Saturated Fatty Acids In Milk Research Articles

Fish Oil Supplementation as an Omega-3 Fatty Acid Source during Gestation: Effects on the Performance of Awassi Ewes and Their Offspring.

The primary aim of this research was to assess the impact of supplementing fish oil into the diet of pregnant Awassi ewes on various aspects of the dam's productive performance, offspring birth weight, colostrum yield and quality, milk production and composition, postpartum offspring performance, and the composition of fatty acids in milk. In this study, two different fat sources, namely palm oil (PO) and fish oil (FO), were utilized, with both being included at a rate of 2.4% of dietary dry matter (DM) during the initial 65 days of gestation (early gestation stage), and then at 2.1% DM from day 65 of gestation until lambing (late gestation stage). The study subjects were Awassi ewes with a body weight (BW) averaging 57 ± 1.5 kg and an age of 3.5 ± 1.2 years. These ewes were randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments: (i) a diet containing only palm oil from day 0 to day 150 of pregnancy (PO, n = 15); (ii) a diet containing palm oil from day 0 to day 65 of pregnancy, followed by a diet containing fish oil from day 66 to day 150 of pregnancy (POFO, n = 16); (iii) a diet containing fish oil from day 0 to day 65 of pregnancy, followed by a diet containing palm oil from day 66 to day 150 of pregnancy (FOPO, n = 16); (iv) a diet containing only fish oil from day 0 to day 150 of pregnancy (FO, n = 16). Within each treatment, ewes were housed in three replicates, with each replicate further divided into three subgroups. The first two subgroups each contained eight ewes, while the third subgroup contained nine ewes. In addition, each treatment contained 10 primiparous and 15 multiparous ewes. The results indicated that the POFO treatment led to significant increases (p < 0.05) in birth weight, gestation length, and colostrum IgG concentration. However, it also resulted in a decrease (p < 0.001) in colostrum production and a reduction (p < 0.001) in the percentage of milk fat and milk protein. Furthermore, the milk from the POFO treatment exhibited higher levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) (p < 0.001) compared to the PO and FOPO treatments, while the milk saturated fatty acids (SFA) were lower (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the addition of fish oil at a rate of 2.1% DM during the late pregnancy period showed promise for enhancing birth weight, colostrum IgG concentration, and the PUFA content in the milk.

Milled rapeseeds and oats decrease milk saturated fatty acids and ruminal methane emissions in dairy cows without changes in product sensory quality

Plant lipids in the diet are known to modify milk fatty acid (FA) composition and mitigate ruminal methane emissions. The objective of the present work was to examine the potential of milled rapeseeds and oats to decrease both milk saturated FAs and ruminal methane emissions in practical farm settings. In the pilot study, six Finnish Ayrshire cows were fed a control diet for 3 weeks, which was then followed by a lipid-rich test diet for 3 weeks. The experimental diets were based on grass silage supplemented with barley and rapeseed meals in the control diet and with oats and milled rapeseeds in the test diet. The lipid inclusion rate was 55 g/kg dry matter (DM). In the main study, the whole Finnish Ayrshire research herd in milk (n = 49–59) was used in a switch-back-designed study. The cows were fed a control diet for 3 weeks, then a test diet for 4 weeks, and, finally, a control diet for 3 weeks. The diets were the same as in the pilot study except for a lower lipid inclusion level of 50 g/kg DM. The test diet decreased DM intake by 15% and energy-corrected milk (ECM) yield by 13% in the pilot study. The adjustment of supplemental lipids from 55 g/kg to 50 g/kg DM was successful, as the DM intake decreased only by 4% relative to the control diet in the main study. Furthermore, the yields of milk, lactose, protein, and fat were also unaffected by dietary lipids in the main study. The milk fat composition was significantly altered in both studies. The milk fat saturated FAs were decreased by 16%–20% in the test diet, mainly due to the de novo FAs of 6- to 16-carbons (a reduction of 22%–48%). Milk fat cis-9 18:1 was increased by 63%–78% in the test diet relative to the control. Dairy products’ (milk, butter, and cheese) organoleptic quality was not compromised by the modified lipid profile. Ruminal methane and hydrogen intensities (n = 23; g or mg/kg ECM) were 20% and 39% lower, respectively, in the test diet than in the control diet. This reduction can be attributed to a lower amount of organic matter fermented in the rumen, as indicated by the lower DM intake and nutrient digestibility.

