Cow colostrum and early milk enriched with eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic fatty acid

• DOI: 10.1007/s00217-013-2144-1
• Publication Date: 2013-12-20T15:27:29Z
• Authors: Tomislav Mašek; Luka Krstulović; Diana Brozić; Marina Vranić; Maja Maurić; Miroslav Bajić; Kristina Starčević
• Keywords: 2. Zero hunger; 0404 agricultural biotechnology; 04 agricultural and veterinary sciences; n3 fatty acids; milk fat; cholesterol; period of lactation; 3. Good health

The objective of the study was to explore whether if it is possible to alter cow colostrum and early milk fatty acid composition with a low level of fat supplement, high in docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA) fatty acid. Diets included a control diet and a diet supplemented with DHA and EPA enriched fat supplement. Addition of fat supplement significantly decreased saturated fatty acids (SFA), C14:0 and C16:0 and increased the values of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), n3 fatty acids, EPA, DHA, C18:1n9cis and C18:1n11trans. The percentage of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) significantly increased with the progress of lactation, while the percentage of PUFA, n3 and n6 significantly decreased. These results showed that fat supplement, high in DHA and EPA, modified the fatty acid profile of colostrum and milk fat, and increased the proportion of beneficial fatty acids for human health.