Abstract

LEON CAVIEDES, Javier M; PABON RESTREPO, Martha L  and  CARULLA FORNAGUERA, Juan E. Pasture traits and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) content in milk. Rev Colom Cienc Pecua [online]. 2011, vol.24, n.1, pp.63-73. ISSN 0120-0690.

Functional foods (foods that have a beneficial effect in health) were usually referred to those of vegetable origin. Nowadays, interesting bioactive compounds have been also found in the fat of ruminants (milk and meat). Ruminant feeding systems based in grazing increase the presence of polyunsaturated fatty acids (i.e., conjugated linoleic acid) in milk, which reputedly prevents against certain diseases, such as diabetes, atherosclerosis and cancer. This could later represent a comparative marketing advantage for milk produced under grazing conditions. Most Colombian dairy cows graze on kikuyu grass and/ or ryegrass, but those pastures have a high demand for nitrogen, compromising the sustainability of those systems. A search for new pastures, selected for adaptation, compatibility and productivity has started. The association between Lotus uliginosus and kikuyu has interesting potential in terms of milk quality. The presence of legumes in the pasture allows to decrease the need for nitrogen fertilizer and increases the content of beneficial compounds in milk, such as secondary metabolites that modify biohydrogenation patterns and increase the production of CLA precursors. Pasture management factors that affect milk fatty acid composition (i.e., age, species, and nitrogen fertilization) are discussed.

Keywords : diet; regrowt time; specie; vaccenic acid.

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