Feeding graded levels of camelina expeller meal up to 20% of dietary dry matter decreases feed intake and milk production, but enhances concentrations in milk fat of n-3 fatty acids in dairy cows

Abstract

Eight Holstein cows were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design study to determine the effects of feeding 0, 10, 15 and 20% camelina expeller meal (CEM) on production and milk fatty acid profiles. Dry matter intake (DMI) and milk fat content decreased linearly, whereas milk yield decreased quadratically, as CEM increased. Milk fat concentration of C18:2n-6 and cis-9, trans-11 C18:2 increased linearly, whereas that of C18:3n-3 and trans-10, cis-12 C18:2 increased quadratically as CEM increased. Results show that CEM levels up to 20% decrease DMI and milk yield but increase milk contents of desirable omega-3 fatty acids.