Study of the Variability in Fatty Acids and Carotenoid Profiles: Laying the Ground for Tank Milk Authentication

This study analyzes 174 tank milk samples taken from 89 commercial farms located all along the Cantabrian Coast (Green Spain). Sampling was performed in two periods: autumn 2016 and spring 2017. A survey carried out for every day of sampling to record average lactating dairy cow production its diet composition. For each sample, fatty acid (FA) profile (49 FA plus main relationships) nine fat-soluble antioxidant (FSA) profiles (retinol (vitamin A), ?- ?-tocopherol E), all-trans-?-carotene, 9-cis-?-carotene, 13-cis-?-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, ?-cryptoxanthin) were determined. The varied between 7.3 45.9 liters per day, highlighting diversity found among systems. fat content ranged 2.64% 4.38% protein 2.87% 3.56%. Regarding acids profile, percentage saturated 59.95% 75.99%. linolenic fluctuated 0.21 1.31 rumenic 0.20 2.47 (g 100 g?1 total FA). most important correlations always related fresh grass forage (which is defined by both conserved derived (GCF)) diet. vaccenic acid, omega-3, CLA isomers showed highest correlation with proportion contents also highly variable, although dietary components lower. (fresh (FG) GCF) 13-cis-?-carotene. Diets without had lower omega-3 content, CLA,