The age of cows as a factor shaping the antioxidant level during a nutritional experiment with fish oil and linseed supplementation for increasing the antioxidant value of milk

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

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.

Nutritional impact of mycotoxins in food animal production and strategies for mitigation

Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by filamentous fungi that are commonly detected as natural contaminants in agricultural commodities worldwide. Mycotoxin exposure can lead to mycotoxicosis in both animals and humans when found in animal feeds and food products, and at lower concentrations can affect animal performance by disrupting nutrient digestion, absorption, metabolism, and animal physiology. Thus, mycotoxin contamination of animal feeds represents a significant issue to the livestock industry and is a health threat to food animals. Since prevention of mycotoxin formation is difficult to undertake to avoid contamination, mitigation strategies are needed. This review explores how the mycotoxins aflatoxins, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, fumonisins and ochratoxin A impose nutritional and metabolic effects on food animals and summarizes mitigation strategies to reduce the risk of mycotoxicity.

Genetic and Environmental Determinants of Beef Quality—A Review

The flavor, quality, and composition of beef changes with the cattle diet regimen. The quality of meat varies, and that variability is determined by both individual and environmental factors: age, breed, live weight, fatness degree, plane of nutrition, and concentrate/roughage ratio. The strategy for the rearing and feeding of cattle for slaughter should therefore aim at reducing the saturated fatty acid content and increasing the polyunsaturated fatty acid and monounsaturated fatty acid levels. Many diseases in humans, like atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases, are associated with dietary fat, and their development process could take a year, the results of which can be a shorter life and its lower quality. The objective of this review was to describe the factors affecting the meat quality and fatty acid profile of the intramuscular fat of European cattle fed various diets.

Antioxidant Activity of Milk and Dairy Products

The aim of the study was to present a review of literature data on the antioxidant potential of raw milk and dairy products (milk, fermented products, and cheese) and the possibility to modify its level at the milk production and processing stage. Based on the available reports, it can be concluded that the consumption of products that are a rich source of bioactive components improves the antioxidant status of the organism and reduces the risk of development of many civilization diseases. Milk and dairy products are undoubtedly rich sources of antioxidant compounds. Various methods, in particular, ABTS, FRAP, and DPPH assays, are used for the measurement of the overall antioxidant activity of milk and dairy products. Research indicates differences in the total antioxidant capacity of milk between animal species, which result from the differences in the chemical compositions of their milk. The content of antioxidant components in milk and the antioxidant potential can be modified through animal nutrition (e.g., supplementation of animal diets with various natural additives (herbal mixtures, waste from fruit and vegetable processing)). The antioxidant potential of dairy products is associated with the quality of the raw material as well as the bacterial cultures and natural plant additives used. Antioxidant peptides released during milk fermentation increase the antioxidant capacity of dairy products, and the use of probiotic strains contributes its enhancement. Investigations have shown that the antioxidant activity of dairy products can be enhanced by the addition of plant raw materials or their extracts in the production process. Natural plant additives should therefore be widely used in animal nutrition or as functional additives to dairy products.

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Seed and Co-Products Inclusion in Diets for Dairy Ruminants: A Review

Recently, hemp (Cannabis Sativa L.) was rediscovery as a plant that offers a wide variety of applications (textile, pharmaceuticals, construction, etc.), including also the use in animal and human nutrition. The inclusion of whole seeds and co-products obtained by processing of seeds (cake, meal, and oil) in the diets of farm animals can allow the transfer of bioactive substances to human food. Few publications are available on the use of hemp in dairy ruminants but some authors reported a positive effect on the fatty acids profile of milk and cheese with an increase of n-3 fatty acids and c9,t11 conjugated linoleic acid. The protein content, amino acids profile, and rumen undegradable protein (RUP) of hempseed and co-products of hemp appear interesting and suitable for ruminant nutrition. Negative effects of anti-nutritional factors (i.e., phytate) are not observed. However, the researches on the effects of the use of hempseed and co-products in diets for dairy ruminants do not allow to suggest optimal levels of inclusion. In addition, no data are published on the use of whole or part of the hemp plant as forage, as another possibility to use the hemp in the perspective of the circular economy.

The relationship between plasma β-hydroxybutyric acid and conjugated linoleic acid in milk as a biomarker for early diagnosis of ketosis in postpartum Polish Holstein-Friesian cows

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between plasma β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) and conjugated linoleic acid in postpartum Polish Holstein-Friesian (PHF) cows. The experiment was carried out at an experimental dairy farm, where a herd of approximately 350 cows was kept. Samples were taken at six time points: between days 5–7, 8–14, 15–21, 22–28, 29–35, and 36–42, resulting in 510 samples of both milk and blood. The cows involved in the experiment were divided into two groups – ketotic and healthy – by taking into account general health symptoms, blood serum BHBA, and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentration at 5–7 days postpartum.

