The Effect of Humic Mineral Substances from Oxyhumolite on the Coagulation Properties and Mineral Content of the Milk of Holstein-Friesian Cows

Abstract

The study was conducted to determine the effect of humic mineral substances from oxyhumolite added to the diet of Holstein-Friesian cows on the coagulation properties, proximate chemical composition, and mineral profile of milk. The experiment was conducted on 64 cows divided into two groups of 32 each, control (CON) and experimental (H). The group H cows received the humic mineral substances as feed additive, containing 65% humic acids, for 60 days (100 g cow/day). Milk samples were collected twice, after 30 and 60 days. After 30 days no significant changes were observed in the chemical composition, somatic cell count (SCC), mineral content (except potassium), or curd texture parameters. However, the coagulation properties improved. The milk from group H after both 30 and 60 days coagulated significantly (15%) faster on average (p < 0.05), and the curd was about 36% and 28% firmer after 30 and 60 days, respectively (p < 0.05). After 60 days there was an increase in the content of fat (by 0.27 p.p.; p = 0.041), protein (by 0.14 p.p.; p = 0.012), and casein (by 0.12 p.p.; p = 0.029). SCC decreased by 20% (p = 0.023). The curds were significantly harder and less fracturable compared to the control. Calcium and iron content increased as well. The results indicate that humic mineral substances from oxyhumolite in the diet of cows can improve the suitability of milk for cheese production.

Mechanisms of Action of Humic Substances as Growth Promoters in Animals

“…In HS-fed weaned pigs increased serum phosphatase alkaline, Ca, P, and Mg [121]. In the milk of HS-added cows, increased Ca and Fe content [122] and serum Ca levels [123] were found.…”

“…In laying hens, HS linearly increased serum total protein, albumin, and globulin [130]. In Holstein-Friesian HS-added cows, the protein and casein contents in milk were increased [122].…”

“…Mechanisms of Action of Humic Substances as Growth Promoters in Animals DOI: http://dx.doi.org /10.5772/intechopen.105956 Opposite to this, in dairy cows, increased fat milk content has been found [122,123,141,142] but decreased serum nonesterified fatty acids and blood beta-hydroxybutyric acid levels [123] and serum cholesterol [34] have been seen. In HS-added goats, significantly reduced serum cholesterol concentrations [98,143] have been reported.…”

“…In HS-added calves, higher body weight and weight gain [43][44][45]142] while in HS-added dairy cows, increased milk production, milk fat, and milk protein were found [122,123,141], as well as in dairy goats [145]. Reduced severity of diarrhea has been reported in HS-added calf [43-45].…”

Does humate supplementation affect ciliate population and fermentation parameters in the sheep rumen?

“…Reports regarding the use of humic compounds in ruminant diets are limited and inconsistent. Teter et al (2021) did not observe any changes in milk yield when dairy cows were fed a diet with HS; however, the coagulation properties were improved, as well as calcium and iron contents. Milk, fat and protein yield was shown to increase after administration of humic substances to goat diets in comparison to control animals (El-Zaiat et al, 2018).…”