Effect of sainfoin proanthocyanidins on milk fatty acids from ewes rearing suckling lambs

Proanthocyanidins (PAC) can modulate the fatty acid (FA) profile of animal products and make them healthier for human consumption, but their effects are highly variable depending on several factors such as PAC chemical structure or dose. The present experiment aimed to evaluate the effect of PAC on the milk FA profile of Rasa Aragonesa ewes fed fresh sainfoin (PAC-containing forage legume) during the rearing period of suckling lambs (4 weeks postlambing). Twenty lactating ewes rearing a single male lamb were fed fresh sainfoin ad libitum plus 200 g/d of barley. Half the ewes were orally dosed with 100 mL of water (Sainfoin Group; n = 10) and the other half with polyethylene glycol (50 g PEG4000/100 mL water, Sainfoin + PEG Group; n = 10) to block PAC effects. Sainfoin and milk samples were collected weekly to determine their FA profile by gas chromatography. Fresh sainfoin contents of C18:3n-3 decreased from week 1 to week 2, C16:0 and C18:0 increased from week 1 to week 3, and C18:2n-6 did not change. Regarding milk FA, there were minor effects of PAC on milk-saturated FA. During the whole study, the presence of PAC increased C18:0, C18:2n-6, C18:3n-3 and total polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) n-6 and n-3, and decreased C18:1 t11, branched- and odd-chain FA. However, the decrease of milk concentrations of trans-monounsaturated FA, C18:1 t10, and total conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and the increase of total PUFA due to the presence of PAC occurred only in week 1, while CLA c9,t11 was lower during weeks 1 and 2. The canonical analyses confirmed the differences between treatments in the FA profile of milk. Overall, the use of fresh sainfoin in the diet of lactating ewes resulted in a beneficial modification of the concentration of several milk FAs, suggesting some changes in ruminal biohydrogenation.

Enrichment of Ewe's Milk with Dietary n-3 Fatty Acids from Palm, Linseed and Algae Oils in Isoenergetic Rations.

Simple SummaryThe aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of three lipid supplements in ovine diets on milk healthy fatty acid composition. Rations provided a source of α-linolenic acid, either protected or unprotected from ruminal biohydrogenation (linseed oil and Ca-salts of linseed oil) or long-chain n-3 fatty acids (algae oil). Algae oil supplementation generated the highest levels of n-3 fatty acids in ewe’s milk. However, dry matter intake, milk yield and fat content declined with the inclusion of algae oil in the diet. The fatty acid profiles of milk from both linseed oil supplemented rations did not significantly differ, and both were effective to diminish saturated fatty acids.Increasing the levels of n-3 fatty acids (FA) in dairy products is an important goal in terms of enhancing the nutritional value of these foods for the consumer. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effects of linseed and algae oil supplements in ovine isoenergetic diets on healthy milk fatty acid composition, mainly n-3. Seventy-two Churra dairy ewes were divided and randomly assigned to four experimental treatments for 6 weeks. The treatments consisted of a TMR (40:60 forage:concentrate ratio) that varied according to the inclusion of different types of fat (23 g/100 g TMR): hydrogenated palm oil (control), linseed oil (LO), calcium soap of linseed oil (CaS-LO) and marine algae oil (AO). The most effective lipid supplement to increase n-3 FA in milk was AO. 22:6 n-3 and total n-3 PUFA content increased from 0.02 and 0.60% (control) to 2.63 and 3.53% (AO), respectively. All diets supplemented with n-3 FA diminished the content of saturated FA in milk and its atherogenic index, while the levels of trans-11 18:1 and cis-9 trans-11 18:2 significantly increased. Overall, the enhancement of n-3 FA in ewe’s milk would be advantageous for the manufacture of nutritionally improved cheeses.

Genetic variants associated with two major bovine milk fatty acids offer opportunities to breed for altered milk fat composition

BackgroundAlthough bovine milk is regarded as healthy and nutritious, its high content of saturated fatty acids (FA) may be harmful to cardiovascular health. Palmitic acid (C16:0) is the predominant saturated FA in milk with adverse health effects that could be countered by substituting it with higher levels of unsaturated FA, such as oleic acid (C18:1cis-9). In this work, we performed genome-wide association analyses for milk fatty acids predicted from FTIR spectroscopy data using 1811 Norwegian Red cattle genotyped and imputed to a high-density 777k single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-array. In a follow-up analysis, we used imputed whole-genome sequence data to detect genetic variants that are involved in FTIR-predicted levels of C16:0 and C18:1cis-9 and explore the transcript profile and protein level of candidate genes.ResultsGenome-wise significant associations were detected for C16:0 on Bos taurus (BTA) autosomes 11, 16 and 27, and for C18:1cis-9 on BTA5, 13 and 19. Closer examination of a significant locus on BTA11 identified the PAEP gene, which encodes the milk protein β-lactoglobulin, as a particularly attractive positional candidate gene. At this locus, we discovered a tightly linked cluster of genetic variants in coding and regulatory sequences that have opposing effects on the levels of C16:0 and C18:1cis-9. The favourable haplotype, linked to reduced levels of C16:0 and increased levels of C18:1cis-9 was also associated with a marked reduction in PAEP expression and β-lactoglobulin protein levels. β-lactoglobulin is the most abundant whey protein in milk and lower levels are associated with important dairy production parameters such as improved cheese yield.ConclusionsThe genetic variants detected in this study may be used in breeding to produce milk with an improved FA health-profile and enhanced cheese-making properties.

