North
Dakota State University Department of Animal and Range Sciences
Dairy Research
North
Dakota State University
Department
of Animal and Range Sciences
Dairy
Research
Current Projects
3. Increase in Conjugated Linoleic Acid in Milk by Feeding Oil Seeds
The concentration of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), an anti-cancer and anti-obesity factor, can be increased in milk by including certain oil seeds in the dairy cow diet. We are investigating the optimum level of canola seed supplementation to increase the CLA content in milk. A study using sunflower seed will follow. Click here for a brief pictoral of CLA from the cow to the human diet.
3.1 Influence of Feeding Canola Seed on Lactation Performance and Conjugated Linoleic Acid Concentration In Milk Fat of Lactating Cows
The objectives of this research were to 1) to determine if dietary supplementation of canola seed alters cis-9, trans-11 CLA content in milk fat of lactating dairy cows and 2) to determine the optimum level of canola seed supplementation to maximize CLA concentration without negatively affecting lactation performance. Twelve lactating Holstein cows were assigned randomly to one of three dietary treatments (0, 6, and 12% of the total diet as crushed canola seeds) in a completely randomized design. Crushed canola seeds were blended into total mixed rations. Cows were housed in tie-stalls and fed individually for a period of 12 weeks. Feed intake and milk weights were monitored daily. Blood and milk samples were collected every three weeks. Body weight and a body condition score (BCS) were also taken at this time. Fatty acid profiles on milk were determined by gas chromatography. Analysis has shown an increase in CLA concentration in milk fat of cows on the 12% canola seed diet compared with that in cows on the 0 and 6% diets (P < 0.05). Milk yield was not significantly different between treatments. Plasma insulin was not affected by treatment. However, plasma nonesterified fatty acids of cows on the 6 and 12% canola seed diet were increased compared to the control group (P < 0.05), while plasma glucose was lower in cows on the 12% diet (P < 0.05). Dietary supplementation of crushed canola seeds can increase CLA concentration in milk fat of lactating cows without negatively affecting lactation performance.
COOPERATION: Northwest Experiment Station, University of Minnesota, Crookston,
was involved in a replicate study of the canola feeding project.