Chemical Properties and Consumer Perception of Fluid Milk from Conventional and Pasture-Based Production Systems

The continued popularity of organic and natural foods has generated interest in organic milk, and use of pasture for dairy cattle is a requirement for organic production. This process may improve the health benefits of fluid milk via increases in the unsaturated fatty acid content, including conjugated linoleic acid. Because pasture-based (PB) systems vary in types of forage, it is important to understand the impact of feed on the composition and flavor of fluid milk. The objectives of this study were to compare the chemical and sensory properties of PB milk with conventional fluid milk from Jersey and Holstein cows and to evaluate consumer acceptance of those milks. Fluid milk was collected throughout the 2006 growing season from Holstein and Jersey cows located in 2 herds: one fed a PB diet and one fed a conventional total mixed ration (TMR) diet. Milk was batch-pasteurized and homogenized. Sensory analyses, descriptive profiling, difference testing, and consumer testing were conducted on pasteurized products in separate sessions. Instrumental volatile analysis and fatty acid composition profiling were also conducted. The instrumental and sensory analyses differentiated the PB and TMR milks. Greater percentages of unsaturated fatty acids, including 2 common isomers of conjugated linoleic acid, were measured in PB milks. Trained panelists documented greater intensities of grassy and cowy/barny flavors in PB milks compared with TMR milks when evaluated at 15°C. Volatile compound analysis by solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry separated PB and TMR milk samples. However, analyses showed no compounds unique to either sample. All identified compounds were common to both samples. Consumers were unable to consistently differentiate between PB and TMR milks when evaluated at 7°C, and cow diet had no effect on overall consumer acceptance. These results indicate distinct flavor and compositional differences between TMR and PB milks, but the differences were such that they did not affect consumer acceptance. The current findings are useful to consider as interest in PB dairy production systems grows.