Effect of conjugated linoleic acid supplementation on fat globule size in raw milk

The effect of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on milk lipids and on the size of milk fat globules (MFGs) during milk fat depression in dairy cows was evaluated. Twelve Holstein cows were randomly assigned to a control diet or control plus Ca-protected CLA at 15 g kg(-1) dry matter for an 8-day period. Feeding CLA did not affect milk production, dry matter intake or lactose level, but tended to reduced milk protein (-0.19%; P = 0.08) and reduced milk fat content (-1.39%; P < 0.01). Compared with the controls, the size of MFGs in cows fed CLA was lower, while their specific surface area was higher. CLA supplementation reduced the relative contents of phosphatidylcholine and hosphatidylethanolamine in milk fat. (c) 2020 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Automated summary

This study found that supplementation of dairy cows with conjugated linoleic acid during milk fat depression can lead to reduced milk protein and fat content, as well as decreased milk fat globule size and increased specific surface area.