Effect of legume silages fed to Holstein dairy cows on plasma alpha-tocopherol concentration, milk alpha-tocopherol and malonic dialdehyde in milk samples stored at 4°C and 20°C

Abstract

Alpha-tocopherol is the natural antioxidant in milk preventing the oxidation of milk fat and development of off-flavour and off-odour. The feeding of dairy cows can significantly affect plasma and milk concentrations of α-tocopherol. There is growing interest in the use of legumes in milk production and so it is important to investigate their effects on milk a-tocopherol as well as the oxidation of milk fat during storage and, hence, shelf-life of milk.