Use of Camelina sativa and By-Products in Diets for Dairy Cows: A Review.

Simple SummaryCamelina sativa, also known as false flax, is an oilseed adaptable to wide agronomic conditions and is an environment-friendly crop utilized by human beings for decades. Camelina seed and its derivatives have a nutritional value comparable to other products fed to dairy cows. However, similar to other oil crops, it has anti-nutritional factors which have brought some regulations from authorities on the inclusion levels of camelina seed and oil-extracted products. Many studies have been conducted, and effects on feed intake, digestion, and metabolism are controversial at higher inclusion levels, Yet, there has still been no effect noticed on the metabolic hormones of dairy cows when included at an appropriate level (2 kg/animal/day seeds or 10% inclusion on a dry matter basis of oil extracted products). Although inclusion of the seed and expeller on milk fat suppression is prominent, milk fat produced by a diet including camelina seed and its by-products is rich in health-beneficial fatty acids. In addition, with processing, its anti-nutritional factors can be reduced, and solvent-extracted meals can be used in higher inclusions than current recommended levels, without affecting the digestion and metabolism of the animal.Camelina sativa, belonging to the Brassicaceae family, has been grown since 4000 B.C. as an oilseed crop that is more drought- and cold-resistant. Increased demand for its oil, meal, and other derivatives has increased researchers’ interest in this crop. Its anti-nutritional factors can be reduced by solvent, enzyme and heat treatments, and genetic engineering. Inclusion of camelina by-products increases branched-chain volatile fatty acids, decreases neutral detergent fiber digestibility, has no effect on acid detergent fiber digestibility, and lowers acetate levels in dairy cows. Feeding camelina meal reduces ruminal methane, an environmental benefit of using camelina by-products in ruminant diets. The addition of camelina to dairy cow diets decreases ruminal cellulolytic bacteria and bio-hydrogenation. This reduced bio-hydrogenation results in an increase in desirable fatty acids and a decrease in saturated fatty acids in milk obtained from cows fed diets with camelina seeds or its by-products. Studies suggest that by-products of C. sativa can be used safely in dairy cows at appropriate inclusion levels. However, suppression in fat milk percentage and an increase in trans fatty acid isomers should be considered when increasing the inclusion rate of camelina by-products, due to health concerns.

Responses of Lactation, Rumen Fermentation and Blood Biochemical Parameters with Increasing Dietary Inulin Supplementation in Mid-Lactation Dairy Cows

Effects of dietary supplementation of inulin in dairy cows were investigated in this study. Thirty-six mid-lactation Holstein dairy cows were randomly divided into six groups with six cows per group and offered a total mixed ration supplemented with 0 (control), 50, 150, 200, 250 and 350 g/d inulin per head, respectively. The animals were pre-fed for 2 weeks before rumen fluid, milk and blood samples were collected weekly for 3 weeks. With increasing inulin doses, milk yield (p &lt; 0.01) and milk fat concentration (p = 0.04) were linearly increased, while milk urea nitrogen (p &lt; 0.01) and somatic cell count (p = 0.04) were linearly decreased. Linear increases were also detected in the proportions of milk saturated fatty acids (p &lt; 0.01) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (p = 0.04); however, milk monounsaturated fatty acids were linearly decreased (p = 0.04). The ruminal concentrations of acetate, propionate and butyrate increased, while the ruminal pH and the concentration of NH3-N reduced at a decreasing rate with increasing inulin doses (p &lt; 0.01). Moreover, the concentrations of lactic acid (p = 0.03) and total volatile fatty acids (p &lt; 0.01) were linearly upregulated. There were linear increases in the serum concentrations of superoxide dismutase (p = 0.02), immunoglobin G (p &lt; 0.01), immunoglobin M (p = 0.04), interleukin-2 (p &lt; 0.01) and interleukin-10 (p = 0.04); quadratic increases in serum total protein (p &lt; 0.01) and albumin (p = 0.02) and linear decreases in serum total cholesterol (p = 0.02), triglyceride (p &lt; 0.01) and malondialdehyde (p &lt; 0.01). The results indicated that inulin increased milk production, shifted milk fatty acid profile, upregulated rumen volatile fatty acid concentration, and enhanced antioxidant and immunity function in dairy cows in a dose-dependent manner.

