Flaxseed-fed cows produce more nutritious milk, says study

Dairy cows that are fed flaxseed produce more nutritious milk, according to a new study by Oregon State University (OSU).

It revealed that their milk contained more omega-3 fatty acids and less saturated fat.

Traditional cattle feed mixtures of corn, grains, alfalfa hay and grass silage result in dairy products with low concentrations of omega-3 and other polyunsaturated fats, according to Gerd Bobe, the lead scientist on the study.

Ten pregnant cows at OSU’s dairy were fed different amounts of flaxseed – up to seven percent of their daily diet. Researchers attempted to pinpoint the amount of flaxseed that would maximise the amount of omega-3 in milk and dairy products without negatively affecting production and texture.

“We were looking for a sweet spot,” explains Bobe, an expert in human and animal nutrition. “Too much of a good thing can be bad, especially when trying to maintain consistency with dairy products.”