Published online by Cambridge University Press: 23 November 2017
Milk fat conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) concentrations are higher for milk produced from cows grazing fresh pastures than for milk when conserved forages are fed (Jahreis et al., 1997). This experiment investigated the hypothesis that this increased CLA production results from the action of volatile compounds (hydroperoxides, alcohols, aldehydes and ketones) released during the cutting of grass (De Gouw et al., 1999).These compounds have antimicrobial activities (Kubo et al., 1995) and may have an effect on rumen microbial populations.