Composition and fatty acid profile of milk from cows fed diets supplemented with raw and n-3 PUFA-enriched fish oil

Abstract

Dietary supplementation of ruminants with fish oil is a strategy for favorably modifying the fatty acid composition of milk fat. This study investigated the effect of supplementing cows’ diet with fish oil after low-temperature crystallisation (LTC-FO) compared to its raw form (FO) on milk yield, milk components (fat, protein, and lactose), and milk fatty acid profile. Twenty-four mid-lactating multiparous Polish Holstein–Friesian cows fed a total-mix ration were randomly assigned to two homogeneous groups (n = 12 cows each) and supplemented with LTC-FO or FO at 1% of dry matter. Milk samples were collected on days 14 and 30 of the 30-day experiment. No significant differences between the groups in terms of milk yield, milk protein, and lactose content were found, however, the fat yield and content decreased in the LTC-FO group. Milk fat from cows in the LTC-FO group contained significantly higher levels of C18:1 trans-11, C18:2 cis-9, trans-11, C18:3n − 3, C20:5, and C22:6, and lower levels of saturated fatty acids compared to the FO group (p < 0.05). Therefore, LTC-FO may be a more efficient feed additive than FO and may serve as a practical way to modify the fatty acid composition of milk fat.