Polymorphisms of SORBS1 Gene and Their Correlation with Milk Fat Traits of Cattleyak.

Simple SummaryIncreasing milk fat rate has a good effect on the milk quality of cattleyak. SNPs can help us find potential molecular markers for the milk fat traits of cattleyak, and they can be screened according to molecular markers when they are young. It provides a reference for cultivating high milk fat cattle population in the future. The results of this study suggest that the SORBS1 gene polymorphism is closely related to the milk fat traits of cattleyak, which could be used as a candidate genetic marker for milk fat trait selection in cattleyak. This study provides a new molecular marker and theoretical basis for screening the milk fat traits of cattleyak. It has a certain reference value for the research and improvement of milk quality.This study aimed to find the SNPs in the SORBS1 gene of cattleyak, analyze the relationship between its polymorphisms and the milk fat traits, and find potential molecular markers for the milk fat traits of cattleyak. The polymorphism of the SORBS1 gene in 350 cattleyak from Hongyuan County (Sichuan, China) were detected by PCR and DNA sequencing, and the correlation between these SNPs and the milk production traits of cattleyak was analyzed. The results showed that there were nine SNPs in the CDS and their adjacent non-coding regions of the SORBS1 gene, and all SNPs have three genotypes. The correlation analysis found that the genotypes with superior milk fat traits in the other eight alleles were homozygous genotypes with a high genotype frequency except the g.96284 G > A (c.3090 G > A) (p < 0.05). However, at locus g.96284 G > A, the milk fat percentage, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and saturated fatty acids (SFAs) of the GA genotype were significantly higher than that of GG and AA genotypes (p < 0.05). Among these SNPs, three SNPs (g.6256 C > T (c.298 C > T), g.24791 A > G (c.706 A > G) and g.29121 A > G (c.979 A > G)) caused the amino acids change. The genotypes of the three SNPs consist of three haplotypes and four diplotypes. The amino acid mutation degree of diplotype H1–H1 (CCAAAA) was the highest, and its milk fat percentage, MUFAs, PUFAs and SFAs were also the highest (p < 0.05). Taken together, we found nine SNPs in the SORBS1 gene that are closely related to the milk fat traits of cattleyak. Moreover, the mutation of amino acids caused by SNPs had positive effects on the milk fat traits of cattleyak. H1-H1 is the dominant diplotype which significantly related to the milk fat traits of cattleyak. This study provides a new molecular marker and theoretical basis for screening the milk fat traits of cattleyak.

317 Effect of the Whole Cottonseed with Pre-treatment on the Digestibility, Productivity, and Milk Fat Profile of Dairy Cattle

Abstract To improve the efficiency of whole cottonseed (WCS) on dairy cattle, crush and alkali treatment were combined (Table 1) in this study. The gastrointestinal tract digestibility of WCS were measured by in situ ruminal incubation and in vitro fermentation, respectively. Finally, animal feeding experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of processed WCS on dairy cattle. A total of 30 Holstein dairy cows with similar physiological status were allocated to three groups (CON, Group I, and Group II). Ration for the CON group was a basic ration with no WCS, ration with about 8% non-processed WCS was for Group I (DM basis), while the Group II was provided by the ration added with 8% Crush-Alkali (4% mixed alkali solids with NaOH/CaO ratio at 1:1) treated WCS. Results of the in situ and in vitro experiments showed that, compared with non-treated WCS, Crushing-Alkali treatment groups significantly improved WCS ruminal effective degradation rate of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Furthermore, Crush-Alkali (4% mixed alkali solids with NaOH/CaO ratio at 1:1) was the most beneficial to improve WCS gastrointestinal degradation of DM, CP and NDF, as well as enhance WCS rumen-bypass of EE. With the lowest free gossypol content (P&amp;lt; 0.05). Results of animal feeding experiment showed that DMI, 4% fat corrected milk production (4% FCM), milk protein, milk fat, and content of short-chain saturated fatty acids in milk in Group II significantly increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) compared with CON group. DMI, ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in milk, and the ratio of ω-6 to ω-3 PUFA were significantly higher in Group II than that in Group I (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Additionally, free gossypol concentration in serum and milk, as well as parameters reflecting liver function were not notably different among the three groups (P &amp;gt; 0.05).

