Effects of Linseed Supplementation on Milk Production, Composition, Odd- and Branched-Chain Fatty Acids, and on Serum Biochemistry in Cilentana Grazing Goats
Nadia Musco,
Raffaella Tudisco,
Giulia Esposito,
Piera Iommelli,
Pajaree Totakul,
Biagio D’Aniello,
Pietro Lombardi,
Ruggero Amato,
Metha Wanapat,
Federico Infascelli
Affiliations
Nadia Musco
Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Napoli, Italy
Raffaella Tudisco
Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Napoli, Italy
Giulia Esposito
Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
Piera Iommelli
Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Napoli, Italy
Pajaree Totakul
Tropical Feed Resources Research and Development Center, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
Biagio D’Aniello
Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Napoli, Italy
Pietro Lombardi
Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Napoli, Italy
Ruggero Amato
Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Napoli, Italy
Metha Wanapat
Tropical Feed Resources Research and Development Center, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
Federico Infascelli
Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Napoli, Italy
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of linseed supplementation on milk yield and quality, serum biochemistry and, in particular, to evaluate its possible effects on the production of odd- and branched-chain fatty acids (OBCFA) in the milk of Cilentana grazing goats. Twelve pregnant Cilentana dairy goats were divided into two groups (CTR, control, and LIN, linseed supplementation group). After kidding, the goats had free access to the pasture and both groups received a supplement of 400 g/head of concentrate, but the one administered to the LIN group was characterized by the addition of linseed (in a ratio of 20% as fed) to the ingredients. During the trial, milk samples were taken from April to August in order to evaluate milk production, composition, and fatty acid profile. In addition, blood samples were taken for evaluating the effects of linseed supplementation on goats’ health status. The health status of the goats was not influenced by the linseed supplementation, as confirmed by blood analyses. Concerning the effects on milk, the supplementation positively affected (p p p p < 0.0001). Further studies are needed to test the effects of different fat sources and other nutrients on the diets.
