its reliability is significantly masked by non-infectious variables such as the milk secretion process and physiological lactation changes. Additionally, notable individual variability between goats might exist. This study aimed to investigate fluctuations in SCC in individual goats during an entire lactation and to examine the relationship between SCC and milk parameters such as bacterial count and chemical composition. Individual milk samples from 40 Norwegian dairy goats from the University herd were collected monthly across an entire lactation including the pasture period. The goats were categorized based on SCC levels to analyze patterns in chemical components within these groups. Notably, goats exhibited increased SCC and decreased bacterial counts when moved to summer grazing pastures. At that stage milk samples from goats with the highest SCC (>2000 ×103 cells/mL) showed a distinct decrease in individual bacterial counts (IBC). Several milk components, especially lactose, protein, and various minerals were affected by the SCC level, as well as pH. These effects were further amplified when considering the interaction with the lactation stage, influencing a broader range of variables. The results presented in this study provide new insights into the SCC's effect on milk composition and its critical role. These insights underscore the necessity for establishing lactation-specific thresholds for interpretation, as well as for making adjustments in quality payments.

Research on the quality deterioration of ultrahigh temperature milk products during shelf life: core microorganisms and related characteristics

Commercial sterility does not guarantee the sustained stability of ultrahigh temperature (UHT) milk over 6 months shelf life. We explore the microbiota presented in normal (SZ) and quality deteriorated UHT milk (QY and WY) products from the same brand. Based on high-throughput sequencing research results, 11 phyla and 54 genera were identified as dominant microbiota. Pseudomonas, Streptococcus, and Acinetobacter as core functional microbiota significantly influenced the UHT milk quality properties. Moreover, principal component analysis (PCA) and multivariate analyses were used to examine the quality characteristics, including 11 physicochemical parameters, 10 fatty acids, and 2 enzyme activities, in normal and quality deteriorated UHT milk. We found that the abundance of Pseudomonas increased in quality deteriorated milk (WY) and showed a significant positive correlation with heat-resistant protease content. Acinetobacter in quality deteriorated milk (QY) also considerably contributed to the content of heat-resistant lipase, which resulted in spoilage deterioration of UHT milk.

Photonic Dipstick Immunosensor to Detect Adulteration of Ewe, Goat, and Donkey Milk with Cow Milk through Bovine κ-Casein Detection.

The quality and authenticity of milk are of paramount importance. Cow milk is more allergenic and less nutritious than ewe, goat, or donkey milk, which are often adulterated with cow milk due to their seasonal availability and higher prices. In this work, a silicon photonic dipstick sensor accommodating two U-shaped Mach-Zehnder Interferometers (MZIs) was employed for the label-free detection of the adulteration of ewe, goat, and donkey milk with cow milk. One of the two MZIs of the chip was modified with bovine κ-casein, while the other was modified with bovine serum albumin to serve as a blank. All assay steps were performed by immersion of the chip side where the MZIs are positioned into the reagent solutions, leading to a photonic dipstick immunosensor. Thus, the chip was first immersed in a mixture of milk with anti-bovine κ-casein antibody and then in a secondary antibody solution for signal enhancement. A limit of detection of 0.05% v/v cow milk in ewe, goat, or donkey milk was achieved in 12 min using a 50-times diluted sample. This fast, sensitive, and simple assay, without the need for sample pre-processing, microfluidics, or pumps, makes the developed sensor ideal for the detection of milk adulteration at the point of need.

Nutritional composition evaluation with emphasis on the lipid quality of infant formulas

Infant formulas play a crucial role in the nutrition of non-breastfed infants, providing essential nutrients for their healthy development. This study aimed to investigate the nutritional composition and lipid profile of commercial infant formulas intended for infants up to six months of age, assessing whether their composition aligns with dietary recommendations for this age group. To achieve this, we determined the macronutrient composition and lipid profile through proximate analysis, gas chromatography, and mass spectrometry, to confirm whether these formulas meet the established requirements. Although there were distinctions in quality and composition offered, through the proximate composition it was revealed that 66.66 % of the formulas met the recommendations for protein and lipid content. Additionally, the lipid composition of these formulas comprises a variety of fatty acids, primarily composed of triacylglycerols, supplemented through vegetable oils, fish oil, and coconut oil, in an effort to resemble the lipid quality of human milk. Gas chromatography demonstrated a predominance of monounsaturated fatty acids in the formulas evaluated, suggesting that the lipid composition of predominant breast milk was successfully reproduced. To ensure adequate nutritional balance for newborns, nutritional guidelines establish standards for infant feeding through specific recommendations. These results are of utmost importance for the infant food industry, providing insights for the continuous improvement of the nutritional quality of infant formulas, aiming to ensure the healthy and proper development of children from the early months of life, contributing to their long-term well-being.

