Assessment of Value Added Milk from Pasture-based Dairies

Project Overview

SW01-034
Project Type: Research and Education
Funds awarded in 2001: $78,000.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2004
Matching Non-Federal Funds: $21,831.00
Region: Western
State: Utah
Principal Investigator:
Tilak Dhiman
Email
Utah State University

Annual Reports

Commodities

  • Agronomic: soybeans
  • Animal Products: dairy

Practices

  • Animal Production: feed formulation, grazing - rotational
  • Farm Business Management: new enterprise development, value added

    Abstract:

    Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a potent anticarcinogenic compound. Milk fat is the richest source of CLA. Our research suggests that milk from pasture-based dairies was high in CLA. The CLA contents in milk were higher in summer than in winter months. The consumer acceptability and quality of CLA-enriched dairy products produced from cows grazing pasture was the same as from cows fed conserved forages and grains. Consumers were willing to pay more for the CLA-enriched dairy products. Dietary intake of CLA in adults living in Utah was 25% of the effective dose for cancer prevention.

    Project objectives:

    Objective 1: To assess the year-round supply and value of CLA-enriched dairy products produced on pasture-based dairies.
    Objective 2: To characterize physical, chemical, and sensory properties of CLA-enriched dairy products
    Objective 3: To assess the market values of CLA-enriched milk, cheese, and butter.

    Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.