Reichert-Meissl Value Research Articles

Adulteration of butterfat: validity of Reichert-Meissl, Polenske and iodine values

Buffaloe's milkfat was obtained during the winter and the summer seasons. The beef tallow (Heart fat) was purchased from the local market. Beef tallow was added to the summer milkfat in the ratios 5%, 10%, 15% and 50% w/w. Thin layer chromatography was applied to obtain the triglycerides fraction of each sample obtained. Gas chromatography was used to identify the fatty acid content of the winter, summer and the admixtures. Reichert-Meissl (RM), Polenske (P) and Iodine values were also determined for each sample. It was concluded that the (RM) of the winter and the summer milkfat were 25.52±0.511 and 28.74±0.568, respectively. The (P) and iodine values were 1.94±0.162, 2.53±0.146 and 42.1±0.85, 30.33±0.839 in the same respect. The addition of beef tallow to the milkfat in the ratios 5% and 10% did not affect the (RM) and (P) values of the resultant admixtures. The presence of 15% beef tallow in milkfat slightly affected the (RM), (P) and iodine values. The addition of 50% beef tallow to the milkfat got the values of (RM) and (P) out of the normal range. The iodine values was still within the normal range of milkfat. It was also observed that the addition of beef tallow in the ratios 5%, 10% and 15% to summer milkfat, improved the fatty acid pattern of the milk fat, while the 50% beef tallow in milkfat, decreased all the short chain fatty acids. The determination of the (RM), (P) and iodine values to detect the beef tallow as an adulterant in pure milkfat is not sufficient at 5% and 10% beef tallow in milkfat.

Distribution of major chemical constituents and fatty acids in different regions of coconut endosperm

AbstractSeven regions of coconut endosperm, comprising four (inner, middle, outer and testa) from the region adjacent to the water cavity to the testa; and three transverse regions from top to bottom, were analyzed for moisture, fat, protein, non‐protein nitrogen, soluble sugars, reducing sugars, fiber, total ash and acid insoluble ash. The fat extracted from these regions was analyzed for fatty acid composition and chemical characteristics. A marked gradient in the concentration of major constituents was observed across the endosperm, from the inner region enclosing the water cavity through middle and outer regions and testa, the gradation being more striking for moisture fat and soluble sugars. Fatty acids 6:0 to 12:0 were concentrated in the inner regions, and their contents decreased toward the outer regions with a corresponding increase in the higher acids and unsaturated fatty acids. The chemical characteristics of the fat (Reichert value, Polenske value, iodine value and saponification value) from these regions were found to be compatible with the fatty acid profile. The distribution of the constituents in the transverse regions of the coconut endosperm was fairly uniform.

Detection of Vegetable Oil Adulteration in Ice Cream1,2

This study was to demonstrate the application of various analytical methods to the detection, identification, and quantitation of vegetable oil adulteration of ice cream. Total fat content, sterols, long- and short-chain fatty acids, vitamin E, Reichert-Meissl values, and Polenske values were measured in ice cream. All methods except total fat determination were capable of detecting vegetable oil adulteration. Sterol determination was the most effective and versatile measurement because it provided information not only on the detection and extent of adulteration but also on the possible identity of the adulterant.

Physical and chemical characteristics of ghee and butter from goat's and sheep's milk

The physical and chemical characteristics of the butter and ghee of goat's and sheep's milk were studied. The saponification numbers of both butter and ghee samples prepared from goat's and sheep's milk were slightly high but showed low iodine and Reichert-Meissl values. Fatty acid composition revealed a relatively high degree of saturation (63·6–74·1%) with C 16:0 (27·6–30·5%) and C 18:1 (19·6–30·1%) being the predominant saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, respectively. The effect of heat on butter during its processing into ghee was minimal with no major differences being observed in the chemical and physical characteristics of either butter or ghee samples prepared from it.

Chemical characterization of Cleome dolichostyla seed oil

Oil extracted from C. dolichostyla seeds constituted 31·2% of the whole seed. Results of the physical and chemical analyses of the oil for iodine number, saponification number, Hehner value, Reichert-Meissl number and refractive index compared well with the characteristics of other commonly consumed vegetable oils. Thin-layer chromatography, in conjunction with gas-liquid chromatography, revealed a relatively high degree of unsaturation, 84·1%, with a linoleic acid content of 52·2 followed by oleic, 30·6%; palmitic, 10·1%; stearic, 4·49% and linolenic, 1·17%. Based on these data, C. dolichostyla seed oil might have potential as an edible oil for human and/or animal consumption. However, toxicity studies on the safety of this oil are still needed.