Transcriptome Adaptation of the Ovine Mammary Gland to Dietary Supplementation of Extruded Linseed.

Several dietary strategies were adopted to reduce saturated fatty acids and increase beneficial fatty acids (FA) for human health. Few studies are available about the pathways/genes involved in these processes. Illumina RNA-sequencing was used to investigate changes in the ovine mammary gland transcriptome following supplemental feeding with 20% extruded linseed. Comisana ewes in mid-lactation were fed a control diet for 28 days (control period) followed by supplementation with 20% DM of linseed panel for 28 days (treatment period). Milk production was decreased by 30.46% with linseed supplementation. Moreover, a significant reduction in fat, protein and lactose secretion was also observed. Several unsaturated FAs were increased while short and medium chain saturated FAs were decreased by linseed treatment. Around four thousand (1795 up- and 2133 down-regulated) genes were significantly differentially regulated by linseed supplementation. The main pathways affected by linseed supplementation were those involved in the energy balance of the mammary gland. Principally, the mammary gland of fed linseed sheep showed a reduced abundance of transcripts related to the synthesis of lipids and carbohydrates and oxidative phosphorylation. Our study suggests that the observed decrease in milk saturated FA was correlated to down-regulation of genes in the lipid synthesis and lipid metabolism pathways.

Chlorella vulgaris Microalgae and Copper Mixture Supplementation Enhanced the Nutrient Digestibility and Milk Attributes in Lactating Boer Goats

Abstract Thirty-two lactating Boer goats (35.2 ± 1.4 kg body weight) were grouped into control and three treatment groups in completely randomised design. In treatment groups, supplementation was done as a mixture of 5 g Chlorella vulgaris + 4.5 mg of supplemental Cu/kg diet from CuSO4 (Alg5 treatment), 10 g C. vulgaris + 9 mg of supplemental Cu/kg diet (Alg10 treatment), or a mixture of 15 g C. vulgaris + 13.5 mg of supplemental Cu/kg diet (Alg15 treatment). Treatments did not affect feed intake; however, Alg10 treatment increased (P&lt;0.001) nutrient digestibility. Treatments did not affect ruminal pH, ammonia-N, butyrate; however, the Alg10 treatment increased (P&lt;0.01) ruminal total volatile fatty acids, propionate and acetate concentrations. Without affecting other blood measurements, the Alg10 treatment quadratically increased (P&lt;0.001) serum glucose and Cu. The Alg10 treatments increased (P&lt;0.001) daily milk production and the concentration of fat, and enhanced milk (feed) efficiency. The Alg10 treatment decreased (P&lt;0.05) milk saturated fatty acids and the atherogenic index, and increased the proportions of total conjugated linoleic acids, C18:1n9t, odd fatty acids and total unsaturated fatty acids compared with the control treatment. Present study concluded that inclusion of a mixture of 10 g C. vulgaris + 9 mg Cu/kg diet in the diet of lactating Boer goats enhanced nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation, milk production, feed efficiency as well as milk nutritive value. Increasing the dose of the mixture to 15 g C. vulgaris + 13.5 mg Cu/kg diet is not recommended in the diet of lactating Boer goats.

Variation in bovine leptin gene affects milk fatty acid composition in New Zealand Holstein Friesian × Jersey dairy cows.

Leptin is a protein hormone secreted from white adipose tissue. It regulates food/feed intake, body weight, immune function and reproduction. In our investigation, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification coupled with single-strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) analysis was used to reveal variation in bovine leptin gene (LEP) in New Zealand (NZ) Holstein Friesian Jersey (HF J) dairy cows. Subsequent sequence analysis of a 430 bp amplicon spanning the entirety of exon 3 and part of the intron 2 region revealed three variant sequences (, and ) containing a total of five nucleotide substitutions, all of which have been reported previously. Using general linear mixed-effect model analyses, the presence of variant (the most common variant) was associated with a decreased level of C15:1, C18:1 trans-11, C18:1 all trans, C18:2 trans-9, cis-12, C22:0 and C24:0 levels but increased levels of C12:1 and C13:0 iso (). Variant was associated with reduced levels of C6:0, C8:0, C11:0, C13:0 and C20:0 but increased C17:0 iso and C24:0 levels (). Variant was associated with decreased C17:0 iso levels but increased C20:0 () levels. In a genotype model, the genotype was associated with increased levels of C22:0 and C24:0 but decreased C8:0, C10:0, C11:0, C13:0, C15:0 and grouped medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) levels (). Genotype was found to be associated with decreased levels of C10:0, C11:0, C13:0 and grouped MCFA (). This is the first report of findings of this kind in NZ HF J cows, and they suggest that variation in exon 3 of bovine leptin gene could be explored as a means of decreasing the concentration of saturated fatty acids in milk.

