Effect of the Use of Brachiaria ruziziensis on the Chemical Composition of Milk and Serum from Dairy Cattle Breeds in Vina, Cameroon

The demand for animal protein is expected to double by 2040 due to population growth, urbanization, and changing consumption habits [1]. Beyond the need to produce food for a growing population, health concerns call for production methods that preserve human health. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of feeding dairy cows Brachiaria on the mineral and cholesterol content of their milk. The objective was to evaluate the use of Brachiaria on the composition of milk and serum from dairy cows. Twenty-five cows aged 4 - 8 years and of different breeds (Gudali, Montbéliard, Holstein) were selected from 5 farms with natural pasture and a Brachiaria field and the same farming system; Milk and blood samples taken from these cows, raised either on natural pasture or improved pasture (Brachiaria), were subjected to assays for Na, N, P, K, Ca, and lipid profile (HDL cholesterol). It appears that regardless of the forage type, the milk calcium concentration is higher in Gudali (local breed) fed on natural pasture. The Student’s T-test performed shows that between the animal groups, there is a significant difference (P > 0.05) between the Ca concentrations in animals on Brachiaria and those on natural pasture. Indeed, the mean Ca in animals on Brachiaria (1580 mg/L) is higher than that of animals on natural pasture (1577 mg/L). There is no significant difference in glucose levels between animals fed the different types of pasture. The HDL cholesterol concentration is identical for all animal groups regardless of the type of pasture consumed. In conclusion, there is no major difference in the composition of milk or serum from animals that consumed Brachiaria or natural pasture.