A review of the effects of different feeding regimes of cows on milk fatty acids profile and antioxidant capacity

Abstract

This bibliography review analyzes the effects of different feeding regimes of cows the nutritional and sanogenic quality of milk, with a particular emphasis on milk content in functional fatty acids and non-enzymatic lipophilic antioxidants. Thus, using suitable feeding regimes of cows, fatty acid (FA) profile of milk fats can be improved by increasing the concentration in functional FA (C18:1 trans-11, vaccenic acid; C18:3 n-3, acid linolenic and C18:2 cis-9 trans-11, isomer of conjugated linoleic acid), considered as beneficial for consumer’s health. These suitable feeding regimes of cows aim using green fodder (pastures), preserving the fodder by drying or silage, supplementing the food with fats rich FA polyunsaturated (PUFA) and ensuring an optimal ratio between volume and ration concentrates. Milk yielded from grazing cows shows a considerably higher concentration of functional FA and lipophilic antioxidants (tocopherols, retinol and carotenes) and a lower content of saturated FA compared to that yielded from cows fed in shelter with TMR (total mixed ration). Also, hay-based feed rations, mainly those containing small amounts of concentrates or those supplemented with vegetable fats, ensure a milk yield with a fatty acid profile more favorable for human health and a better oxidative stability of compared to those with feed-based rations on silage or those high in concentrates.