Abstract

FEDELE, V. et al. Variation in terpene content and profile in milk in relation to the dominant plants in the diet of grazing goats. S. Afr. j. anim. sci. [online]. 2004, vol.34, n.5, pp.145-147. ISSN 2221-4062.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the diet of grazing goats on the concentration and the profile of terpenes in their milk. This was tested during three seasons of the year using the two most preferred plant species in each season. Fifteen non-supplemented lactating goats grazed the pastures during the different seasons for 8 hours/day to measure their preference of specific plant species. The terpene concentration of the milk of six grazing lactating goats fitted with rumen cannulae were determined. For six consecutive days, 500 g/day of fresh herbage were introduced through the cannulae into their rumens, Lolium perenne and Dactylis glomerata in winter, Geranium molle and Asperula odorosa in spring and Cichorium intybus and Galium verum in summer. The results showed that each plant species modified the profile and the concentration of mono and sesquiterpenes of milk. In every season sesquiterpenes appeared the most abundant compounds. In summer the sesquiterpenes reached the highest levels, enriching goat milk most pronouncedly.

Keywords : Terpenes; goat; milk; plant.

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