Combination of Phytoactives in the Diet of Lactating Jersey Cows: Effects on Productive Efficiency, Milk Composition and Quality, Ruminal Environment, and Animal Health.

This study's objective was to evaluate whether adding a combination of phytoactive (microencapsulated essential oils, minerals, turmeric extract, tannin, prebiotic, and probiotic) to the feed of lactating Jersey cows positively affects the production, composition, and quality of milk, rumen environment, and animal health. Fourteen Jersey cows were divided into two groups (control and phytogenic) for an experiment with two lactation phases of 45 days each (early lactation and mid-lactation). During the experiment, milk production was higher at various times in cows that consumed phytoactive, and these animals had the best feed efficiency. In mid-lactation, phytoactive intake increased nutrient digestibility. The number of lymphocytes in the blood is reduced when cows consume phytoactive substances. Globulin levels increased in these cows fed with the additive, which may be related to a higher concentration of immunoglobulins, especially IgA. Cows fed phytoactives had lower ceruloplasmin and haptoglobin concentrations. Lower serum lipid peroxidation, associated with greater glutathione S-transferase activity, is a good health indicator in cows that consume phytoactive substances. The higher concentration of volatile fatty acids was due to the higher proportion of acetic acid in the ruminal fluid combined with lower butyric acid. Somatic cell counts in milk were lower in cows that consumed phytoactives during mid-lactation, as well as the effect of the treatment on Streptococcus spp. (lower in cows that consumed the additive). We conclude that consuming the additive benefits cows' health modulates rumen fermentation and nutrient digestibility, and positively affects milk production and quality.

Ubiquitination and De-Ubiquitination in the Synthesis of Cow Milk Fat: Reality and Prospects.

Ubiquitination modifications permit the degradation of labelled target proteins with the assistance of proteasomes and lysosomes, which is the main protein degradation pathway in eukaryotic cells. Polyubiquitination modifications of proteins can also affect their functions. De-ubiquitinating enzymes reverse the process of ubiquitination via cleavage of the ubiquitin molecule, which is known as a de-ubiquitination. It was demonstrated that ubiquitination and de-ubiquitination play key regulatory roles in fatty acid transport, de novo synthesis, and desaturation in dairy mammary epithelial cells. In addition, natural plant extracts, such as stigmasterol, promote milk fat synthesis in epithelial cells via the ubiquitination pathway. This paper reviews the current research on ubiquitination and de-ubiquitination in dairy milk fat production, with a view to providing a reference for subsequent research on milk fat and exploring new directions for the improvement of milk quality.

The Impact of Varying Pasture Levels on the Metabolomic Profile of Bovine Ruminal Fluid.

A pasture or concentrate-based dietary regime impacts a variety of factors including both ruminal health and function, and consequently milk production and quality. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of feeding differing pasture levels on the metabolite composition of bovine ruminal fluid. Ruminal fluid was obtained from rumen-cannulated spring-calving cows (N = 9, Holstein-Friesian breed, average lactation number = 5) fed one of three diets across a full lactation season. Group 1 (pasture) consumed perennial ryegrass supplemented with 5% concentrates; group 2 received a total mixed ration (TMR) diet; and group 3 received a partial mixed ration (PMR) diet which included pasture and a TMR. Samples were taken at two timepoints: morning and evening. Metabolomic analysis was performed using nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy. Statistical analysis revealed significant changes across the dietary regimes in both morning and evening samples, with distinct alterations in the metabolite composition of ruminal fluid from pasture-fed cows (FDR-adjusted p-value < 0.05). Acetate and butyrate were significantly higher in samples derived from a pasture-based diet whereas sugar-related metabolites were higher in concentrate-based samples. Furthermore, a distinct diurnal impact on the metabolite profile was evident. This work lays the foundation for understanding the complex interaction between dietary regime and ruminal health.

Effects of subclinical mastitis on automatic milking system data, hematological and biochemical parameters, and milk composition in Holstein cows.

