Seasonal variation in fatty acid profile in the milk of different species under popularly followed feeding system in India

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the seasonal variation in fatty acid profile in the milk of different species during summer and winter seasons. Samples were collected in months of summer and winter. Total saturated fatty acids (SFA) content (g/100g of fat) was 13-14% higher in summer than winter in all species. Total monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) concentration (g/100g fat) were 10-12%, 3-4%, 30-40% respectively and, higher in winter than summer. MUFA, PUFA and CLA were considerably altered among seasons and species. It was concluded that PUFA and CLA in milk of different species increased during winter season than summer and this may be attributed to the seasonal availability of green fodder.