Detailed comparison between organic and conventional milk from Holstein-Friesian dairy herds in Italy

Abstract

Several studies have reported gross composition differences between organic and conventional milk; however, most studies have not considered other factors such as breed and diet ingredients, which are known to influence milk composition. Thus, this study aimed to provide a detailed characterization of Holstein-Friesian cow milk from organic (ORG) and conventional (CONV) herds with similar diet ingredients and in the same geographic area. Bulk milk samples (n = 225) of 12 ORG and 12 CONV farms were collected from September 2019 to August 2020. Farms were located in Northern Italy, included corn (meal, silage, or both) in the lactating diets, and had similar management conditions, but ORG herds spent a period on pasture. Factors affecting milk composition were tested using a linear mixed model, which included calendar month, farming system (ORG and CONV), and their interactions as fixed effects, and farm nested within farming system as random effect. Results showed that total fat, lactose, vitamin E, and AA did not significantly differ between farming systems. Total protein and casein contents were significantly lower in ORG than CONV herds, and somatic cell score (SCS) was greater in ORG than CONV. Among minerals, differences were observed for Fe, K, Mg, and S in some months, being lower in ORG than CONV for K, Mg, and S and greater or lower for Fe depending on the month. Among fatty acid (FA) groups, index, and ratios, only polyunsaturated FA and n-3 FA tended to be greater in ORG than CONV, and cis-FA were greater in ORG than CONV during October. Among the most abundant individual FA, only C16: 1n -9 differed, being lower in ORG than CONV. The calendar month (and hence seasonal feed ration) was significant for milk gross composition, SCS, vitamin E, mineral profile (except for Mo, Sr, and Zn), AA profile, FA groups (except for medium-chain FA), FA index and ratios, and individual FA (except C16:0). We conclude that the overall milk composition was quite similar between the 2 farming systems. This could be related to the similarity of the selected farms, the Holstein-Friesian breed, and generally high level of intensity in both farming systems.

Gastrointestinal tolerability of organic infant formula compared to traditional ‎infant formula: A systematic review

“…In the United Kingdom, a case study found that the primary reason for purchasing organic milk is the perceived health benefits, with other important factors being better taste, perceived environmental benefits, and avoiding genetically modified ingredients[ 19 ]. In 2018, organic cow milk production in the European Union accounted for 3.40% of European dairy cows' production, which is double the figure since 2008[ 20 ]. On the other side of the ocean, retail purchases of organic milk products in the United States have increased fivefold since 2002, reaching more than $6 billion in 2020[ 21 ].…”

Production, Composition and Nutritional Properties of Organic Milk: A Critical Review

“…Vitamin E is also essential for body functions in both bovines and humans such as growth, reproduction, immunity prevention, and protection of tissues [128]. β-carotene and Vitamin E concentrations differ significantly in raw milk depending on the diet [25]. The dairy industry is interested in a high content of vitamin E and β-carotene, as they can prevent the spontaneous oxidation of milk and fatty acids [129].…”

“…The concentrations of individual fatty acids in milk fat are affected by factors such as cow breed, stage of lactation, genetics, and diet [113,135]. The composition and quantity of fatty acids in milk are primarily dictated by the feeding system [25,136].…”

“…Several studies have reported compositional differences between organic and conventional milk [23,24]. For instance, organic milk has consistently been reported to contain significantly higher levels of whey proteins, total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), n-3 PUFA and vitamin E (α-tocopherol) [25,26]. Organic milk production has also been reported to influence the microbial content of milk [27].…”

“…Organic milk production has also been reported to influence the microbial content of milk [27]. Compositional differences have been linked to conditions associated with organic production such as breed, environment, health status, and feeding regime [25]. The health benefits of milk are associated with the various bioactives mentioned and can be direct, such as contributing to nutrient uptake, bone health and bone density development, and immunomodulatory potential with effects reported starting from as early as childhood [28], while other benefits can be indirect through the gut microbiota by exerting probiotic potential.…”