Fatty acids in milk of marine little toothed whales Stenella attenuata.

The composition and quantity of free short-chain acids in the milk of whales Stenella attenuata and the composition of short-and long-chain acids in their milk lipids were studied. The content of lipids in the milk was about 19.7%, the REICHERT-MEISSL value about 6.1, and the content of free short-chain acids about 3.1 meq/l. Acetic, propionic, isobutyric, isovaleric, and n-enamthic acids were usually present in free form. Acetic acid was the most dominate, followed by n-enanthic and isovaleric acids. Other acids were detected in trace amounts. A series of short-chain straight acids from acetic acid to n-capric acid and a series of short-chain branched acids from isobutyric acid to isoenanthic acid were usually detected in milk lipids. Generally, actic acid was the most abundant, the straight-chain acids from proponic acid to n-capric acid were present in nearly equal amounts, but branched-chain acids were few. Long-chain branched acids in milk lipids were also prewent only in small amounts. Iso-17:0 acid showed the maximum concentration among the odd-numbered iso acids and iso-18:0 acid among the even-numbered iso acids. Few anteiso acids and few iso acids with carbon number lower than 13 were detected.

Milk composition as affected by intra-ruminal infusion of volatile fatty acids to cows on a restricted ration

Abstract Dilute solutions of acetic, propionic, and butyric acids were infused into the rumens of six lactating cows receiving a restricted hay and concentrate ration. Milk yield and composition. characteristics of the butterfat, and concentration of individual volatile fatty acids in the rumen liquor were determined. All three acids raised milk yield (P < 0.05). Increased yields of butterfat (P < 0.10) and solids-not-fat (P < 0.05) were obtained with acetic acid, but the percentage composition was not changed significantly. Propionic acid lowered the daily butterfat yield (P < 0.10) and butterfat percentage (P < 0.05). but increased the protein yield (P < 0.05) and percentage (P < 0.01), and hence increased the level of solids-not-fat in the milk. Butyric acid increased (P < 0.05) the yield and the percentage of butterfat (P < 0.05) and decreased (P < 0.05) the solids-not-fat percentage in the milk. The three acids lowered the iodine values of the butterfat. Butyric acid increased the Reichert value of t...

The effect of adrenocorticotrophic hormone on the yield, composition and butterfat properties of cow's milk

SummaryA single injection of 100 i.u. ACTH given to milking cows had no statistically significant effect on the yield or composition of the milk. A long-acting preparation of ACTH, when given to cows in single doses of 200 and 400 i.u., depressed milk yield and raised the butterfat content of the milk. There was no significant change in the SNF content of the milk but the SNF content of the milk serum was increased. Three injections of 300 i.u. of long-acting ACTH given at 24-h intervals reduced yields of milk, fat and SNF and increased the fat and SNF contents of the milk.Small but generally consistent changes occurred in the butterfat characteristics of the milk of all groups treated with ACTH. There was a decrease in the iodine number and refractive index and a rise in the softening point of the fat in all the experiments. The Reichert value of the butterfat was lowered by single or multiple injections of the long-acting preparation. The carotene content of the butterfat was lowered by injections of the long-acting ACTH preparation but the vitamin A content was unaffected.

Studies of the secretion of milk of low fat content by cows on diets low in hay and high in concentrates: VII. The effect of administration of volatile fatty acids to cows giving normal milk and milk of low fat content

1. The administration of 0·5–1·5 kg. sodium acetate to cows in which the milk fat percentage had been reduced by diets low in hay and high in concentrates usually brought about an appreciable improvement in fat percentage. The extent of the response varied from slight to complete. The Reichert value of the milk fat fell with diets low in hay, but was raised by administration of acetate.2. The daily administration of 500 g. sodium acetate to cows receiving diets containing normal levels of hay and concentrates according to their milk yields did not affect the milk fat content.3. The daily administration of 414 g. sodium propionate did not restore fat percentages lowered by the diets low in hay. Butyrate appeared, in a test with one cow, to possess the restorative properties of acetate.4. With diets containing either 50 lb. silage as the sole roughage or 60 lb. fodder beet and only 6 lb. hay, fat percentages were the same as with a normal diet containing 16 lb. hay.

