Milk fatty acid profiles of Holstein and crossbreds of Holstein, Jersey, Normande, Montbéliarde, and Viking Red Dairy breeds in confinement and pasture-based herds

Consumers are increasingly interested in foods with improved nutrient profiles and potential human health benefits, such as milk fatty acids (FA). From 2021 to 2024, milk FA profiles of Holstein and crossbred dairy cattle of Montbéliarde, Viking Red, and Holstein breeds and Normande, Jersey, and Viking Red breeds were evaluated at the University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center in Morris, MN low-input conventional and organic grazing herds. The organic herd had higher proportions of preformed FA as compared with the conventional herd and thus perceived to be healthier for human consumption. Both crossbred dairy cow groups had higher proportions of de novo FA and lower C16:0 than Holstein cows and could also be considered healthier. Phenotypic correlations of SCS, DO, and survival with 305-d FA production did not indicate negative impacts of selecting for improved FA production. Genetic selection along with pasture-feeding may improve milk FA for potential niche markets. From 2022 to 2024, milk FA profiles of Holstein and crossbred cows sired by Montbéliarde, Viking Red, and Holstein breeds were evaluated on two commercial Minnesota dairy farms. Herd A had higher proportions of preformed FA, while herd B had higher mixed and C16:0 FA. Across days in milk, de novo and mixed FA peaked in mid-lactation, while preformed FA were higher in early lactation. Multiparous crossbred cows had higher proportions of de novo FA and lower mixed FA and tended to have lower C16:0 FA than Holstein cows. Over 305-d, the crossbred cows produced similar amounts of healthy FA, C18:0, C18:1 cis-9, and de novo FA compared with the Holstein cows. However, the Holstein cows produced more unfavorable C16:0 over 305-d. Crossbred cows in these commercial herds may produce milk with a healthier FA profile and contribute to the production of beneficial FA and less to unfavorable FA. Crossbreeding may be a tool to produce milk for potential markets for perceived health benefits.

Author dc:creator

• Bosley, Kathryn

• crossbreeding
• lactation curves
• milk fatty acids
• organic

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/11299/278012

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:conservancy.umn.edu:11299/278012