Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 3 — Observational / field trialPeer-reviewedConventional

Effects of feeding apple and hempseed by-products on fatty acids, B vitamins and mineral concentrations of dairy cow milk

Benchu Xue; Sokratis Stergiadis; Tianhai Yan; Sabrina Ormston; Rachael Wall; Yiran Zou; Mahsa Amanpour; Laurence Smith; Ifat Parveen; Katerina Theodoridou

Food Chemistry · 2026

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Summary

This study investigated how supplementary feeding of apple and hempseed by-products affects the nutritional composition of dairy cow milk, with particular focus on fatty acids, B vitamins, and minerals. By-product feeds are of interest as sustainable alternatives in dairy rations; the research appears to assess whether such feeds alter the micronutrient density and fatty acid profile of milk produced. The findings contribute evidence on how feed composition influences the nutrient quality of milk for human consumption.

Regional applicability

The geographic origin of the study is not specified in the available metadata. If conducted in the United Kingdom or temperate regions with similar dairy systems and feed availability, findings would be directly applicable to UK dairy farmers and processors seeking to optimise milk composition through feed management. Transferability to other regions would depend on local feed markets, cow genetics, and production systems.

Key measures

Milk fatty acid composition, B vitamins (likely thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, B12, folate), mineral concentrations (likely calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, iron, copper, manganese, selenium)

Outcomes reported

The study measured fatty acid profiles, B vitamin concentrations, and mineral content in milk from dairy cows fed supplementary apple and hempseed by-products. Compositional changes in milk nutrients were assessed as outcomes of dietary intervention.

Theme
Nutrition & health
Subject
Dairy & milk production
Study type
Research
Study design
Field trial
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
System type
Dairy
DOI
10.1016/j.foodchem.2026.151954
Catalogue ID
NRmw3mawbf-015

Topic tags

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