Resumen

ORTEGA-PEREZ, R et al. Fatty acids profile in milk of Chinampo cows (Bos taurus) fed fresh forage from sarcocaulescent shrubs or alfalfa hay. Arch. med. vet. [online]. 2013, vol.45, n.1, pp.45-51. ISSN 0301-732X.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0301-732X2013000100008.

The objective of the present study was to determine the concentration of fatty acids (FA) in the milk of Chinampo cows (Bos taurus), with emphasis on conjugated fatty acids (CLA). A sample of 10 ml was collected from 32 cows that had been lactating at least 60 days, but not longer than 120 days. A group (FV, n = 25) was free-ranged grazed on green fresh pasture (sarcocaulescent shrub semiarid area, La Paz, B.C.S.) during the wet season (September-October 2009). The second group (HA, n = 7) was penned and fed fodder of alfalfa hay. The FA analysis revealed that there were less saturated FA in the FV group (P < 0.05). This difference was basically explained by the lesser content of 14:0, 15:0, and 16:0. The concentration of total monounsaturated FA was higher in FV (P < 0.05), given by the higher concentration of 18:1 n-9 and 18:1 n-7 trans-11. The total concentration of polyunsaturated FA was similar for both groups, but there was a higher concentration of 18:2 n-6 and 18:2 n-7 cis-9 trans-11 in the FV group (P < 0.01). The proportion of omega-3 FA was similar for both groups, but the concentration of omega-6 FA was higher in FV (P < 0.01), resulting in an increased omega-6:omega-3 ratios in the FV group compared to HA. It is concluded that Chinampo cows left to free-range on fresh green pasture reduced the total saturated FA of medium chain length, and increased the concentration of 18:1 n-9, 18:1 n-7 trans-11 and 18:2 n-7 cis-9 trans-11, a benefit for human health. However, an increase in omega-3 FA is desirable in the milk of free-ranging cows in the area.

Palabras clave : cows; nutrition; fatty acids; milk.

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