Fatty acid profile and vitamins A and E contents of milk in goat farms under Mediterranean wood pastures as affected by grazing conditions and seasons

Effects of Hemp Seed on the Production, Fatty Acid Profile, and Antioxidant Capacity of Milk from Goats Fed Hay or a Mixed Shrubs-Grass Rangeland

The research objective was to evaluate the effect of dietary incorporation of hemp seeds in goats fed with hay or mixed shrubs-grass rangeland on the production, FA profile and health-related lipid indices, antioxidant content and total antioxidant capacity of milk, with the purpose to increase the content of beneficial ingredients in milk and to improve its functional activity. Forty indigenous Carpathian goats were allocated into two groups according to the type of basic forage in their diet: hay (H) or mixed shrubs-grass rangeland (SG); each of them was further divided into two subgroups according to the presence of Hs in the concentrate mixture (250 g/kg) or not. Milk production was determined, and milk samples were collected and analyzed for fat, protein, lactose, and cholesterol content, as well as FA profile, lipophilic antioxidant content (α-tocopherol and retinol), and milk TAC. SG goats gave less milk (p < 0.01) but with higher milk fat (p < 0.001) and lower cholesterol content (p < 0.01) than H goats, while milk protein and lactose contents were not affected. Supplementing the diet with Hs caused a significant increase in milk production (p < 0.05) and milk fat content (p < 0.001) and a decrease in cholesterol content (p < 0.05). Grazing compared to indoor feeding but also supplementing the diet with Hs had the effect of decreasing the proportion of SFAs and increasing the concentrations of polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) in goat milk fat (p < 0.01). Fats in the milk of SG goats compared to H, but also in those supplemented with Hs, showed significantly higher proportions of vaccenic acid (VA), rumenic acid (CLA c-9,t-11) and omega-3 FA (α-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA)) which are considered healthy for consumers. The feeding system based on SG and the diet supplementation with Hs ensured the best nutritional and functional quality of milk, confirmed by the FA profile, antioxidant content, and by the value of health-related lipid indices (n-6/n-3 FA ratio and hypo-/hypercholesterolemia, atherogenic index (AI), thrombogenic index (TI), and health promotion index (HPI)). The results of our work will be useful for the development of optimal nutritional strategies that improve the FA profile and the antioxidants content in goat milk, with beneficial effects on human health.

Impacts of production conditions on goat milk vitamin, carotenoid contents and colour indices

The content, composition and variation of vitamin compounds in goat milk have been little studied. An experimental design was based on 28 commercial farms, selected considering the main feeding system (based on main forage and especially pasture access), goat breed (Alpine vs Saanen) and reproductive management (seasonal reproduction), in the main French goat milk production area. Each farm received two visits (spring and autumn) that included a survey on milk production conditions and bulk milk sampling. Milk vitamins (A, E, B₂, B₆, B₉, B₁₂) and carotenoid concentrations plus colour indices were evaluated. A stepwise approach determined the variables of milk production conditions that significantly altered milk indicators. The main forage in the diet was the major factor altering goat milk vitamin and carotenoid concentrations and colour indices. Bulk milk from goats eating fresh grass as forage was richer in α-tocopherol (+64%), pyridoxal (+35%) and total vitamin B₆ (+31%), and b* index (characterising milk yellowness in the CIELAB colour space) was also higher (+12%) than in milk from goats eating conserved forages. In milk from goats eating fresh grass, concentrations of pyridoxamine, lutein and total carotenoids were higher than in milk of goats fed corn silage (+24, +118 and +101%, respectively), and retinol and α-tocopherol concentrations were higher than in milk of goats fed partially dehydrated grass (+45 and +55%). Vitamin B₂ concentration was higher in milk of goats eating fresh grass than in milk of goats fed hay or corn silage as forage (+10%). However, bulk milk when goats had access to fresh grass was significantly poorer in vitamin B₁₂ than when fed corn silage (-46%) and in γ-tocopherol (-31%) than when fed conserved forage. Alpine goats produced milk with higher vitamin B₂ and folate concentrations than Saanen goats (+18 and +14%, respectively). Additionally, the milk colour index that discriminates milks based on their yellow pigment contents was 7% higher in milk from Alpine than Saanen herds, but milk from Saanen goats was richer in lutein (+46%). Goat milks were richer in vitamins B₂ and B₁₂ and folates, but poorer in vitamin B₆ in autumn than in spring (+12, +133, +15 and -13%, respectively). This work highlights that goat milk vitamin and carotenoid concentrations and colour indices vary mainly according to the main forage of the diet and secondly according to the breed and season.

