SBIR-STTR Award

Milk income has fluctuated erratically in recent years, and the effect is felt by farmers and by agriculturally reliant communities. To combat price uncertainty, we propose the creation of a conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) enhanced dairy product. Lab animal tests reveal that CLA is a potent anti-carcinogen. Dairy products are the major CLA source for humans, but a typical diet does not supply sufficient CLA to produce substantial health benefits. Small scale bovine studies reveal CLA levels in milk fat can be increased five-fold. This enhanced milk could be used to manufacture dairy products that meet hypothesized CLA effectiveness levels. Heightened consumer interest in nutrraceuticals makes this an ideal time to produce a naturally enhanced version of "natures most perfect food", and thereby bolster faltering rural economies through stabilized farmer income, new industry, tax revenue and job creation. In this study, lactating, silage-fed Holstein cows in a commercial, confinement-housed herd will be fed an unsaturated fat supplement of plant oil, fish oil and Vitamin E to increase CLA production while maintaining milk fat yield. Milk will be tested weekly for CLA content and component production. Concurrently, a feasibility study will investigate risks and rewards associated with producing a CLA-enhanced product.

Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications of Research:
Data on supplementation rates and costs, changes in milk components, and CLA yield will combine to render a reproducible CLA enhancement formula. This information, matched with feasibility study results, will encourage farmer participation in a Phase Two prototype where multiple dairy producers in an economically depressed rural area implement study findings and produce enough CLA enhanced milk to attract a niche processing plant. The result? Improved income for self-sustaining farms, increased tax revenue and jobs for surrounding communities, better consumer health and an enhanced regional economic situation.