Bloat in cattle

Summary Procaine penicillin was given every third day to one cow of each of three monozygous twin pairs. The rates were 100,000 units per dose over a period of 15 days, 500,000 units per dose over a period of 12 days, and 200,000 units per dose over a period of 5 months. There was no evidence of transfer of penicillin to the milk. There was no adverse effect on the weights of the cows, on the yields of milk and butterfat, on fat and solids-not-fat contents of the milk, or on the iodine value, saponification value, softening point, Reichert value, carotene content, and vitamin A content of the butterfat. On this evidence it appears that penicillin may safely be used under New Zealand conditions for treatment and control of bloat at dose rates up to 500,000 units every third day.

704. The properties of New Zealand butters and butterfats: V. Milks and butterfats from monozygotic twin cows

1. Seven sets of monozygous twins were kept under the same open-grazing conditions for one year. Milks were analysed for fat, solids-not-fat, lactose and total protein contents, and butterfats were isolated at fortnightly intervals for estimation of iodine value, refractive index, softening point, saponification value, Reichert value, carotene content and vitamin A content. The results are presented both graphically and statistically.2. Consistent differences in body weights of the cows of a twin set did not render the twin set unsuitable for use in experimental work on causes of changes in milk yield, fat yield, milk composition or butterfat characteristics.3. The advantages of monozygous twins over unrelated cows was shown: (a) by the close general correspondence of the within-twin-set results as compared with the between-twin-set results throughout the period of the trial; (b) by the similarity in the forms of the curves for the different sets of twins; (c) by the marked similarity of the reaction of the cows of a twin set to change in environmental conditions—this applied particularly for butterfat characteristics such as iodine value and refractive index; (d) by the ‘twin efficiency values’ for butterfat properties computed from the whole-lactation weighted means, viz. iodine value, 7·8; saponification value, 3·4; Reichert value, 5·5; carotene content, 7·8; vitamin A content, 1·7; and vitamin A potency, 2·5.4. There were wide differences in the degree of approach to ‘identicality’ with different sets of twins. The cows in two of the sets showed a consistently close within-twin-set relationship for all characteristics studied.

592. Studies of the secretion of milk of low fat content by cows on diets low in hay and high in concentrates: VI. The effect on the physical and biochemical processes of the reticulo-rumen

1. Two Shorthorn cows with rumen fistulas were used to investigate the effect of diets high in concentrates and low in hay on the physical and biochemical processes of the reticulo-rumen.2. During the initial control period of the investigation the cows received daily 16 lb. hay and 20 lb. concentrates (flaked maize 50%, weatings 35%, decorticated ground-nut cake 15%) and during the final control period 18 lb. hay and 10 lb. concentrates. There were three intervening experimental periods, in each of which the cows received 2 lb. hay daily. In the first experimental period they received, in addition to the hay, 24 lb. concentrates; in the second, 20 lb. concentrates and 5 lb. of dried delignified straw pulp in a finely macerated form; and in the third, 20 lb. concentrates. The experiment lasted 27 weeks.3. In the experimental periods the mean milk-fat percentage remained below 2·0 for 10 weeks, whereas the mean value for the control periods was about 3·5. Addition of the straw pulp to the diet low in hay brought about no recovery in milk-fat percentage. It is calculated that in the two cows the losses in the yield of fat were 62·2 and 51·2% in the first experimental period and 62·5 and 58·7% in the second. In the experimental periods there were increases in the milk solids-not-fat percentage amounting in the two cows to upwards of 0·75 and 0·40 respectively. The composition of the butterfat was influenced by the diets low in hay, the main changes being a marked fall in the Reichert value, and a rise in the iodine value.4. Digestibility trials showed that in the initial control period and the first and second experimental periods the mean daily intake of digestible crudefibrewas 2·6,0·6 and 3·0 lb. respectively. A tentative estimate of the extent of digestion in the reticulo-rumen, based on the lignin-ratio method, showed that a marked depression in values for the digestibility of the cellulosic constituents of the diet given during the first experimental period took place in the reticulo-rumen. In all experimental periods, even the first, the digestion of starch in the reticulo-rumen was virtually complete, only traces passing undigested to the remainder of the gut. In these three periods the mean daily intake of ether extract remained at 0·4·0·5 lb.

Reichert-Meissl Numbers of Butterfat from Commercial Products Produced in Kansas

Summary During August Reichert-Meissl numbers of butterfat from 169 samples of ice cream were determined. The arithmetical mean value was 29.19 and the range was 27.40 to 31.35. Reichert-Meissl numbers of 160 of the 169 samples (94.6%) were between 28.00 and 30.50. Over a 1-year period, 105 samples of commercial butter from 10 butter-producing plants in Kansas were analyzed. Samples were collected monthly. The arithmetical mean Reichert-Meissl number was 28.40 and the range was 27.05 to 30.10.