Organoleptic and Nutritional Traits of Lambs from Spanish Mediterranean Islands Raised under a Traditional Production System

Our aim was to characterize the organoleptic and nutritional properties of meat from suckling (one-month-old) and light (around three-months-old) lambs in local breeds on the Spanish Mediterranean islands, using meat from male lambs of the Mallorquina and Roja Mallorquina breeds. The lambs were kept with their mother at all times under an extensive management system and fed on mother’s milk until naturally weaned. In the Mallorquina breed, suckling lambs (n = 20) were slaughtered after weaning and the light lambs were bred using natural pasture (n = 20) or concentrate (n = 20), and the Roja Mallorquina light lambs were fed pasture and concentrate (n = 20). The pH, colour, texture, water-holding capacity, fatty acids, volatile compounds and sensorial attributes of the meat were analyzed. No differences in meat colour or texture were observed. The highest levels of non-desirable fatty acids were observed in lambs raised using concentrate. Light lambs showed a higher aldehydes content than suckling lambs. High notes of lactic acid and milk flavour were detected. Regardless of access to pasture or concentrate, continued access to mother’s milk during rearing influences the sensorial meat traits of these lambs, so we consider this type of management an optimal way of obtaining the traditional ‘Mediterranean lamb meat’.

Lipid-soluble vitamins from dairy products: Extraction, purification, and analytical techniques

Milk and dairy products are considered as essential sources of lipid-soluble vitamins (LSVs) for human nutrition. Due to the lower concentrations, complexity, and instability of LSVs during extraction, their quantification remains challenging. This review focus on advances in the extraction and quantification of LSVs from different dairy products. Saponification, and liquid-liquid (LLE), solid-phase (SPE), and supercritical fluid (SFE) extraction methods, as well as dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction, are the most common techniques. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrophotometry (LC-MS) has unique advantages for LSVs determination and quantification due to its high sensitivity and specificity.

The Effect of Verbal and Iconic Messages in the Promotion of High-Quality Mountain Cheese: A Non-Hypothetical BDM Approach

To ensure the sustainable development of mountain livestock farming, the adequate remuneration of high-quality dairy products is fundamental. In this sense, communication strategies aimed at promoting mountain products and ensure better positioning and higher market prices are fundamental. The present research seeks to expand the literature regarding consumers' willingness to pay for mountain foods by using an online real auction experiment aimed at evaluating the premium price that consumers are willing to pay for summer over winter mountain cheese, depending on the information provided concerning the taste anticipation or animal welfare. The results showed an overall small premium price given to the higher quality summer cheese; this could be, partially, due to a generally low degree of consumer knowledge about mountain dairy farming. With reference to communication strategies, the results provide evidence about the effectiveness of the rational messages founded upon sensorial characteristics and the anticipated taste of cheese. In addition, this study explored that adding a logo had no main effect on the price premium participants were willing to pay. This may be due to the fact that logos and claims, having a lower information content, are more indicated to lead the choice of consumers with a higher level of awareness. In the conclusion section, policy and agribusiness implications of the findings are provided.

Supplementing the Diet of Dairy Goats with Dried Orange Pulp throughout Lactation: II Effect on Milk Fatty Acids Profile, Phenolic Compounds, Fat-Soluble Vitamins and Antioxidant Capacity

Simple Summary

Spain is a major global producer of both goats and oranges. The orange juice industry produces high levels of organic waste that could be used as alternative feedstock for ruminants, enhancing dairy farm sustainability by lowering feed costs and reducing the environmental impact. An example of such organic waste is dried orange pulp (DOP), which has been proven beneficial as a 40% or 80% replacement for cereal in the diet of goats at an early lactation stage; therefore, it is pertinent to study these by-products over a longer period, such as the complete lactation cycle of 180 days. This study evaluated the Payoya dairy breed and the resultant milk’s antioxidant composition and fatty acid (FA) content in terms of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated FAs (SFA, MUFA, and PUFA, respectively). The levels of vitamin E, total phenolic compounds, and antioxidant capacity in milk increased as the percentage of DOP replacing cereals increased. Moreover, the inclusion of DOP improved the nutritional value of the milk for human health (according to the thrombogenicity index, MUFA/SFA, and PUFA/SFA ratios), especially at the end of lactation, leading to the conclusion that DOP might be an appropriate alternative to cereals in the diets of goats.