Psychosocial stress and cortisol stress reactivity predict breast milk composition

We studied a sample of 146 Polish, exclusively breastfeeding mothers and their healthy born on time infants to explore the effect of perinatal psychosocial stress on breast milk composition. Maternal perinatal stress was assessed using Recent Life Changes Questionnaire summarizing stressful events from the previous six months. Stress reactivity was determined by administering the cold pressor test and measuring cortisol in saliva samples taken during the test. Breast milk sample was taken to measure energy, protein, fat, lactose, and fatty acid content. Analyses revealed that stress reactivity was positively associated with milk fat and long-chain unsaturated fatty acids and negatively associated with milk lactose. Perinatal psychosocial stress negatively affected energy density, fat as well as medium-chain and long-chain saturated fatty acids in milk. These results, together with previous studies, advocate monitoring maternal psychological status during the peripartum to promote breastfeeding and healthy infant nutrition.

Effects of partially replacing grass silage by lucerne silage cultivars in a high-forage diet on ruminal fermentation, methane production, and fatty acid composition in the rumen and milk of dairy cows

Lucerne silages of the Kometa and Verko cultivars were investigated in four consecutive experiments to evaluate their effects on ruminal fermentation and fatty acid (FA) proportions in the rumen fluid and milk of dairy cows. Initially, two successive in vitro experiments were performed using a semicontinuous culture system (RUSITEC). In Experiment 1, the treatments were: (1) MGS: a high-forage diet (65:35 forage:concentrate ratio; DM basis) containing maize silages (MS) and grass silages (GS) as the main forage sources, (2) MKLS: a high-forage diet containing MS and Kometa lucerne silage (KLS) as the main forage sources; and (3) sMKLS: a high-forage diet containing MS and KLS as the main forage sources and supplemented with sufficient saponin extract powder from KLS to give a saponin content equal to the in the KLS. The treatments in Experiment 2 (MGS, MVLS, or sMVLS) were similar to those in Experiment 1, except that Verko Lucerne silage (VLS) and its saponin extract were used. Methane concentration statistically insignificant decreased (P = 0.97) as a result of the MKLS treatment, while digestible dry matter (DDM) was increased (P = 0.002) for MKLS and sMKLS. However, neither methane concentration nor DDM were affected by MVLS or sMVLS. We also performed two in vivo experiments: in Experiment 3, we used six cannulated Polish Holstein-Friesian cows fitted with rumen cannulas, and in Experiment 4, we used 54 productive Polish Holstein-Friesian cows. The treatments for these two experiments were based on partial replacement of GS with KLS or VLS in the high-forage diet containing MS, as described earlier: MGS, MKLS, and MVLS. In Experiment 3, the methane concentration decreased (P < 0.001) for both MKLS and MVLS, with the diets lowering the total bacterial and protozoal counts and the total methanogens (P ≤ 0.002). Interestingly in Experiment 4, only MVLS led to a decrease in fat content and energy (P ≤ 0.02). MKLS and MVLS were also associated with lower levels of milk polyunsaturated fatty acid (P < 0.001) and higher levels of milk saturated fatty acid (P < 0.001). MKLS had more promising fatty acid composition than MVLS, with clearer methane mitigation. In conclusion, the Kometa lucerne silages inhibited methane emission and microbial population, but at the cost of increasing the saturated fatty acids in the milk fat.

The effects of dietary ricinoleic acid from castor oil on the zootechnical traits and haemato-biochemical profile of lactating Kankrej cows

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of dietary ricinoleic acid from castor oil on the milk yield, composition, fatty acid profile and haemato-biochemical profile in lactating Kankrej cows. Twenty lactating Kankrej cows were assigned to the following groups: control (CON), basal diet without any additive and treatment (RAS), basal diet with 2 g/animal/day of ricinoleic acid from castor oil. Dietary ricinoleic acid had no (P&gt;0.05) effect on dry matter intake and feed efficiency. Milk yield (milk, 4% fat corrected milk and energy corrected milk) were not affected (P&gt;0.05) by the feeding of ricinoleic acid. The milk composition showed no significant differences between the groups. A significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher percentage of C4:0, C6:0 and C8:0 was found in the milk from the RAS group than the CON group. A lower (P&lt;0.05) milk C16:0 percentage was observed in the RAS group as compared to the CON. The percentages of C18:2 and C18:3 were found to be increased in the RAS group. There was a decrease (P = 0.055) in milk saturated fatty acids but an increase in milk unsaturated fatty acids percentage in the RAS as compared to the CON group. The milk polyunsaturated fatty acids were significantly (P&lt;0.05) increased in the RAS group. There was no difference (P&gt;0.05) in haemato-biochemical profile between the CON and RAS groups. It was concluded that supplementation of 2 g/animal/day ricinoleic acid from castor oil had no effect on milk yield, milk composition and haemato-biochemical profile. However, it increased the milk fat percentages of unsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids, and decreased milk saturated fatty acids, without any adverse effect on the health status of the cows.

