09.01.08
A new study from Newcastle University found that grazing-cows on organic farms in the U.K. produce milk containing significantly higher amounts of beneficial fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins than their conventional “high input” counterparts. During the summer months, one of the beneficial fats in particular —conjugated linoleic acid, or CLA—was found to be 60% higher. Results from the Nafferton Ecological Farming Group study were published online in the Journal of Science of Food and Agriculture. The study, which involved Newcastle scientists working with the Danish Institute for Agricultural Science, is part of the ongoing cross-European Quality Low Input Food project. This effort focuses on animal health and welfare, as well as milk quality in an effort to minimize the use of antibiotics in dairy production. The study included 25 farms across the U.K. in two contrasting areas—South Wales and the North East. The scientists looked at three different farming systems: conventional high input, organically certified and non-organic sustainable (low input).