Abstract

Although dried orange pulp (DOP) as a short-term dietary supplementation has been proven an effective substitute for cereals in goat diets–without impairing milk quality–there have been no studies considering its use over the full lactation period. This study evaluated replacing cereal with DOP in goat diets for the full 180-day lactation period on milk’s fatty acid (FA) and antioxidant composition. Payoya goats were assigned to three diet groups: a control group consuming a commercial concentrate with alfalfa hay as forage; a DOP40 or DOP80 group, wherein 40% or 80% of the cereal in the concentrate was replaced by DOP. The α-tocopherol and phenolic compounds levels and the antioxidant capacity in the milk increased as the DOP percentage increased. Including DOP might improve the FA indices of milk in the context of human health, especially when included at the end of lactation because it contributes to reducing the thrombogenicity index and increasing both the monounsaturated/saturated FA and polyunsaturated/saturated FA indices and the amounts of indispensables α-C18:3 n-3 and C18:2 n-6 cis. Ultimately, DOP presents a plausible alternative to cereals in the diet of goats throughout lactation to improve the nutritional milk quality, especially the healthy antioxidant capacity.

How Management System Affects the Concentration of Retinol and α-Tocopherol in Plasma and Milk of Payoya Lactating Goats: Possible Use as Traceability Biomarkers

Simple Summary

The milk production systems in goats are mainly intensive and semi-extensive. In the former, the goats are housed and are fed a total mixed ration with vitamin supplementation. In the latter, the feeding of the goats is based on grazing, although with some supplementation with compound feed. Retinol and α-tocopherol that appear in these animals come from the feeding regime, since the animal cannot synthesize them. The objective of this study was to verify if the vitamins provided in different management systems of Payoya lactating goats are good markers of the production system. For this purpose, the content of carotenoids, retinol and α-tocopherol in the milk and plasma of the goats was quantified. Results showed an inverse relationship of the amount of these vitamins between milk and plasma. On the other hand, the metabolism of different vitamins depends on their origin (natural/synthetic), with natural α-tocopherol and synthetic retinol showing the highest amount in milk. Finally, it was found that these compounds can be good traceability tools which allows to guaranty to the consumer the origin of the products derived from these animals.

Abstract

The retinol and α-tocopherol concentrations were quantified (μg/mL) using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in both plasma and milk of goats from three management systems. The aim was to investigate if the compounds pass from feed to animals’ fluids and to evaluate their potential use as feeding regime biomarkers. A total of 45 Payoya dams were distributed in three groups according to management system during the first month of lactation: mountain grazing (MG), cultivated meadow (CM) and total mixed ration (TMR). TMR group had higher concentrations of retinol in both plasma (25.92 ± 3.61 at 30 days postpartum) and milk (8.26 ± 0.79 at 10 days postpartum), and they were also the unique animals whose milk contained detectable concentrations of α-tocopherol (3.15 ± 0.19 at parturition). However, MG and CM goats showed higher plasma concentrations of α-tocopherol (64.26 ± 14.56 and 44.65 ± 5.75 at 30 days postpartum, respectively). These results could imply differences in the bioavailability of supplemented vitamin A and natural β-carotene and between the natural/synthetic forms of α-tocopherol. An inverse relationship between the fluids (plasma/milk) in the contents of α-tocopherol and retinol was observed as lactation progressed. Since 80% of the animals were correctly classified using a discriminant analysis based on these vitamins, these compounds could be used as traceability biomarkers of feeding system, but further studies are necessary to know the possible passage to kid meat.