Reichert-Meissl Value: Its Importance and Limitations in the Detection of Foreign Fats in Butterfat

Reichert-Meissl Value: Its Importance and Limitations in the Detection of Foreign Fats in Butterfat

564. The properties of New Zealand butters and butterfats: IV. Refractive index and density of the butterfat

1. The refractive index and density of butterfats were determined for butters forwarded by twenty factories at 8-week intervals over a period of 3 years. The refractive index (n40) ranged from 1·4535 to 1·4571, with mean weighted value of 1·45492. The density (D60) ranged from 0·8885 to 0·8916, with mean weighted value of 0·89045.2. Minimum refractive index results were found in the summer butterfats and maximum results in the winter butterfats, i.e. at opposite seasons to the occurrence of the minimum and maximum in Northern European butterfats. Maximum density results were found in late spring butterfats and minimum results in autumn butterfats.3. The mean monthly results for refractive index and for density of North Island and South Island butterfats showed an appreciable divergence only during the winter months.4. The correlations between refractive index and iodine value, between density and saponification value, and between density and Reichert value, on 140 butterfats sampled over 1 year were all highly significant.

460. Studies of the secretion of milk of low fat content by cows on diets low in hay and high in concentrates: I. The effect of variations in the amount of hay

1. Twelve Shorthorn cows were used for an investigation into the effect of diets low in roughage and high in concentrates on the fat content of milk.2. An experiment was conducted with initial and final control periods. During the control periods all the cows received daily 17 to 21 lb. of hay, 30 lb. of mangolds and 4 lb. of a balanced concentrate mixture per 10 lb. of milk. In the period of experimental treatment, lasting 4 weeks, a control group of four cows remained on this diet. Two other similar groups received daily only 6 and 2 lb. of hay, but this was supplemented with 9 lb. of a concentrate mixture low in fibre and protein. The same allowances of mangolds and of concentrates for production were given to these as to the control group.3. The mean fat content of milk produced in the last 2 weeks of the period of experimental treatment by cows receiving the diets low in roughage was 0·49 % (group receiving 6 lb. of hay) and 0·59% (group receiving 2 lb. of hay) below that produced by the cows receiving the control diet, these differences being statistically significant. In the group receiving daily 6 lb. of hay the drop in fat content was accompanied by an increase in the yield of milk and there was only a small fall in the yield of milk fat, but in the group receiving daily 2 lb. of hay there was a significant fall in the yield of fat. The latter fall represented a loss of 18·9% of the fat as compared with the control group. The fat content of the milk and the yield of milk rapidly returned to normal when the cows reverted to 18 lb. of hay per day.4. The butterfat produced by the cows receiving diets low in roughage had a higher iodine value and lower softening point than that from the control cows. The fat from the group receiving daily 2 lb. of hay, but not that from the group receiving 6 lb. of hay, had a distinctly lower Reichert value than fat from the control group. The treatments caused no change in the saponification value.5. The level of solids-not-fat in the milk was not affected by reduction in the roughage intake.

Volatile fatty acid metabolism of ruminants, with particular reference to the lactating bovine mammary gland and the composition of milk fat

Studies are reported on the volatile fatty acid (V.F.A.) metabolism of sheep and bovines with particular reference to the association between (i) ingestion of food and ruminal levels of V.F.A.s and arterial levels of acetic acid and (ii) the utilization of arterial acetic acid by the bovine mammary gland and the association between this utilization and the proportion of lower fatty acids (Reichert-Meissl value) in the milk fat. Ruminal levels of V.F.A. and arterial levels of acetic acid were found to be similar in cattle and sheep, and similar to those reported by earlier workers for sheep. There was a close association between changes in ruminal V.F.A. and arterial acetic acid levels. Arterial acetic acid levels were found on the feeds studied to reach a maximum value of 8-14 mg. per cent. by 2-5 hours after feeding, declining to 5-8 mg. per cent. by 8 hours after feeding and to 2-6 mg. per cent. by 16 hours after feeding. On starvation for approximately 72 hours, values fell as low as 1.5 mg. per cent. Acetic acid was found to be a major metabolite of the bovine mammary gland, arterio-venous (A-V.) differences being directly dependent on the arterial level and of the order of 2-6 mg. per cent. or 40-80 per cent. of the arterial level in the fed animal. Arterial levels and mammary A-V. differences of acetic acid were unaffected by cod-liver oil feeding or low roughage-high concentrate diets, both of which depressed the fat percentage and the Reichert- Meissl (R-M.) value of the milk fat. Hyperinsulinism and recent or delayed milking also had no effect on the A-V. differences. The depression in R-M. value during fasting was not reversed by intraruminal or intravenous acetic acid infusions despite the maintenance of high blood levels of acetic acid. There was no detectable correlation between carbon dioxide output by the mammary gland and the acetic acid uptake of the gland, indicating that the acid served some 'useful' purpose in the gland. It is concluded, taking into account other evidence, that acetic acid is utilized in the gland for fat synthesis and oxidation, depending on the requirements of the gland, but that the proportion of lower fatty acids in milk fat is not dependent on the uptake of acetic acid.

