September 5, 2006

UK study shows organic cows produce better milk

A pint of organic milk has on average 68 percent more omega 3 fatty acids than conventional milk, a 3-year research at the universities of Glasgow and Liverpool showed.

The research, funded by the organic milk suppliers cooperative, showed omega 3 content went up significantly in the months when cows were allowed to graze. Clover, which is high in the omega 3 fatty acid ALA, also makes cow's milk that is also higher in ALA. Organic farmers generally use more clover and grass forages. Cows finished on feedlots, however, are fed more concentrated feed such as soya (which is high in omega 6 and low in omega 3), and cereals or byproducts.

The lowest levels of omega 3 were in milk from Holsteins and Holsteins-Friesians while traditional breeds such as Jersey and brown Swiss cows gave more omega 3.

Omega 3 fatty acids are called essential fatty acids because they cannot be produced in the body. They have been linked to reduced risk of heart disease and of some forms of cancer.

Sales of organic produce in the UK have jumped 30 percent this year and are now worth GBP1.6 billion (US$3 billion) annually. UK's supermarkets have expanded their organic offerings rapidly in the last year and report dramatic growth in demand. They now account for three-quarters of the total market for organic produce. UK's Tesco said that its organic fruit and vegetable sales were growing by 70 percent and organic milk may be short in supply come winter.