The Influence of Cold-Pressed Linseed Cake Supplementation on Fatty-Acid Profile and Fat-Soluble Vitamins of Cows’ Milk in an Organic Production System

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of linseed cake supplementation during the winter period as a factor influencing the level of some bioactive components (milk composition, fatty-acid profile, and fat-soluble vitamins) in the milk fat fraction in cows kept on an organic farm. Forty multiparous (second and third lactation) Holstein–Friesian cows were selected that had 81 ± 12 days in milk and produced 15.08 ± 1.20 kg of milk/day. Two groups were created for the experiment: control (CTL; n = 20) and experimental (LC; n = 20). The experiment was divided into two periods: an initial period lasting 7 days in which the experimental group was habituated to the new supplement in their diet; the proper experimental phase, lasting 6 weeks, in which the cows in the experimental group received an individual daily dose of linseed cake (300 g/day/cow). Linseed cake supplementation had a positive impact on the levels of bioactive components (fatty-acid profile and fat-soluble vitamins) in the milk fat fraction. At the end of the trial, the concentration of C18:2 cis9 trans11, C18:1 trans11, α-retinol, α-tocopherol, and total antioxidant status increased 1.59-, 1.94-, 3.12-, 3.38-, and 3.09-fold, respectively, relative to the control levels. The use of linseed cake in winter on organic farms makes it possible to increase the antioxidant potential of milk, thereby eliminating the disparity in the quality of milk from the summer season compared to the winter season.

Impact of Using Oilseed Industry Byproducts Rich in Linoleic and Alpha-Linolenic Acid in Ruminant Nutrition on Milk Production and Milk Fatty Acid Profile

“…The inclusion of linseed BPs in dairy cow [58,64,74,76,77] and goat [57,61] nutrition led to the improvement in milk FA profile, which is same as in the case of camelina seed BPs (Table 5). The addition of LSMEAL and linseed cake (LSCAKE) lowered SFAs and increased MUFAs and PUFAs in ruminant milk.…”

“…Research investigating the feasibility of incorporating linseed BPs into ruminant diets has produced less consistent findings compared to camelina BPs (Table 4). In the majority of research investigations, the addition of linseed BPs to the diets of both cows [58,59,64,[74][75][76][77] and goats [61] did not result in significant changes in milk yield, protein, or fat content. Conversely, Jozwik, et al [57] and Sayed, et al [60] documented a significant increase in milk yield, attributing it to the higher energy content of the diet incorporating LSC.…”

“…The use of BPs in the winter season enables the provision of essential nutrients to animals comparable to those supplied by pasture grass in the summer. This practice results in the enrichment of milk with valuable bioactive compounds, thus enhancing the overall nutritional content [74]. From an economic perspective, feeding ruminants with these BPs offers cost-effective feed alternatives, as they are available at a relatively lower cost compared to some conventional feed ingredients, thereby reducing production costs [49].…”