Effect of Season, Breed and Species of Ruminants on the Vitamin A Potency of Butterfat

Summary The seasonal variations in vitamin A potency of butterfat and other consituents in herd milk of Hariana cows have been investigated. The vitamin A potency varied with the level of carotene intake. The potency was maximal in the monsoon periods (July, August and September) when the cows were getting sufficient carotene from grazing and again during the winter months (February and March) when large quantities of cultivated fodders were available. The average maximum total potency approximated 24,972 I.U. per lb., of which 2,700 I.U. were due to carotene. The average minimum potency of 16,093 I.U., of which 1,322 I.U. were due to carotene, was obtained in November, December and January, when very little green feed was available. The maximum variations in carotene, vitamin A, and total vitamin A potency were 212.0, 56.6, and 55.0 per cent, respectively. The vitamin A potency was not influenced by the stage of lactation. Except for fat content, which was about 25 per cent higher in November, December and January, and for calcium and phosphorus, the solids-not-fat, protein and ash content of the milk remained unchanged throughout the experimental period. The Polenske values of the butterfat were higher in summer than in winter but the Reichert-Meissl and saponification values did not show any seasonal change. The saponification value was the same as that reported in the literature for American butterfat, but the Reichert-Meissl number was approximately 20 per cent lower and the iodine number was about 10 per cent higher. The inclusion, of green feed in the ration tended to increase the iodine value. There was practically no difference in the carotene and vitamin A contents of butterfat from the cows of the Hariana and Sahiwal breeds. Although butterfat from goats contained only traces of carotene, the vitamin A content was as high as the total potency in the butterfat from cows. Buffalo butterfat examined in this investigation resembled that of goats in respect to carotene, but the vitamin A content was comparatively low.

Rancidity in Indian Butter Fat (Ghee)

CHANGES in analytical characteristics following upon the onset of rancidity in butters and butterfats have been widely studied1–6, with somewhat discrepant results. This is scarcely surprising in view of the number of variables involved, within the material itself and in the conditions of its spoilage. In the work here reported, the samples of ghee were prepared with some care and represent genuine products in good condition ; the specimens examined were not chosen at random but belonged to three definite types—one, from Kirkee, of high Reichert value (30–40) and low iodine value (c. 28) typical of well-kept dairy buffaloes, another of normal Reichert value (c. 25) and iodine value (c. 38) from dairy cows, and the third of low Reichert value (14–22) and high iodine value (33–40) derived from buffaloes fed mainly on cotton-seed. The samples had all been stored in similar conditions, namely, in glass bottles with fairly loose-fitting wooden corks placed in a laboratory cupboard for periods of three to four years at a temperature range of 15–25° C. The analytical characteristics of the samples were determined before and after storage, and the average changes in each group were as below.

A Soybean and Silage Ration for Dairy Cows

Summary Cows yielding as much as 50 pounds of milk daily (one cow averaged 40 lbs. daily during experimental period) were successfully carried over a period of 22 weeks on silage, fed ad libitum , and soybeans, fed at the rate of 1 pound per 5 pounds of milk produced. The silage was corn silage, sorghum silage or sorghum silage supplemented with 1 pound of corn per 20 pounds of silage. Bonemeal and salt were also provided. Silage consumption averaged about 6 pounds daily per hundred pounds live weight. Up to 9 pounds daily of soybeans were consumed by a single cow. No indications of nutritional deficiencies were observed. The cows practically maintained their weight while being fed soybeans and silage. As compared with paired cows on a normal grain and roughage ration the cows on the experimental ration produced slightly less milk but more butterfat. These differences were not statistically significant. The cows receiving the experimental ration produced milk with a significantly higher percentage of butterfat in it than did the cows on normal feed. No differences were found in the protein content of the milk produced by the two lots of cows, but there were significant differences in the iodine, Reichert-Meissl, and Polenske values. The iodine number was raised and the Reichert-Meissl and Polenske numbers were lowered by the experimental feeding. The experimental ration of soybeans and silage caused no marked change in milk flavor.