Dairy, Volume 5, Issue 3 (September 2024) – 15 articles

This study aimed to evaluate the fatty acid (FA) profile in milk from commercial farms with varying pasture levels in the diet during spring and fall, and to investigate the physical and chemical properties of butter to assess the impact of FAs on technological and nutritional properties. Milk sampling was conducted biweekly from six farms, categorized into high (HP) and low (LP) pasture treatments based on pasture intake: >60% and <35%, respectively. Butter was made from a pasture-based system (GRZ) and a confined system (C). No differences were observed in milk fat percentage between HP and LP in either season. High pasture had 85–66% more conjugated linoleic acid (CLA, p = 0.01), 74–48% more trans-vaccenic acid (TVA, p = 0.01), and 21–15% more branched-chain FAs (BCFAs, p = 0.006) than LP in spring and fall, respectively. In fall, butter from C had lower saturated FAs (SFAs, p = 0.005), higher unsaturated FAs (UFA, p = 0.008), and a lower spreadability index (SI, p = 0.005) than GRZ, resulting in softer butter. In conclusion, HP in both seasons had higher contents of FAs considered healthy for consumers compared to LP. Contrary to expectations, in fall, C showed higher UFAs and lower SFAs in butter, leading to better technological characteristics than GRZ. Full article

This study aimed to compare calcium oxide (CaO) and calcium chloride (CaCl₂) as calcium sources for coconut fatty acid distillate (CFAD) calcium soap (Ca-soap) production and to evaluate the supplementation ratios of unprotected and protected CFAD in dairy rations to optimize rumen function. This research included two steps: (1) assessing the protection strength of Ca-soap made with CaO and CaCl₂ at mole ratios of Ca to CFAD of 1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5; (2) evaluating CFAD supplementation in an in vitro dairy ration study using a 5 × 4 randomized factorial block design. Factor A compared unprotected and protected CFAD ratios of A1 = 100:0, A2 = 75:25, A3 = 50:50, A4 = 25:75, and A5 = 0:100, and factor B compared supplementation levels of B1 = 0%, B2 = 1%, B3 = 2%, and B4 = 3%. CaCl₂ at a 2.5-mole ratio to CFAD produced the lowest acid value and the carboxylic acid (C=O) chemical bond. Complete protection (0:100) exhibited the highest densities of Bacteroides and nutrient digestibility (p < 0.05) without significantly affecting rumen fermentability (p > 0.05). Higher CFAD levels significantly reduced methanogens and protozoa (p < 0.05) without significantly affecting estimated methane production. In conclusion, CaCl₂ at a 2.5-mole ratio to CFAD provided the best protection, and its complete protection in CFAD supplementation optimized rumen function. Full article

Pregnancy loss (PL) in dairy cattle results in animal health and welfare disruption and has a great economic impact on farms, with decreases in fertility and increased culling. It can occur at any stage of embryonic or fetal development. Abortion occurring from the second half of pregnancy has a more negative impact on dairy farms. There are several infectious and non-infectious factors that can lead to PL and vary according embryonic or fetal stages. As this is a multifactorial or multi-etiological occurrence, it is important to identify the risk factors and the best diagnostic tools to approach these reproductive losses that can occur sporadically or by outbreaks. Reaching a final diagnosis can be challenging, especially when it occurs at a very early stage of pregnancy, where losses may not be detected and neonatal deaths may be related to alterations in the fetus in utero. Also, laboratorial results from animal samples should be interpreted according to the full clinical approach. This review aimed to highlight all these essential aspects, identifying the main infectious and non-infectious causes leading to PL, as well as the best veterinary practices for diagnosing it, mainly through transrectal palpation, ultrasound, and laboratory methods, in bovine dairy farms. Full article

