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Optimal Foraging: Foraging with Artificial Habitats and Prey - Concept
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Forage system is the key driver of mountain milk specificity
M Coppa1, C Chassaing1, C Sibra1
1Université Clermont Auvergne, INRA, VetAgro Sup, UMR 1213 Herbivores, F-63122 Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France.
Journal of Dairy Science
|September 10, 2019
Summary
Upland milk, influenced by diverse grasslands, shows unique compounds like beta-caryophyllene. Lowland milk, from grass-rich pastures, is yellower with higher beta-carotene, highlighting diet
Area of Science:
- Dairy Science
- Animal Nutrition
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- Milk composition is influenced by geographical origin and farming systems.
- Upland and lowland milk production systems present distinct environmental and dietary conditions for cows.
- Understanding these differences is key to identifying factors contributing to milk's added value.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the effect of upland origin on milk composition compared to lowland production systems.
- To identify specific factors responsible for the added value of upland milk.
- To analyze milk constituents including fatty acids, carotenoids, and volatile compounds.
Main Methods:
- Collected tanker milk from 264 farms across France, Slovakia, and Slovenia during indoor and outdoor seasons.
- Selected farms based on origin (upland/lowland) and forage systems (corn/grass-based).
- Analyzed milk for gross composition, carotenoids, minerals, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, volatile organic compounds, and color, alongside on-farm surveys.
Main Results:
- Upland milk showed higher levels of specific compounds (e.g., beta-caryophyllene) potentially due to diverse semi-natural grasslands.
- Upland milk was richer in C18:3n-3, CLA cis-9,trans-11, MUFA, and PUFA during the outdoor season, linked to higher forb content.
- Lowland milk was yellower and richer in beta-carotene, associated with grass-rich pastures.
Conclusions:
- Milk composition is significantly influenced by forage system and season, reflecting cow diet.
- While origin has a limited direct effect on most milk constituents, specific compounds differ, potentially adding value to upland milk.
- Diversified upland pastures contribute unique characteristics to milk, distinct from lowland grass-based systems.
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