Milk Quality and Carbon Footprint Indicators of Dairy Sheep Farms Depend on Grazing Level and Identify the Different Management Systems

Currently, there are very few studies in the dairy sheep sector associating milk quality and indicators regarding carbon footprint and their link to grazing levels. For 1 year, monthly milk samples and records related to environmental emissions and management systems were collected through surveys from 17 dairy sheep farms in the region of Castilla y León (Spain), in order to relate this information to the use of natural pastures under free grazing. Indicators were constructed on the collected data and subjected to a multivariate statistical procedure that involved a factor analysis, a cluster analysis and a population canonical analysis. By applying multivariate statistical techniques on milk quality and carbon footprint indicators, it was possible to identify the management system of the farms. From an environmental point of view, farms with a higher grazing level (cluster 4) were more sustainable, as they had the lowest carbon footprint (lower CO₂, N₂O and CO₂ equivalent emissions per sheep and year) and the lowest energy consumption levels, which were gradually lower than those of farms in cluster 3; both indicators were much lower than those of farms in clusters 1 and 2. The milk quality of cluster 1 and 2 farms was significantly lower in terms of total protein and fat content, dry extract, omega-3 fatty acid levels and α-tocopherol content than farms in clusters 3 and 4, which had higher accessibility to grazing resources. In sum, the higher the use of natural resources, the lower the external inputs the farms required and the lower environmental impact and energy costs they have.

Physicochemical Composition, Antioxidant Status, Fatty Acid Profile, and Volatile Compounds of Milk and Fresh and Ripened Ewes' Cheese from a Sustainable Part-Time Grazing System

We conducted the first nutritional analysis of dairy products from the traditional Roja Mallorquina sheep breed. Samples of bulk raw milk were taken twice a month from December 2015 to March 2016 from sheep fed using a part-time grazing system, and fresh soft (FC, n = 8) and ripened (RC, n = 8) cheeses were made. The variability in vitamins, total phenolic compounds (TPC), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and fatty acid (FA) content was influenced by the cheese-making process (differences between the cheese and the original milk) and by the type of cheese-making technology (mainly related to heating, the use of starter culture, and ripening). The most notable physicochemical characteristic of the cheeses was low fat content (24.1 and 29.6 g/100 g for FC and RC). Milk and RC were characterised by major concentrations of retinol (211.4 and 233.6 μg/100 g dry matter (DM), respectively) and TPC (18.7 and 54.6 μg/100 g DM, respectively), while FC was characterised by major concentrations of retinol (376.4 μg) and α-tocopherol (361.7 μg). The fat-soluble components of the FC generally exhibited better nutritional value for human health than those of the milk and RC, with a higher level of retinol and α-tocopherol; lower values for saturated FA, atherogenic, and thrombogenic indices; and higher levels of monounsaturated FA, polyunsaturated FA, n-3, and n-6. Acids, alcohols, and ketones comprised almost 95% of the volatile compounds detected. Acetoin and products of lactose and citrate metabolism played an important role in the development of the aromatic attributes of both kinds of cheese. This preliminary study can contribute to add value to these traditional products according to healthy nutritional criteria and supports the implementation of strategies to promote their commercialisation and obtain product labelling as “pasture-fed” or specific marks.

Study of the Influence of Sociodemographic and Lifestyle Factors on Consumption of Dairy Products: Preliminary Study in Portugal and Brazil

