![]() ![]() "Organic" cows receive, on average, about 80 percent of their daily dry matter intake from forage-based feeds and 20 percent from grain and concentrates."Grassmilk" cows receive an essentially 100 percent organic grass and legume forage-based diet, via pasture and stored feeds like hay and silage.We compared the fatty acid profile of milk from cows managed under three systems in the United States: All samples came from farmer members of CROPP Cooperative and were tested by an independent laboratory. The 1,163 raw milk samples came primarily from the U.S. In a study over three years, we quantified the fatty acid profile in milk from cows fed a 100 percent forage-based diet and compared it to profiles of milk from cows under conventional and organic management. The improved fatty acid profile in grass-fed organic milk and dairy products brings the omega-6/omega-3 ratio to nearly 1 to 1, compared to 5.7 to 1 in conventional whole milk. Research has shown that consuming organic dairy products lowers dietary intakes of omega-6, while increasing intake of omega-3 and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a heart-healthy fatty acid.Ī recent national study found that cows fed a diet of totally organic grass and legumes produced milk with elevated levels of omega-3 and CLA, which provides a markedly healthier balance of fatty acids. Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids are essential human nutrients, yet consuming too much omega-6 and too little omega-3 can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes. An increase in grass-based diets for cows requires careful management of pasture composition and forage production, soil fertility, and animal health. Many grassmilk farmers harvest feedstuffs that are preserved to be fed as baleage. Cows may also eat cereal crops harvested prior to the boot stage, such as oats and barley.Īnnual and perennial forage crops are managed throughout the year to provide for both grazing and stored winter feed. During the non-grazing season, grassmilk cows must consume all forage-based feeds, these may include dried or fermented forages (alfalfa, clovers, grass). The cows may consume certain mineral and energy supplements, such as molasses, at low levels. During the grazing season dairy cows consume nearly all their dry matter from pasture. "Grassmilk" comes from cows fed a nearly 100 percent forage-based diet. However, there is a high consumer preference for "grass-fed" dairy in the United States, which is perceived as healthier.īecause of the growing trend in the organic and grass-based dairy market, cattle producers may capitalize on forage for grazing and organic cattle, which may represent a new resource for dairy production in the United States. The majority of organic dairy farmers in the United States use off-farm purchases to feed their organic animal herds. Grass-fed dairy and organic dairy provide alternative products for consumers concerned about how and where their food is produced. ![]()
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