Effects of nutrition on the conjugated linoleic acid content of milk
Date
2007-03
Authors
Liebenberg, Lindie
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch
Abstract
The objective of this investigation was to determine the effect of supplemented conjugated
linoleic acid (CLA) on milk production and milk composition of lactating dairy cows in
production systems commonly used in South Africa.
In the first of three trials, samples of 24 bulk tanks were collected to get an impression of the
CLA status of milk in the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Six samples were each
collected from Jersey and Holstein herds in total mixed ration (TMR)-based systems. Another
six samples were each collected from Jersey and Holstein herds on pasture-based systems.
An additional three samples were also collected from co-op silos. One of these came from a
mixed herd on TMR, one from a Jersey herd on TMR and the third sample from a mixed herd
on pasture. The CLA levels of the milk were within the range reported in literature, albeit on
the low side. The mean CLA level in milk fat of cows from pasture and TMR-based systems
were 10.5 and 5.45 mg/g of fatty acids, respectively. This is in agreement with trends
reported in the literature with cows on pasture having higher levels of CLA in their milk than
cows on TMR’s. In this study, breed had no effect on the CLA level in milk fat.
Description
Thesis (MScAgric (Animal Sciences)--University of Stellenbosch, 2007.
Keywords
Dissertations -- Animal sciences, Theses -- Animal sciences, Milk -- Composition, Milk yield, Dairy cattle -- Nutrition, Linoleic acid