Sociodemographic characteristics, including regional variations, have been associated with different food consumption patterns. Behavioral factors and lifestyle variables may also contribute to different food dietary trends. In this way, the present study intended to investigate the consumption habits of the most relevant types of dairy products around the world and relate them to sociodemographic factors, for example, age, sex, education and country as well as with some anthropometric and behavioral aspects, for example, body mass index, satisfaction with body weight and exercise or sedentary lifestyles. One other objective of the study was to categorize the lifestyles of the participants, according to measured variables linked with hours of inactivity or exercise, in order to use these as possible differentiating variables for the consumption of dairy products. The study involved a questionnaire survey undertaken on a non-probabilistic convenience sample of participants from Portugal (PT) and Brazil (BR), and participation was voluntary and anonymous. The data analysis involved different statistical techniques: basic statistics, chi-square tests, factor analysis, cluster analysis and tree classification analysis. The results showed that semi skimmed milk is never consumed by about half of the participants (47.4% for PT and 46.7 for BR), and those numbers increase for skimmed (64.8% for PT and 50.9% for BR), chocolate flavored milk (82.6% for PT and 65.6% for BR) and enriched milks (94.8% for PT and 85.3% for BR). Cheeses are also consumed in the two countries by small numbers of people. The number of participants consuming imported cheeses in both countries was particularly low (only 4.0% consume these more than once a week in both countries), suggesting national products may be preferred. It was further observed that those who consume cheese do it seldom (once a week) or sometimes (2–3 times per week). Butter is also consumed by only about half of the adult population (43.8% for PT and 49.5% for BR), but the percentage of those who never consume butter increases for skimmed butter (66.0% for PT and 82.6% for BR) and unsalted butter (70.2% for PT and 69.1% for BR). The consumption of yogurts also follows similar low consumption patterns. The most frequently consumed yogurt types in Portugal are liquid (30.5% consume regularly) and natural yogurts (34.8% consume regularly), while in Brazil the most frequent are creamy fruit pulp yogurt (14.4% consume regularly), liquid (13.7% consume regularly) and Greek type yogurt (10.2% consume regularly). A factor analysis and a cluster analysis established groups according to lifestyles, as follows: 1—Screeners, 2—Exercisers, 3—Travelers and 4—Others. These lifestyles were found to be influential in the consumption of dairy products for all classes of dairy tested: milk, cheese, yogurt and butter. For example, the screeners were found to consume more milk, more butter, more cheese and more yogurt. Additionally, other influential factors were age, sex, education, BMI and satisfaction with body weight. Nevertheless, country was not a meaningfully discriminant variable in relation to the other variables included in the classification analysis. The results concluded that, despite some small differences in the patterns of consumption of dairy products in both countries, the levels of consumption of dairy products are extremely low, for all classes studied (milk, cheese, yogurt or butter). Additionally, it was concluded that some factors are influential on the level of consumption of dairy products, and therefore decision makers can plan their interventions according to the characteristics of the targeted segments of the population, according to lifestyle, age, sex, education, BMI and satisfaction with body weight.

Effect of Citrus By-product on Physicochemical Parameters, Sensory Analysis and Volatile Composition of Different Kinds of Cheese from Raw Goat Milk

The increased use of concentrates to reduce pasture as a feed source in productive systems like Payoya breed goat farms has made it necessary to decrease feeding costs. The inclusion of agro-industry by-products such as dry orange pulp pellets in goat diets has been suggested as a sustainable alternative to cereal-based concentrates. The aim of this work was to assess the influence of diets including dry orange pulp pellets on the quality of cheeses traditionally made from Payoya breed goat milk. We analysed the physicochemical characteristics, sensory properties and volatile compound profiles of 18 artisanal cheeses made from raw Payoya milk. In this study, goats were fed with different concentrations of dry orange pulp; and cheeses were curdled with animal and vegetable coagulants. Slight differences were detected between some cheeses. However, the use of citrus by-products in the Payoya goat diets did not substantially affect the cheeses' physicochemical properties, olfactory attributes, or volatile profiles. Therefore, dried citrus pulp can be used as a substitute for cereal concentrates without affecting the distinct properties of these ripened raw goat milk cheeses.

Using dried orange pulp in the diet of dairy goats: effects on milk yield and composition and blood parameters of dams and growth performance and carcass quality of kids

