Changes in donkey milk lipids in relation to season and lactation

Abstract

In this study the fatty acid profile and morphometric characteristics of fat globules in Amiata donkey milk in relation to the lactation phase and production season have been evaluated. Individual donkey milk samplings were carried out monthly starting from day 30 of lactation until day 300. The amount of fat and the diameter of the milk fat globules were fairly stable during lactation, whereas the number of globules/mL of milk decreased significantly only in the last phase of lactation. The fatty acid composition showed only few changes during lactation, which consisted in a progressive decrease in the short chain fatty acids and an increasing trend in the monounsaturated fatty acids. Winter milk showed a significantly larger average diameter, a lower number of fat globules/mL, lower (P