title: Impact of region on the composition of milk fatty acids in China.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Milk composition and its fatty acid profile have received much attention with respect to improving human health. However, limited work has been conducted to assess the composition of milk fat in China, which is the third largest producer of milk in the world. In this study the effects of geographical region and seasonal changes (spring and summer) on the fatty acid composition of milk samples collected from six Chinese farms were investigated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Milk fat and protein contents, as well as some individual fatty acids and five fatty acid groups, were found to be unaffected by season, but they did show significant differences by geographical region. Levels of milk cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid decreased in summer and increased in spring, increased in north (Hohhot), northeast (Harbin), north centre (Beijing) and northwest (Xi'an) China and decreased in far northwest (Urumqi) and east (Chuzhou) China. Monounsaturated fatty acids increased in east and northwest China and decreased in northeast China, while polyunsaturated fatty acids increased in far northwest and north centre China and decreased in northeast China.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study provides relevent information that contributes to the understanding of parameters affecting variability of milk fatty acid profiles.
authors: State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China; Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China.
authors: Yongxin
authors: Y
authors: Yang
authors: Jiaqi
authors: J
authors: Wang
authors: Tingjie
authors: T
authors: Yuan
authors: Dengpan
authors: D
authors: Bu
authors: Jinhui
authors: J
authors: Yang
authors: Lingyun
authors: L
authors: Zhou
authors: Peng
authors: P
authors: Sun
authors: Juanxia
authors: J
authors: Zhang
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D002681:China; D003612:Dairying; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000737:chemistry*; D005504:Food Analysis; D008892:Milk / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D005227:Fatty Acids
keywords: conjugated linoleic acid; fatty acid composition; raw milk; unsaturated fatty acid