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Food Science and Technology QUESTION #5970
Question 1
The term 'fat depression' in dairy cows refers to:
  • A decrease in milk yield during hot weather
  • A condition where milk fat percentage falls below normal (typically \(<2.5\%\)) often due to high-grain low-roughage diets and altered rumen fermentation (low acetate:propionate ratio)✔️
  • A genetic mutation affecting fat synthesis
  • A consequence of mastitis on fat content
Correct Answer Explanation
Milk fat depression (MFD) occurs when rumen fermentation is altered by high-grain/low-fiber diets: less acetate (main fat precursor in mammary gland) and more propionate is produced. Trans-10, cis-12 CLA is a potent inhibitor of mammary de novo fat synthesis. MFD also affects butter yield.