Results

In the first week of lactation, at 5–7 day in milk (DIM), the study showed a 53% lower level of C18:2 cis-9 trans-11 (CLA9) and an 80% lower level of C18:2 trans-10 cis-12 (CLA10) in cows with diagnosed ketosis compared to healthy cows. In the second week of lactation (8–14 DIM), a 34% lower level of CLA9 and a 54% lower level of CLA10 was found in the group of cows with BHBA levels > 1.2 mmol/L. Additionally, Pearson correlation analysis showed significant negative correlation between BHBA x CLA9 and BHBA x CLA10 in the first week of lactation: − 0.732and − 0.821, respectively.

Conclusion

The study shows that that both CLA9 and CLA10 can be used as markers for the early diagnosis of elevated blood levels of BHBA in postpartum Polish Holstein-Friesian cows.

Degrees of Antioxidant Protection: A 2-Year Study of the Bioactive Properties of Organic Milk in Poland

The aim of this study was to determine the nutritional value of organic milk in Poland, investigate the influence of diet on antioxidant capacity and degree of antioxidant protection (DAP), and to examine the effect of season on the bioactive properties of milk from organic farms. From 2014 to 2015, 820 milk samples were collected from 6 organic farms during indoor feeding season (IDS) and pasture feeding season (PS). Pasture feeding season + corn grain (PSCG) cows' daily ration during pasture feeding season was enriched with 4 kg a day of corn to improve dietary energy balance. Milk obtained during PS was found to have a higher fat content, slight but significantly lower protein content compared with milk from IDS. The study showed that the content of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) in milk fat was strongly linked to the concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and, to a lesser extent, on the supply of MUFA. The IDS data (concentration of vitamin E, A, and β-carotene) showed the lowest values compared with the PS and PSCG groups. Total antioxidant status (TAS) and DAP showed an increasing trend in organic milk. PSCG was associated with highest level of DAP (9% higher than PS and 79% higher than IDS) and TAS (37% higher than PS and 79% higher than IDS). The results obtained show that supplementation of the basic ration with corn grain improved both TAS and DAP. The higher DAP and TAS value is responsible for product stability, considering the risk factor related to levels of cholesterol-oxide intake in humans.

Metabolic profiles of cow's blood; a review

The term 'metabolic profile' refers to the analysis of blood biochemical parameters that are useful to assess and prevent metabolic and nutritional disorders in dairy herds. In the higher standards of milk production, the priority in modern breeding is keeping dairy cows in high lactation and healthy. The proper analysis, as well as control. of their feeding and metabolic status is immensely important for the health condition of the herd. The disproportion between the genetically determined ability for milk production and the limitations in improving the energy value of the ration may be the cause of metabolic disorders. Negative energy balance has a major impact on the body's hormonal balance and organ functions and mostly appears during transition periods: from 3 to 2 weeks prepartum until 2-3 weeks postpartum. The term 'transition' is used to underscore the important physiological, metabolic and nutritional changes occurring in this time. The manner in which these changes occur and how they are diagnosed and detected are extremely important, as they are closely related to clinical and subclinical postpartum diseases, lactation and reproductive performance - factors that significantly shape the profitability of production. Therefore the priority for intensive milk production is prevention of metabolic diseases and other disorders. It is the intent of this review to synthesize and summarize the information currently available on metabolic status and physiological changes in the cow's body that occur during lactation, as well as to discuss the interpretation of the results, which will be a useful diagnostic tool in nutritional evaluations of the dairy herd. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of supplementation of cows diet with linseed and fish oil and different variants of β-lactoglobulin on fatty acid composition and antioxidant capacity of milk

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of polymorphic variants of β-lactoglobulin in cows supplemented with linseed and fish oil on the fatty acid composition and antioxidant capacity of milk. From the herd of 320 Polish Holstein Friesian cows three groups of cows were selected according to the variants of β-LG (β-LGAA, β-LGBB, β-LGAB). During the first 7 days (the initial period) all the cows were fed the same total mixed ration (TMR) diet. From day 8 to 28,150 g fish oil and 250 g linseed (FOL) was added to the TMR diet of each cow.

RESULTS

The results showed that the diet supplemented with FOL was effective in reducing atherogenic and thrombogenic indices. Introducing supplementation improved the antioxidant capacity: higher concentration of C18:2cis-9 trans-11, C20:5 n-3, C22:6 n-3, bioactive whey proteins and vitamin soluble in fat has been recorded. The results showed that β-LGAA was associated with lower levels of atherogenic and thrombogenic indices and higher concentration of C22:5 n-6, phospholipids and β-carotene. β-LGBB favours a higher content of C18:1trans-11, C18:2cis-9 trans-11 and lactoferrin. β-LGAB was associated with higher concentrations of C20:5 n-3, Lysozyme, α-retinol, α-tocopherol and total antioxidant status.

CONCLUSION

Modification of the diet of cows with fish oil and linseed significantly influenced fatty acid composition and antioxidant properties of milk. The effect of β-LG phenotype on the fatty acid composition and antioxidant capacity of milk is variable, which could partly be the result of a β-LG phenotype × diet interaction.

