The effect of the periodic feeding of linseed oil on the production and iodine value of milk fat

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Abstract
Summary A study was made of the changes in the iodine value of milk fat from cows following the feeding of linseed oil (450g) at intervals of 6 days. Three cows in midlactation and of differing age and breed were used. The experiment consisted of a series of 3 collection periods, each of 6 days' duration, with 12 days between periods. Three doses of oil were given (6 days apart) between periods 1 and 2, the last dose of oil being given immediately before the start of period 2. The mean iodine values for the 3 periods were 35·5, 40·5 and 34·7 respectively. There was a distinct pattern of change in iodine value with time after feeding the oil, a maximum of 45·5 being attained on the second day with a subsequent decline to 38·5 on the sixth day. Analysis of variance showed that these effects were significant and due to oil-feeding, whereas changes in yield and content of fat and production of milk could be accounted for by normal decline in lactation. It was concluded that the periodic feeding of a large dose of linseed oil produces a significant increase in the iodine value of milk fat and avoids the possible disadvantages of continuous fat supplementation.