The capulin fruit (Conostegia xalapensis) is a seasonal wild berry. The objective of this study was to evaluate the sensory acceptance and physicochemical characteristics of yogurt with the incorporation of capulin at different concentrations (2, 4, and 6%). The fruits were dehydrated at three different temperatures (40 °C, 50 °C, and 60 °C), and flour was prepared as raw material for microbiological and physicochemical characterization. The moisture (9.05%), ash (4.24%), fat (3.7%), carbohydrates (7.2%), protein (6.9%), and fiber (13.1%) were determined. The pH, viscosity, syneresis, water holding capacity, and microbial counts were determined. The acceptability of yogurt was determined through a sensory evaluation with 100 semi-trained judges using a 9-point hedonic test. The results showed a significant difference between the yogurt containing 4 and 6% capulin fruit and the yogurt with the greatest acceptability containing 2% capulin fruit. The pH was within the range of values recommended for commercial yogurt. Likewise, the proximate of capulin fruit was higher than those reported by other authors who have conducted studies with blueberries or wild peas, making capulin jelly an efficient supplement to naturally color fruit yogurt. The incorporation of capulin-based jelly, as we discovered, holds promise as a potential food alternative and a viable substitute for artificial coloring. This finding could have significant implications for the food industry, offering a natural and healthier option. Full article

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is a major carcinogenic compound found in milk and dairy products, posing a constant risk to consumers in the Mediterranean region. This study systematically reviewed AFM1 presence in these products in Mediterranean countries over a period of 20 years and estimated the relevant nutritional exposure for consumers. Using data from three databases, 596 articles were retrieved with 123 meeting the inclusion criteria. The frequency of AFM1 occurrence was 40% regardless of milk type, with non-cow milk showing an increasing trend. Moreover, the Estimated Daily Intake of AFM1 from milk and dairy product consumption and the associated Hazard Index were determined. Notably, Southeastern Mediterranean countries presented higher contamination levels, leading to elevated Estimated Daily Intake and Hhazard Index values. Thermally processed milk showed high contamination levels, and among dairy products, cheeses were the most contaminated. This review highlights AFM1 as a persistent hazard in the dairy sector, underscoring the need for effective interventions throughout the milk production stages. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of increasing levels of crude glycerol (CG) on the effective degradability of neutral detergent fiber (EDNDF) in Pennisetum clandestinum Hochst. Ex Chiov (kikuyu forage) and ruminal fermentation parameters in grazing dairy cows. Four non-lactating cannulated Holstein cows were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Treatments consisted of CG infusion in the rumen at the following levels: 0 (G0), 500 (G500), 1000 (G1000), and 1500 (G1500) g/animal/day. Two kikuyu forages harvested (D) at 35 (DR35) and 45 (DR45) days of regrowth were incubated in the rumen for 72 h. The infusion of CG into the rumen increased (p < 0.05) EDNDF in both incubated forages. Total volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and pH values in the ruminal fluid were unaffected (p > 0.05) by the infusion of CG. However, propionate and butyrate molar proportions increased (p < 0.05) at the expense of acetate at all CG levels. In addition, the NH₃-N levels decreased (p < 0.05) by approximately 20% with the infusion of 1000 and 1500 g of CG. In conclusion, supplementation with CG increases ruminal EDNDF, improving rumen fermentation dynamics in cows grazing kikuyu forage under tropical conditions. This greater EDNDF was achieved for both harvesting times. Full article

This study used a meta-analytic approach to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with seaweed on milk yield, milk composition, nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and enteric methane (CH₄) emissions of dairy cows. Data used in statistical analyses were obtained from 23 peer-reviewed scientific articles. Effect size was assessed using weighted mean differences (WMD) between seaweed-supplemented and control treatments. Dietary supplementation with seaweed decreased (p < 0.05) dry matter intake, milk protein content, milk urea nitrogen, and somatic cell count. In contrast, milk fat content, milk lactose content, and milk iodine increased (p < 0.05) in response to dietary supplementation with seaweed. Dietary supplementation with seaweed did not affect (p > 0.05) nutrient digestibility, total volatile fatty acids, acetate, and propionate. Dietary supplementation with seaweeds increased (p < 0.05) ruminal pH and ruminal concentration of butyrate and valerate. In contrast, lower (p < 0.05) ruminal ammonia nitrogen concentration, acetate/propionate ratio, daily CH₄ emission, CH₄ yield, and CH₄ intensity were observed in response to dietary supplementation with seaweeds. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with seaweed modifies milk composition, improves ruminal fermentation, and decreases enteric methane emissions without negatively affecting milk yield or feed efficiency. Full article