The etiology of oxidative stress in the various species of animals, a review

Oxidative stress is the consequence of an imbalance of pro-oxidants and antioxidants leading to cell damage and tissue injury. The exhaustion of antioxidant systems is one of the reasons for the occurrence of oxidative stress, which results in avalanche production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) or free radicals. High oxidative stress is common in organs and tissues with high metabolic and energy demands, including skeletal and heart muscle, liver and blood cells. Stress arises in animals in response to unavoidable or adverse environmental conditions. In the external environment, which affects the body of the cow, there are four main groups of stressors: physical, chemical, biological and psychological. Physical stressors include fluctuations in ambient temperature as well as mechanical injuries. High ambient temperature is one of the factors affecting the productivity of cows. Biological stressors are conditioned by errors and irregularities in habits. Both of these phenomena have an adverse impact on both the resistance of animals and fertility and are the etiological agent of oxidative stress. Various mechanisms may be responsible for metal-induced oxidative stress: direct or indirect generation of ROS, depletion of glutathione and inhibition of antioxidant enzymes are well known for all redox-active and redox-inactive metals.

Effect of fish oil and linseed supplementation on the protein composition of milk from cows with different β-lactoglobulin phenotypes

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to determine the impact of fish oil and linseed (FOL) supplements on the protein fraction levels of milk from cows with different phenotypes of β-lactoglobulin.

RESULTS

After 21 days of supplementation the study showed significantly higher concentrations of whey proteins, especially lysozyme (144% increase) and lactoferrin (45.5% increase), compared with milk from control cows (total mixed ration with no supplemented FOL). A reverse trend was demonstrated for casein, casein index and casein number (lower level). The most favourable change (higher level), in terms of lactoferrin, α-lactalbumin and bovine serum albumin contents in milk, was recorded in cows with the BB variant of β-lactoglobulin. The highest level of lysozyme was recorded in the milk of cows with the AB variant of β-lactoglobulin.

CONCLUSION

The combined supplementation of fish oil and linseed had a positive impact on whey proteins in cow's milk. In addition, the phenotype of β-lactoglobulin also played a role in milk protein composition. There is therefore a clear indication that nutritional experiments should take into account not only food supplements but also the genetic variants of β-lactoglobulin.

Relationships between physiological indicators in blood, and their yield, as well as chemical composition of milk obtained from organic dairy cows

BACKGROUND

The occurrence of metabolic overload in cows maintained in organic herds is very likely, because organic production promotes feeding with high roughage diets and discourages supplementation with concentrates supplementation. It has the potential to negatively affect milk quality. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of physiological indicators in blood, reflecting the energy metabolism and liver status of dairy cows kept in organic herds, on the content of bioactive components in milk and the influence of lactation stage and feeding season on changes in milk components.

RESULTS

A significant positive correlation was found between β-hydroxybutyric acid and the daily milk yield of lactating cows. β-Hydroxybutyric acid was negatively correlated with lactation phase and polyunsaturated fatty acids as well as saturated fatty acids content in milk. A significant negative correlation was observed between average daily milk yield and alanine aminotransferase concentration in blood. A low level of production in organic farms had a positive impact on the content of conjugated linoleic acid (20% increase), vitamin A (21% increase) and vitamin E (11% increase).

CONCLUSION

The study has shown significant correlations between metabolic profiles and milk yields, as well as milk composition. In addition, there is evidence that the intensity of the production system significantly influences the metabolic profile and chemical composition of cow's milk. It could even be concluded that the ecological system affects not only the quality of milk, but also the health of cows.

Comparison of fat and protein fractions of milk constituents in Montbeliarde and Polish Holstein-Friesian cows from one farm in Poland

The aim of this study was to determine the genetic effect of cow breed on the yield and quality of cow’s milk. On the selected dairy farm, cows of two different breeds Montbeliarde and Polish Holstein-Friesian between 45th-100th days of lactation, were managed under the same environmental conditions. Milk samples were collected twice (in May and June 2008) from 97 (n = 51 and 46 for Montbeliarde and Polish Holstein-Friesian, respectively) cows. Montbeliarde cow’s milk was characterized by significantly lower milk yield and somatic cell count. Higher level of C18: 2 cis-9 trans-11 and almost 2-fold C20:5 n-3 (P ≤ 0.01) was also recorded. However, Polish Holstein-Friesian cow’s milk had a better composition of protein fraction (higher concentration of lactoferrin, α-lactoalbumin and β-lactoglobulin) and higher concentrations of vitamins D and E. Moreover, milk of Polish Holstein-Friesian breed was characterized by more favorable fat fraction with significantly lower concentrations of saturated fatty acids (C14:0, C18:0) as well as lower atherogenic and thrombogenic indexes and higher concentration of C18:2 trans-10 cis-12, C20:3 n-6 and C 22:6 n-3. This study was the first one comparing biological quality of Polish Holstein-Friesian and Montbeliarde milk under the same environmental conditions in Polish production systems.