Inclusion of Sunflower Oil, Organic Selenium, and Vitamin E on Milk Production and Composition, and Blood Parameters of Lactating Cows

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Feeding sunflower oil, selenium, and vitamin E to lactating dairy cows has improved the nutritional profile of milk for human consumption and positively impacted animal performance. This may be attributed to the increased healthier fat components, i.e., “good fats”, and antioxidant substances in milk. This study evaluated the effects of supplementing sunflower oil, selenium, and vitamin E on milk production and composition, and the blood parameters of lactating dairy cows. Supplementing sunflower oil to lactating dairy cows provided beneficial effects on milk fatty acid profiles, increasing healthier fatty acids concentrations, which have been reported as important anticarcinogenic, antiatherogenic, and antidiabetic nutrients in human diet. However, this strategy reduced the milk fat content. Selenium and vitamin E supplementation improved milk production and provided higher selenium and vitamin E content in blood and milk. These compounds are important antioxidants and nutrients for animal and human health. ABSTRACT: Aiming to improve milk quality and animal health, the effects of the inclusion of sunflower oil with added organic selenium (Se) and vitamin E in the diets of lactating cows were evaluated. Twenty-four multiparous lactating Jersey cows were randomly enrolled into four treatments: CON (control); SEL [2.5 mg organic Se kg(−1) dry matter (DM) + 1000 IU vitamin E daily]; SUN (sunflower oil 3% DM); and SEL + SUN (sunflower oil 3% DM + 2.5 mg organic Se kg(−1) DM + 1000 IU vitamin E daily). The experimental period was 12 weeks with 14 days for acclimation. Cows were milked twice a day. Dry matter intake, milk production, and composition were measured daily and analyzed in a pooled 4-week sample. On day 84, white blood cell counts, as well as serum and milk Se and vitamin E levels, were assessed. Supplementation with selenium and vitamin E alone or combined with sunflower oil increased milk production, and increased the serum and milk concentrations of those nutrients. The inclusion of sunflower oil reduced fat content and DM intake but also altered the milk fatty acid profile, mainly increasing levels of trans 11 C18:1 (vaccenic) and cis 9 trans 11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Our results indicate that supplementation with sunflower oil, Se and vitamin E provides beneficial effects on animal performance and milk composition, which could be an important source of CLA and antioxidants (Se and vitamin E) for human consumption.