Prospects of obtaining favourable fatty acid composition of cows milk by feeding

Abstract

Information from the literature and own data show that the ratio of unsaturated to saturated fatty acids in milk fat, the level of CLA and omega-3 fatty acids can be improved by dietary factors. However, none of the components can be changed without a concomitant increase in trans fatty acids, some with unknown human health effects. Diets that effectively affect milk fat composition, often lead to milk fat depression due to inhibition of expression of the genes coding for key enzymes. Potential negative effects on technological and sensory quality cannot be ignored.