Performance, milk fatty acid profile and oxidative status of lactating small ruminants supplemented with microalgae: A meta-analysis

Microalgae are considered an effective strategy to improve the polyunsaturated fatty acid profile of ruminant milk. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with microalgae (MIAs) on milk yield, oxidative status, and milk quality of lactating small ruminants. The data used were obtained from 20 peer-reviewed scientific articles. The weighted mean difference between experimental treatments (diets added with MIAs) and control treatments (diets without MIAs) was evaluated using the random-effects meta-analysis model. Higher dry matter intake and milk yield were observed in response to MIAs supplementation (P < 0.05). In addition, MIAs supplementation increased (P < 0.05) the contents of conjugated linoleic, & alpha;-linolenic, & gamma;-linolenic, eicosapentaenoic, docosahexaenoic, total polyunsaturated, and total omega-3 fatty acids in milk. In blood plasma, higher (P < 0.05) concentrations of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase were observed in response to MIAs supplementation. In milk, MIAs supplementation decreased fat content (P < 0.001) and increased SOD and CAT content (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the dietary inclusion of MIAs could be used as a nutritional strategy to improve the performance and fatty acid profile in the milk of small ruminants. Furthermore, MIAs supplementation could be used to improve the oxidative status of blood plasma and milk of lactating small ruminants.

Automated summary

Microalgae supplementation can improve milk production, fatty acid profile, and oxidative status in lactating small ruminants, according to a meta-analysis of 20 scientific articles. The inclusion of microalgae in the diet resulted in higher dry matter intake and milk yield, as well as increased levels of beneficial fatty acids in milk. Additionally, microalgae supplementation improved antioxidant enzyme concentrations in blood plasma and milk. Overall, microalgae could be a valuable nutritional strategy for enhancing the performance and quality of milk in small ruminants.