Subclinical mastitis decreases milk production and quality, despite the normal appearance of the mammary glands and milk. Herein, we aimed to investigate changes in factors monitored via automatic milking systems (AMS) prior to subclinical mastitis onset and identify differences in hematological and biochemical parameters and milk composition at subclinical mastitis onset. Thirty-two Holstein cows were divided into two groups according to somatic cell counts (SCC) from AMS and milk composition analysis and the California mastitis test (CMT): healthy cows (controls [CON], n=16, SCC <500×103 cells/ml and negative for CMT) and cows with subclinical mastitis (SCM, n=16, SCC ≥500×103 cells/ml and positive for CMT). Eventually, 121 milk samples from the CON ([mCON], n=60) and SCM ([mSCM], n=61) groups were obtained; SCM samples were categorized as those from non-inflamed (mNQ) or subclinically-inflamed (mIQ) quarters. We evaluated AMS factors; hematological, biochemical, and milk composition parameters; and bacterial isolation. In cows with SCM, milk yield decreased and electrical conductivity (EC) changed before disease onset. Milk EC decreased in mNQ although increased in mIQ (p<0.05). The SCM group had higher globulin levels and lower basophil counts; albumin-to-globulin ratio; and total cholesterol, albumin, and blood urea nitrogen levels than the CON group (p<0.05). The mIQ group had higher SCC but lower levels of lactose and milk solids-not-fat than those in the mCON and mNQ groups (p<0.05). The mCON group had higher levels of milk non-protein nitrogen than the mNQ group (p<0.05). Opportunistic mastitis pathogens were isolated in the mIQ group. Changes in milk yield and EC measured using AMS occurred prior to subclinical mastitis, which may be associated with variation in basophil counts; albumin-to-globulin ratio; and total cholesterol, albumin, BUN, globulin, SCC, milk lactose, and milk solids-not-fat levels at disease onset. These findings provide new insights into early-stage subclinical mastitis.

Impact of microbial milk quality on mesophilic starter culture metabolism: A metaproteomics approach

Using a metaproteomics approach, we showed that the initial milk quality impacts the proteome allocation of starter cultures used in cheese production and can be considered a fundamental source of cheese quality batch-to-batch variation. Raw milk was spiked with a highly proteolytic strain of Pseudomonas trivialis, previously isolated from raw milk, and incubated for 1, 3, and 6 days at refrigerated temperature. After incubation, the milk was heat-treated and then fermented with a mesophilic starter culture commonly used to produce Gouda-type cheeses. The development of metabolites was analyzed and a taxonomical and functional characterization of the starter culture was performed. Milk storage time impacted both the metaproteome of the starter culture, consequently affecting metabolite levels after fermentation and the level of protein expressed by the different taxa; Lactococcus protein was more abundant in samples made from milk stored longer with Pseudomonas while proteins expressed by Leuconostoc spp. decreased in abundance.

Floral-core terahertz photonic crystal fiber bio-sensor: An exclusive approach to recognizing milk from various animal species

In this article, an advanced-level type of Photonic Crystal Fiber (PCF) sensor, having a flower shape core with a unique hexagonal cladding, is proposed. Performance for detecting is evaluated in various animal's milk, such as camel, cow, and buffalo milk, with the suggested PCF sensor. The maximum Relative Sensitivities (RS) of the PCF sensor are 88.2 %, 88.5 %, and 88.8 % for detecting camel milk, cow milk, and buffalo milk, respectively. Moreover, it has a negligible Confinement Loss (CL) of 2.04018402 × 10−14 dB/m and Total Loss (TL) of 2.1520000 × 10−01 dB/m and Effective Material Loss (EML) of 0.21520 cm−1. Since Milk is as great source of nutrients such as Calcium, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Phosphorus and Protein. The nutrient composition of different animals' milks and their respective quantities are determined by set values at the beginning and differ among the types of milk. As all of them hold the same tone, it becomes challenging to identify them. Our suggested PCF sensor comes with its remarkable detection capacity to identify them. Therefore, the use of suggested PCF sensor will be helpful for both the industry and consumers. For the industry, it aids in ensuring the quality and composition of animal milk. For consumers, it means they can trust that the milk they purchase has been accurately tested and verified for its nutrient content and safety. With the implementation of the PCF sensor, the industry can better ensure the quality and authenticity of animal milk, reducing the risk of fraud and helping consumers make more informed choices about the milk they consume. This contributes to better assurance of proper nutrient intake.

