Timing of Eating Affects Cow Milk Fatty Acids Profiles

The objective was to establish effects of providing a total mixed ration (TMR) at either 0900 h or 2100 h on milk fatty acids profiles in lactating cows. Four multiparous and four primiparous Holstein cows were used in a cross-over design study with two 6-week periods, each with 3-week adaptation. Milk proportions of total short, medium, and long chain fatty acids were not significantly affected by eating time. Feeding at 2100 h vs. 0900 h decreased (P< 0.05) milk proportions of C10:0, C12:0, C12:1, C13:0, C13:1 and C18:3 n-3, and tended to decrease (P <0.10) proportions of C8:0 and C18:1 trans-9, while increasing that of C18:0. Therefore, feed delivery at 2100 h vs. 0900 h improved milk energy output while to some extent manipulating milk fatty acids profiles. Future studies are required to explore mechanisms whereby timing of eating affects ruminant physiology.

کلیدواژه ها:

Eating timing ، Evening feeding ، Cow milk ، Fatty acid