Abstract. The use of fenugreek seed as a galactagogue has been investigated
in ruminants. However, only a few studies have analyzed the effects of fenugreek
seed on the milk fatty acid composition. To the authors' best knowledge, none of these studies have
investigated the effects of fenugreek seed on milk volatile compounds. The
objective of this study, which lasted 8 weeks, was to determine the
effects of fenugreek seed supplementation on the performance, milk fatty acid profile,
and milk volatile profile of goats. A total of 20 Turkish Saanen dairy goats that were mid-lactation were used in the study. This study was carried out with two
homogeneous groups: the control group (CON) and fenugreek group (FG). Both groups
were fed a total mixed ration (TMR), but the FG treatment had their diet supplemented with 0.1 kg d−1 of fenugreek seed per animal. The feed intake, live weight, milk
yield, milk chemical composition, serum cholesterol and triglyceride
concentration, milk fatty acid profile, and milk volatile compound profile were determined.
The feed intake, live weight gain, and milk yield of the goats did not
significantly differ between the CON and FG treatments (P>0.05), whereas
the milk fat concentration increased (P=0.05) and the serum
cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations decreased (P<0.05) in the FG treatment.
The unsaturated fatty acid concentration in milk (P<0.05) was also
enhanced in the FG treatment. In addition, the FG treatment increased 2-propanone, 2-butanone,
benzene, 1-methyl-3-(1-methylethyl), and eucalyptol concentrations in milk
(P<0.05). In conclusion, the supplementation of goats' diets with fenugreek
seed during the mid-lactation period did not affect their performance and improved the
unsaturated fatty acid profile of their milk. Of particular importance, we have also
detected an increase in the 2-propanone concentration in milk following
fenugreek supplementation.