Although dried orange pulp (DOP) may conveniently replace cereals in ruminant diets, few studies have considered similar diet substitution for goats. We hypothesised that DOP could replace cereal-based concentrate in goat diets without detrimental effects on growth performance and carcass quality of suckling kids and milk performance and blood biochemical parameters of dams in early lactation. We also hypothesised that DOP substitution may increase the levels of antioxidants, such as phenolic compounds and vitamin E, in milk and improve its total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Therefore, 44 primiparous Payoya dairy goats were allocated to three experimental groups, each fed a different diet: control (CD, n = 14) based on a commercial concentrate with alfalfa hay as forage; and DOP40 (n = 16) in which 40% and DOP80 (n = 14) in which 80% of the cereal in the concentrate were replaced by DOP. The experiment lasted from the final month of pregnancy to 55 days postpartum. The DOP diets did not affect suckling kids' carcass quality, but at 28 days, led to improvement in live weight (LW) and average daily gain (ADG) from birth, although no differences were found between DOP40 and DOP80 (for CD, DOP40 and DOP80, LW at 28 days was 8.00, 8.58 and 8.34 kg and ADG was 184, 199 and 195 g/day, respectively). Diet had no significant effect on milk yield (average daily milk yield and total yield at 55 days were 1.66 l/day and 90.6 l, respectively) and commercial and fatty acid composition. Nevertheless, α-tocopherol, total phenolic compound (TPC) and TAC concentration in milk increased with substitution of cereals by DOP (for CD, DOP40 and DOP80, concentration of α-tocopherol was 21.7, 32.8 and 42.3 μg/100 g, TPCs was 63.5, 84.1 and 102 mg gallic acid equivalents/l, and TAC was 6.63, 11.1 and 12.8 μmol Trolox equivalents/ml, respectively). Every plasma biochemistry parameter considered was within reference values for healthy goats; therefore, no pathological effect was detected for these variables due to dietary treatment. However, DOP diets caused a reduction in plasmatic creatine kinase and aspartate aminotransferase, implying reduced oxidative damage to muscles. In conclusion, DOP may be an interesting alternative to cereals in early lactation goat diets for increasing farmers' income and the healthy antioxidant capacity of milk.

The Use of Concentrates Rich in Orange By-Products in Goat Feed and Its Effects on Physico-Chemical, Textural, Fatty Acids, Volatile Compounds and Sensory Characteristics of the Meat of Suckling Kids

Simple Summary

Spain is a major global producer of both goats and citrus fruits on the world. Using by-products of the orange industry for feeding ruminants has environmental advantages. In this work, we analysed how replacing cereal concentrates with dehydrated orange pulp (DOP) in the diet of mother goats affects the meat quality of suckling kids. We evaluated the following characteristics of the meat of suckling kids of the dairy Payoya breed: chemical composition; texture; water holding capacity; colour; saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (SFA, MUFA, and PUFA, respectively); volatile compounds; and sensorial appraisal. The inclusion of DOP in goat feed did not affect the proximal composition, texture, colour, or juiciness of the kids’ meat. However, the inclusion of DOP improved the indices of the nutritional value of the meat for human health (thrombogenicity index, PUFA/SFA ratio, and n-6/n-3 ratio). The inclusion of DOP in goat feed reduced MUFA content in the kids’ meat. An increase in aromatic compounds, including ethyl furan, dimethyl disulphide, and heptane, was observed in the grilled meat of kids from goats that were fed DOP. The use of DOP in goat feed improved consumers’ sensory appreciation of the suckling kids’ meat.

Abstract

We analysed how replacing cereal concentrates with dehydrated orange pulp (DOP) in the diet of mother goats affects the meat quality of suckling kids. Three experimental diets for mother goats were designed. The DOP-0 diet contained commercial concentrates and alfalfa hay. In the DOP-40 and DOP-80 diets, 40% and 80% (respectively) of the cereal in the concentrate was replaced with pellets of DOP (the alfalfa hay component was unchanged). We evaluated the chemical composition, texture, water holding capacity, colour, fatty acids (FAs) profile, volatile compounds, and sensorial appraisal of the meat from 30 male suckling kids (cold carcass weight 4.74 kg, 4.82 kg, and 4.65 kg for DOP-0, DOP-40, and DOP-80, respectively) of the Payoya breed (n = 10 for each diet). Meat from kids in the DOP-40 and DOP-80 groups exhibited characteristics favourable for human health, including the meat’s thrombogenicity index, PUFA/SFA ratio (0.60 index), and n-6 PUFA/n-3 PUFA ratio (approximately 7.50). The meat also exhibited reduced MUFA content (around 460 mg/100 g fresh meat). An increase in ethyl furan, dimethyl disulphide and heptane was observed in grilled meat from goats that were fed using DOP. The inclusion of DOP in goat feed improved consumers’ sensory appreciation of the kid’s meat.