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Cows fed hydroponic fodder and conventional diet: effects on milk quality
Alan Agius1, Grazia Pastorelli2, Everaldo Attard1
1University of Malta, Division of Rural Sciences and Food Systems, Institute of Earth Systems Msida, MSD2080, Malta.
Archives Animal Breeding
|December 7, 2019
Summary
Hydroponic fodder, compared to traditional feed, improved milk fat content and pH in Holstein-Friesian cows. Milk quality was superior with hydroponic fodder, though further research is needed.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Agricultural Technology
Background:
- Green fodder production is crucial for arid/semiarid regions.
- Hydroponics offers increased crop yield and reduced water use compared to traditional farming.
- Limited research exists on hydroponic fodder's impact on milk quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare milk quality in Holstein-Friesian cows fed traditional versus hydroponic fodder.
- To evaluate physical, chemical, and mineral content of milk from cows on different fodder types.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving 20 Holstein-Friesian cows across two farms (traditional vs. hydroponic fodder).
- Weekly milk sampling over one month for physical and chemical analysis.
- Mineral content analysis (Zn, Cu, Pb, Ba) and statistical processing (ANOVA, PCA).
Main Results:
- Milk from cows fed hydroponic fodder showed higher fat content and pH.
- Significant time effects were observed in most qualitative milk analyses.
- Mineral content varied, with higher copper and lead in hydroponic fodder groups, and higher zinc in traditional fodder groups.
Conclusions:
- Hydroponic fodder positively influenced milk fat and pH, suggesting superior milk quality.
- While proximate analysis showed similarities, PCA indicated better milk quality with hydroponic fodder.
- Further studies with larger herds are recommended to confirm these findings.
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