Influence of lipid supplementation on milk components and fatty acid profile

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different lipid sources in diets for lactating cows on milk yield and composition, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) content, and fatty acid profile in the milk fat. Five primiparous Holstein cows were distributed in a 5 × 5 Latin square design. Treatments were: control (no lipid addition) and four other diets containing different lipids sources - ground raw soybean, cottonseed, soybean oil, and calcium salts of soybean fatty acids (CSSFA). The greater milk yield (kg/day) and milk lactose (g/kg) and solids non-fat (g/kg) contents were obtained with the animals fed diets with CSSFA. Regarding the fatty acid profile in the milk fat, the diets with CSSFA and ground raw soybeans produced the greatest concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids and C182. Supplementation with CSSFA provided a greater production (g/day) of CLA, resulting in almost twice the values shown by the other treatments. The use of different lipid sources does not affect the milk total solids (protein, fat, and lactose) and CSSFA has a positive influence on the fatty acid profile of the milk fat and amount of CLA produced. Additionally, milk yield is not affected by this supplement.