Investigation of the vitamins A and E and β-carotene content in milk from UK organic and conventional dairy farms

• DOI: 10.1017/s0022029907002816
• Publication Date: 2007-10-09T06:09:16Z
• Authors: Kathryn A Ellis; Ana Monteiro; Giles T Innocent; Dai Grove-White; Peter Cripps; W Graham McLean; C Vyvyan Howard; Monika Mihm
• Keywords: Carotene

During a 12-month longitudinal study, bulk-tank milk was collected from organic ( n =17) and conventional =19) dairy farms in the UK. Milk samples were analysed for vitamin A (retinol), E (α-tocopherol) β-carotene content. The farming system type, herd production level nutritional factors affecting fat content investigated by use of mixed model analyses. Conventionally produced had higher mean than organically fat, although there no significant differences or contents between two types fat. Apart system, other key that affected season, yield concentrate feeding level. increased summer months association with feeding, whilst higher-yielding herds lower Thus, UK content, possibly owing to supplementation feeds. However, knowledge effects access fresh grazing specific silage may also be used all producers processors enhance milk.