Effects of thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) essential oil supplementation on the microbiological quality of raw milk of lactating dairy cows.

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the supplementation of lactating cows with thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) essential oil (TEO) on the centesimal composition and microbiological quality of raw milk. Twenty-four lactating cows (400 ± 42.9 kg initial body weight, 50 ± 10 days in milk, and 22.05 ± 4.34 kg/d milk production, second lactation) from an experimental farm in the region of Ribeirão Preto/SP, Brazil were used, divided randomly assigned to two groups: Control- 8 mL/d soybean oil (as placebo), and Treatment- 8 mL/d TEO, per cow/day. Both oils were offered encapsulated and administered daily via esophageal tube, for 21 days. On d 21, milk was collected from each animal, fractionated into 50 mL bottles. The microbiological quality of the raw was analyzed for standard plate count (SPC), milk composition (protein, fat, lactose, and solids non fat (SNF)), and thymol concentration. The treated group had significantly lower mean values for SPC after 168 h under refrigeration, and no differences were observed in the milk composition. The supplementation of lactating dairy cows with 8 mL/d TEO represents a promising alternative to controlling microbial spoilage in raw milk, allowing the reduction of economic losses in the milk chain, in addition to providing consumers with a safer product. However, further research should be conducted to better assess the effect of TEO supplementation on milk quality, such as sensory and toxicity studies, in addition to evaluating the effect of milk processing on oil activity and the effect on consumer health.

• Authors: Lívia Castelani, Karina Pfrimer, Rodrigo Giglioti, Eric Haydt Castello Branco van Cleef, Márcia Saladini Vieira Salles, Luiz Carlos Roma Júnior
• Journal: Research in veterinary science (Res Vet Sci) Vol. 161 Pg. 118-121 (Aug 2023) ISSN: 1532-2661 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 37356406 (Publication Type: Randomized Controlled Trial, Veterinary, Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Oils, Volatile

Topics

• Female
• Cattle
• Animals
• Milk
• Lactation
• Diet (veterinary)
• Dietary Supplements
• Thymus Plant
• Oils, Volatile (pharmacology)
• Animal Feed (analysis)