Abstract:

[Objective] The aim of this study was to characterize the differences in contents of conventional nutrients and mineral elements as well as in content and composition of fatty acid of raw milk from Chinese Holstein dairy cows, Holstein dairy cows and Simmental cows. [Method] Six individuals for each dairy cattle breed were selected, and the fresh milk samples totaling 200 mL were taken from each cattle. The conventional nutrient contents were determined using a milk composition analyzer, the mineral element contents were tested using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer, and the content and composition of fatty acid were evaluated using a gas chromatograph. Statistical analysis was used to compare the nutrient contents as well as the content and composition of fatty acid of raw milk from dairy cattle of different breeds. [Result] The milk fat content of Chinese Holstein dairy cows was significantly （P<0.05） higher than that of Holstein dairy cows, and the milk protein content was significantly （P<0.05） higher than that of Holstein dairy cows and Simmental cows. The milk calcium content of Chinese Holstein dairy cows was significantly （P<0.05） higher than that of Holstein dairy cows, and the milk zinc content was significantly （P<0.05） higher than that of Holstein dairy cows and Simmental cows. The milk myristic acid content of Chinese Holstein dairy cows was significantly lower （P<0.05） than that of Holstein dairy cows, and the milk contents of oleic acid and linoleic acid were significantly （P<0.05） higher than those of Simmental cows. The milk content of saturated fatty acid of Chinese Holstein dairy cows was significantly （P<0.05） lower than that of Simmental cows, and the milk content of unsaturated fatty acid was significantly （P<0.05） higher than that of Simmental cows. [Conclusion] The milk contents of some nutrients and mineral elements of Chinese Holstein dairy cows were comparable to or better than those of Holstein dairy cows and Simmental cows. Chinese Holstein dairy cows had similar milk fatty acid content and composition with Holstein dairy cows, and had superior milk fatty acid composition to Simmental cows.

Key words: milk, nutrients, mineral elements, fatty acid