Influence of feed for horse nutrition on the chemical parameters and fatty acid composition of mare’s milk

Aleksandra Nikolić; Jelena Jovanović; Vesna Djordjević; Dejana Trbović; Milijana Sinđić; Jelena Babić Milijašević

doi:10.18485/meattech.2023.64.2.81

Aleksandra Nikolić Institute of meat hygiene and technology
Jelena Jovanović Institute of meat hygiene and technology
Vesna Djordjević Institute of meat hygiene and technology
Dejana Trbović Institute of meat hygiene and technology
Milijana Sinđić University in Belgrade - Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Jelena Babić Milijašević Institute of meat hygiene and technology

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18485/meattech.2023.64.2.81

Keywords: mare’s milk, chemical composition, horse feed, fatty acid milk

Abstract

The aim of this research was to determine the influence of horse feed on selected nutritionally important components of mare’s milk with a focus on fat content: total fat, saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), stearic fatty acid, n-3 PUFA, n-6 PUFA, linoleic (LA) and α-linolenic (ALA) fatty acids. Also, the chemical parameters of the fatty acid composition of feed for horses (briquettes and meadow hay) were examined. Research results showed that complete feed contains a higher crude protein and fat content than hay. In addition, there was a difference in the composition of fatty acids in the milk of mares fed meadow hay compared to briquettes. Accordingly, the diet of mares has an influence on the chemical and fatty acid composition of milk, but it is not the only factor that has an influence.