The effects of linseed as a source of omega-3 fatty acids onperformance and milk compositions of dairy cows

Dairy cows are able to synthesis all required fatty acids for suitable performance of biological andphysiological functions with the except of omega 3 (n-3) and omega 6 (n-6) fatty acids (FA). These n-3 andn-6 fatty acids are members of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) that should be supplied to animal throughdiet. Common feeds in diets of dairy cows are naturally rich in n-6 FA but the supply of n-3 FA is mainlyrestricted to feeding linseed or fish oils. In recent years, the use of n-3 FA in diets of dairy cows has attractedthe attention of specialists due to the important roles of these fatty acids in many different biological functionsrelated to health and performance of the animal. Furthermore, enriching milk and milk products of dairy cowswith n-3 FA sources can have beneficial effects on human consumption and health (such as reduction incardiovascular diseases). The goal of this review paper is to evaluate the response of dairy cow’ performanceand milk components to feeding linseed.

Keywords:

Linseed , Performance , Dairy cows , Milk yield