Given the rising interest in functional foods for health benefits, this study aims to evaluate the antihypertensive activity of an ice cream base incorporating Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG and aguamiel syrup. We assessed the probiotic viability and ACE inhibitory activity in ice cream enriched with aguamiel syrup compared to inulin. Several reports have highlighted the importance of consuming symbiotic dairy foods to modulate the intestinal microbiota and multiple pathophysiologies. Ice cream has a high worldwide consumption rate, so it is an alternative to incorporating probiotics and prebiotics. The probiotic was inoculated (10⁹ CFU/mL) into an ice cream base enriched with aguamiel syrup and a control base with added inulin. The carbohydrate profiles in the aguamiel (used to produce the syrup) and the aguamiel syrup were obtained through HPLC. TNBS and SDS-PAGE analysis were used to determine the proteolytic action of the probiotic. Sucrose was the carbohydrate with the highest concentration in fresh aguamiel and aguamiel syrup. The probiotic remained viable for 14 days under refrigerated storage conditions, with the aguamiel syrup base showing superior protein hydrolysis (free amino groups 302.67 ± 2.29 µg/mL) and 65% ACE inhibition. Likewise, the pH remained unchanged throughout the refrigerated days. These results underscore the potential of aguamiel syrup as a prebiotic in functional dairy products. Full article

In the present study, the physicochemical characteristics of 108 yoghurts purchased from the Greek market have been assessed. Generally, the range of the mean pH values of samples was 3.58–4.64, of fat 0–10.8%, of protein 3.29–10.05%, of total solids 10.75–25.18%, and of ash 0.5–1.17%. Samples were categorized as strained and non-strained (traditional with a crust or plain without a crust). The milk origin was classified as being from sheep, goats, cows, mixture of sheep–goat–cow milk, or cow–donkey milk combination. A significant effect of species origin was determined for yoghurt physicochemical attributes, whereas geographical origin, mainland or island, affected yoghurt acidity only. Discriminant analysis revealed MDA, pH, acidity, syneresis, fat, and protein content and color lightness and redness as the traits responsible for the discrimination of yoghurts into milk-type classes, whereas fat, protein, and ash content, pH, and syneresis attributes were responsible for the discrimination into fat content classes. Yoghurt samples were sufficiently clustered according to their fat content, whereas protein content and species origin discriminated yoghurts to a lesser extent. This first in-depth descriptive research on a wide range of samples of the renowned Greek yoghurt showed that several physicochemical characteristics can be used for sample discrimination. Full article

Embryo transfer has become a major method to improve fertility in both humans and cattle. The current review focuses on predicting an embryo with a high developmental competence and high potential to establish pregnancy. One way to evaluate the embryo quality is to assess its morphology. However, this approach provides only limited and inadequate information. Using a time-lapse system allows a continuous monitoring of embryonic development. Here we introduce the main morphokinetic parameters and discuss their potential to predict embryo viability, implantation, pregnancy, and live birth. Special attention is given to the association between the transcript’s profile and the embryo developmental potential; normally cleaved embryos differ in their profile from their abnormally cleaved counterpart; synchronously and asynchronously cleaved embryos, which are both defined as suitable for transfer, differ in their transcript profile. Recently, the advancements and wide use of time-lapse systems led to the development of algorithms for embryo selection. This technology is already implanted in human in vitro fertilization units, but it is not yet used for domestic animals. The authors believe that combining information from both the human and bovine morphokinetics might reveal the benefits of using a time-lapse system to select embryos with good potential for transfer. Full article

The widespread adoption of automatic milking systems (AMS) in the United States has afforded dairy cows the flexibility to establish personalized milking, feeding, and resting schedules. Our study focused on investigating the short-term effects of transitioning milking permissions from every 4 (MP4) to 6 (MP6) hours on the 100th day of lactation on milking frequency, milk yields, and cow behavior. Twenty-four Holstein dairy cows were divided into control (maintaining a 4 h milking interval) and test groups (transitioning to a 6 h milking interval) and observed for 6 days. The analysis revealed that parity and treatment had no significant impact on milking frequency, milk/visit, or daily milk yield. However, multiparous cows spent more time inside the commitment pen, while test group cows exhibited more tail-swishing and displacement behavior, approached the AMS more frequently, and spent longer idle times. The interaction between parity and treatment influenced heart rate variability parameters, indicating increased stress in the test group cows. Additionally, the test group cows had greater total and daytime lying frequencies, suggesting short-term behavioral modifications. Despite no immediate impact on milk production, further research is recommended to assess the potential long-term effects on milk yield in AMS farms, considering the identified stress indicators short-term. Full article

