Mid-infrared spectroscopy (MIR) is used to predict fatty acid (FA) composition of individual milk samples (n 5 267) of Brown Swiss cows. FAs were analyzed by gas chromatography as a reference method. Samples were scanned (4000 to 900 cm
21) by MIR, and predictive models were developed using modified partial least squares regressions with full cross-validation. The methods using a first derivative or multiplicative scatter corrected plus first derivative resulted, on average, in the best predictions. Coefficients of correlation between measured and predicted C8:0, C10:0, C12:0, C14:0, anteiso-C17:0, c9-C18:1, and medium-and long-chain FA, and saturated, monounsaturated and unsaturated FA ranged from 0.71 to 0.77, suggesting that prediction models can be implemented in milk recording schemes to routinely collect information on FA composition from the whole Brown Swiss population for breeding purposes.Keywords: bovine milk, fatty acid, mid-infrared spectroscopy, Brown Swiss
ImplicationMid-infrared spectroscopy demonstrated the potential to predict fatty acid (FA) composition by non-destructive, low cost and fast analysis. The prediction models were able to identify high and low values of individual and groups of FA in milk. Models developed in this study might be used in Brown Swiss population breeding programs aimed at improving the value of milk for human health and nutrition.