Changes in the quality indicators of cows› milk depending on feeding the feed additive in different doses

Relevance. The quality of milk depends on the season, the breed of animals, the state of metabolism, the features of feeding technology and maintenance, and the feed additives fed. The doses of their feeding can affect the composition of milk. Methods. The content of mass fractions of fat, protein, lactose, its acidity, as well as the content of urea, acetone, and beta-hydroxybutyric acid in milk were determined.Results. The introduction of an experimental feed additive into the feeding rations of dairy cows had an impact on the change in the values of the indicators studied in milk. Moreover, not all the studied indicators changed under the influence of feeding this supplement. So, if we correlate the results obtained with changes in control, then, according to the authors, it is correct to talk about its significant effect on the change in the value of the mass fraction of protein in milk and the values of milk acidity: feeding in the diet of a feed additive at a dose of 1.0 kg and 1.5 kg leads to a significant increase in the mass fraction of protein in milk by 0.18% (p ˂ 0.01) and 0.15% (p ˂ 0.01), respectively, as well as a significant shift in the active acidity of milk to the alkaline side by 1.56% (p ˂ 0.001) and 0.78% (p ˂ 0.05), respectively.

Relationship between milk intrinsic quality scores and the environmental impact scores of dairy farms

This study aimed to study the relationship between milk quality for cheese manufacturing and farm’s environmental impacts in grass-based mountain systems. Beforehand, the multi-criteria evaluation methodology proposed by Botreau et al. and Rey-Cadilhac et al. was adapted to a routine use. Milk quality scores were constructed by weighing traits possibly predicted by spectroscopic analyses currently available in milk labs into 4 dimensions: health, nutritional, technological and sensory. Environmental impact scores were constructed by combining 6 indicators of the CAP'2ER® software in 5 dimensions: greenhouse gas emissions, eutrophication, air acidification, consumption of space and non-renewable energies and ecosystem biodiversity. The study sample included 15 dairy farms located in the French Massif Central mountains. An analysis of variance was carried out to study the effect of system’s types on milk quality and environmental impact scores. A principal component analysis was used to study the relationship between milk quality and environmental impact dimensions scores. No correlation has been established between overall milk quality and overall environmental impact scores. High scores for the nutritional and biodiversity dimensions and low scores for the resource consumption dimension, were associated with farming practices such as a high proportion of grasslands in the usable agricultural area, low stocking rate and low productivity per cow. This demonstrates the importance of defining specific priority objectives, on a farm-by-farm basis, in order to drive changes in agricultural practices. The multi-criteria evaluation model tested here appeared sensitive, but it needs to be tested on a larger scale and in different contexts.

Effect of the pasteurization process on the chemical quality, aromatic profile, and fatty acid profile of goat milk from Cariri Paraibano

Effect of the pasteurization process on the chemical quality, aromatic profile, and fatty acid profile of goat milk from Cariri Paraibano

Development of a Gold Nanoparticle-Based Sensor for Authentication of Organic Milk Based on Differential Levels of miRNA.

Dairy production systems significantly impact environmental sustainability, animal welfare, and human health. Intensive farming maximizes output through high-input practices, raising concerns about environmental degradation, animal welfare, and health risks from antibiotic residues. Conversely, organic farming emphasizes sustainable practices, animal welfare, and minimal synthetic inputs, potentially enhancing biodiversity, soil health, and milk quality. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), non-coding RNAs regulating gene expression, are promising biomarkers due to their response to various conditions. In this study, miRNAs bta-miR-103 and bta-miR-155, which are abundant in milk from pasture-fed cows, were selected. Additionally, bta-miR-215, which is abundant in milk fat from intensive systems, was also studied, in order to differentiate dairy production systems. A novel, cost-effective gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-based sensor was developed for miRNA detection, leveraging the unique plasmonic properties of AuNPs for visual detection. The method involves functionalizing AuNPs with complementary RNA probes and detecting miRNA-induced aggregation through colorimetric changes. This rapid, results in 30 min, and sensitive, visual limit of detection of 200 nM, assay requires minimal instrumentation and can be easily interpreted, offering significant advantages for field implementation in characterizing dairy production systems. This study demonstrates the successful application of this sensor in detecting miRNAs in 350 nM miRNA spiked raw milk, highlighting its potential for in situ dairy industry applications.

CSN1S1 and CSN3 genetic variants affect milk quality traits in the buffalo population in Serbia

CSN1S1 and CSN3 genetic variants affect milk quality traits in the buffalo population in Serbia