The dairy industry plays a vital role in the global food system, providing a wide range of dairy products that are consumed by millions of people worldwide. Dairy farming provides a daily source of income, creating employment opportunities not only on farms, but also in transportation, milk processing, and the agricultural supply and services sectors. The increasingly pressing challenges and the high competition in the dairy industry, particularly in saturated markets, emphasize the importance for farms to undertake a comprehensive economic sustainability analysis that extends beyond mere yield monitoring. Empirical studies have found a weak adoption of robust performance measurement and control systems in dairy farms. Given the intricate macroeconomic landscape in developed nations and the imperative to address the multifaceted challenges of the industry, this study employs a systematic literature review (SLR) to evaluate whether academic research offers adequate guidance on economic performance indicators. The study finds out that the current repertoire of indicators, while relevant and partially related to quality attributes, fails to encapsulate the intricate interplay of variables and the nature of economic sustainability, highlighting the need to adopt additional indicators into the dimensions of operational efficiency and effectiveness, strategic investments, and financial strength. Full article

The net return from milk to the producers is defined as the aggregate market income from dairy products, after deducting all processing and marketing costs. The way to distribute this net return is through the payment system, which is usually based on multiple components, mainly with a reward for fat and protein and, in the case of the New Zealand dairy industry, a penalty for milk volume. Traditionally, the value of genetic improvement is evaluated using selection index theory assuming that there is an unlimited market where all dairy products can be sold in unlimited amounts at a fixed price and therefore economic values for fat and protein are assumed to be independent of demand. The objective of this study was to estimate the value of continuous genetic improvement evaluated using a model encompassing all the dairy producers in the industry where prices of the dairy products were determined by product specific supply-demand curves. Over 10 years of genetic improvement, the present value of the benefit (10% discount rate) was estimated to be $123,000 per farm. The corresponding benefit when the markets were assumed to have fixed commodity prices was $183,000 per farm. The model revealed that systematic genetic gains had a finite duration during which incremental benefits progressively declined and would be exhausted eventually. Full article

With interest in camel milk growing due to its nutrients and biologically active compounds, research into methods of processing and drying it is crucial. In recent decades, extensive studies have explored its chemical composition and health benefits with a focus on drying techniques and their effects on its properties. This review systematically summarizes the available literature on camel milk drying processes and their effects on its chemical composition with a view to shortening the drying time. To achieve this goal, we meticulously reviewed numerous studies published between 2014 and 2024 to identify optimal drying methods that maximize the preservation of camel milk’s nutrient components and bioactive compounds. Our analysis revealed significant findings: freeze drying preserves nutrients better than spray drying, but is less efficient. Spray drying, while faster, tends to compromise some nutritional values. Conclusively, optimizing drying parameters can improve production efficiency and nutrient retention. Full article

Artisan goat cheeses (AGCs) from four different producers in Coahuila, Mexico, along with a pasteurized goat cheese (C), were subjected to a comprehensive analysis covering production, chemical, microbiological aspects, and texture. The study aimed to discern the impact of feeding practices, seasonality, and manufacturing technology on their properties. Aspects such as the manufacturing production, chemical composition, microbiological load, and texture characteristics were analyzed. The results highlighted a higher protein content in the cheeses from grazing goats (14.51%), while the highest fat (14.25%) and ash (3.27%) contents were found in the cheeses made during spring from stabled goats. Correlations were noted between the protein content and hardness, as well as the acidity and adhesiveness. Most of the analyzed cheeses showed microbiological levels higher than those allowed by national regulations, with counts ranging from 1 to 7.5 Log cfu g⁻¹ for total coliforms, 2.39 to 7.52 Log cfu g⁻¹ for molds and yeasts, as well as 2.16 to 6.53 Log cfu g⁻¹ for Staphylococcus. The findings of this study offer a comprehensive insight of the effects of feeding practices, seasonality, and manufacturing technology on AGC properties, potentially guiding improvements in both production processes and product quality. Full article