Unravelling the Role of Rumen Microbial Communities, Genes, and Activities on Milk Fatty Acid Profile Using a Combination of Omics Approaches.

Milk products are an important component of human diets, with beneficial effects for human health, but also one of the major sources of nutritionally undesirable saturated fatty acids (SFA). Recent discoveries showing the importance of the rumen microbiome on dairy cattle health, metabolism and performance highlight that milk composition, and potentially milk SFA content, may also be associated with microorganisms, their genes and their activities. Understanding these mechanisms can be used for the development of cost-effective strategies for the production of milk with less SFA. This work aimed to compare the rumen microbiome between cows producing milk with contrasting FA profile and identify potentially responsible metabolic-related microbial mechanisms. Forty eight Holstein dairy cows were fed the same total mixed ration under the same housing conditions. Milk and rumen fluid samples were collected from all cows for the analysis of fatty acid profiles (by gas chromatography), the abundances of rumen microbiome communities and genes (by whole-genome-shotgun metagenomics), and rumen metabolome (using 500 MHz nuclear magnetic resonance). The following groups: (i) 24 High-SFA (66.9–74.4% total FA) vs. 24 Low-SFA (60.2–66.6%% total FA) cows, and (ii) 8 extreme High-SFA (69.9–74.4% total FA) vs. 8 extreme Low-SFA (60.2–64.0% total FA) were compared. Rumen of cows producing milk with more SFA were characterized by higher abundances of the lactic acid bacteria Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc, and Weissella, the acetogenic Proteobacteria Acetobacter and Kozakia, Mycobacterium, two fungi (Cutaneotrichosporon and Cyphellophora), and at a lesser extent Methanobrevibacter and the protist Nannochloropsis. Cows carrying genes correlated with milk FA also had higher concentrations of butyrate, propionate and tyrosine and lower concentrations of xanthine and hypoxanthine in the rumen. Abundances of rumen microbial genes were able to explain between 76 and 94% on the variation of the most abundant milk FA. Metagenomics and metabolomics analyses highlighted that cows producing milk with contrasting FA profile under the same diet, also differ in their rumen metabolic activities in relation to adaptation to reduced rumen pH, carbohydrate fermentation, and protein synthesis and metabolism.

Effect of Ewe Diet on Milk and Muscle Fatty Acid Composition of Suckling Lambs of the Protected Geographical Origin Abbacchio Romano.

Simple SummaryConsumers are increasingly aware of the nutritional quality of lamb products, especially in developed countries. Healthier lipid profiles might increase lamb meat consumption by concerned consumers. Pasture diets provide a viable option to enrich milk and meat products with fatty acids beneficial for human health. However, in Mediterranean areas, pasture is not available throughout the year, which means that weaned lambs are fed on concentrates. This investigation aimed to implement feeding strategies in suckling lamb to enhance healthier fatty acids in milk of dams and consequently in lamb’s meat by applying extruded linseed in a total mixed ration or using pasture. The proposed feeding plans were suitable to increase the n-3 fatty acids (FA) profile in milk and thus the lamb’s meat sourced from fresh pasture and linseed-enriched diets. Indoor rearing could include feeding lambs with linseed to help maintain a high level of beneficial fatty acids in lamb meat better than an un-supplemented diet or when pasture is not available.Consumers increasingly pay more attention to the lipid profile of meat products and consume less meat to reduce cholesterol and heart disease. In Italy, sheep producers are increasingly feeding sheep fresh forage. We investigated whether the supplementation of dam diet with extruded linseed would be an alternative strategy to pasture for improving the intramuscular and subcutaneous FA compositions of their suckling lambs. The ewe diets were enriched with either extruded linseed (L), un-supplemented farm diet (F), or pasture (P). Milk saturated fatty acids (SFA) decreased in P and L compared with F, while the opposite pattern was observed for polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) and conjugated linoleic acids after seven days. The FA composition of lamb meat was similar to that of their dam’s milk, showing higher PUFA in P and L compared to F, while SFA was higher in F. Regarding the lamb meat obtained from barn-held ewes, L had lower n-6/n-3 content compared to F, while an intermediate content was found in P. These results indicate a better n-3 FA profile in milk and lamb’s meat from pasture and linseed-enriched diets. No changes in lamb performance were observed.

