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Increasing CLA levels in dairy
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Many dairy companies consider or use CLA content claims for their products. CLA isomers (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) can come from various sources, one of which is milk fat. The unique composition of milk fat has been analysed by NIZO and the CLA concentration was found to be affected by the animal feed regime. Using rapid screening techniques to establish the proportion of CLA and GC techniques for detailed analysis of the fatty acid composition, NIZO food research determined the effects of animal feed regimes on milk composition. These studies have shown that a diet containing silage and concentrates results in milk with approximately 0.5 % CLA. This proportion can be increased to 2 to 3 % in free grazing without additional concentrates. Feed concentrates rich in linoleic and linolenic acid, such as linseed and sunflower seed, also increase the n-7 fatty acids concentration in milk. The unique properties of milk CLA have led to the introduction of a range of new dairy products such as enriched milk and cheese. |