Dietary pomegranate peel improves milk quality of lactating ewes: Emphasis on milk fat globule membrane properties and antioxidative traits

Concentrated pomegranate peel extract (CPE) was supplemented to ewes, and milk yield and fat content—fatty acid (FA) and phospholipid (PL) composition—were monitored. CPE-fed ewes had higher milk yield, and fat, protein and lactose contents than controls. Milk PL content—20% higher in the CPE-supplemented group—was regulated by treatment and not by total fat content; milk phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine increased by 22 and 26%, respectively, in CPE-supplemented vs. control ewes. Milk saturated FA concentration was higher, and total polyunsaturated and monounsaturated FA content lower in the CPE vs. control group, regardless of milk total fat content. CPE supplementation increased milk antioxidant capacity, suggesting antioxidant transfer from dietary source to milk, increasing stability and nutritive value. Our study provides first evidence for milk quality improvement in terms of antioxidants and PL enrichment without compromising total milk fat, suggesting strategies to improve dairy animals' milk composition without compromising total production.

Effects of maternal 25-hydroxycholecalciferol on nutrient digestibility, milk composition and fatty-acid profile of lactating sows and gut bacterial metabolites in the hindgut of suckling piglets

ABSTRACTTo investigate the effects of maternal 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25OHD3) supplementation during lactation on nutrient digestibility and milk composition of sows and gut bacterial metabolites and their metabolites in the hindgut of suckling piglets, 24 Large White × Landrace sows were assigned randomly to one of two dietary treatments (Diet ND: 2000 IU vitamin D3/kg feed; Diet 25-D: 50 μg 25OHD3/kg feed). The experiment began on d 107 of gestation and continued until weaning on d 21 of lactation. Maternal 25OHD3 supplementation increased (p < 0.05) total litter weight gain during lactation. Milk fat content, immunoglobulin G level on d 21 of lactation and 25OHD3 concentration on d 7, 14, and 21 of lactation were higher (p < 0.05) in sows fed with 25OHD3. Apparent total tract digestibility of dietary calcium was higher (p < 0.05) in 25-D sows than ND sows. With respect to fatty-acid profile, C16:0 and saturated fatty acids in milk were higher (p < 0.05), but C20:4n-6, the ratios of monounsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids were lower (p < 0.05) in 25-D sows than ND sows. 25OHD3 supplementation increased the mRNA expressions of acetyl-CoA carboxylase α and fatty-acid synthase in the mammary gland of lactating sows. For gut bacterial metabolites, concentration of butyrate in the caecal digesta was higher (p < 0.05) in piglets suckling 25-D sows than piglets suckling ND sows. In conclusion, 25OHD3 supplementation in maternal diets changed dietary calcium digestibility, milk composition and milk fatty-acid profile of lactating sows and altered gut bacterial metabolites in the hindgut of suckling piglets.

Effect of supplementing Moringa oleifera essential oils on milk quality and fatty acid profile in dairy sheep

The effect of Moringa oleifera essential oils supplementation on milk quality and fatty acid profile was studied in Sicilo-sarde sheep. Twenty-four Sicilo-Sarde ewes were divided into three homogeneous groups (8 animals per group): the control (C), O-M1 and O-M2 groups. The control group (C) received a basal diet of oats hay with complementation to the reason of 500 g/ewe/day of concentrate feed. While, ewes of the experimental batches (O-M1 and O-M2) received further to the basal diet and concentrate, 0.3 ml and 0.6 ml of Moringa oleifera essential oil (EO), respectively. The performance of the milk has been assigned (P less than 0.01) by the incorporation of essential oils (EO) of Moringa oleifera and the dose. The Fat content was significantly high (P less than 0.01) in favor of the group O-M2, while the protein content was statistically comparable (P&gt;0.05) for the three groups. The concentration of urea nitrogen of the milk has been affected by the presence and the dose of EO of Moringa oleifera (P less than 0.01) in favor of the control group. Milk saturated fatty acids decreases (P less than 0.01) with the dose of EO, while PUFA, CLA and UFA/SFA were higher for the group (O-M2) (P less than 0.01). The supplementation of the essential oils of Moringa oleifera has improved milk production and quality of Sicilo-Sarde ewes during lactation period.