Green feed increases antioxidant and antineoplastic activity of buffalo milk: A globally significant livestock

Food Chem. 2021 May 15:344:128669. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2020.128669. Epub 2020 Nov 19.

Abstract

The effect of green feed on health-promoting biomolecules in milk was examined in dairy buffaloes. Buffaloes received a total mixed ration (TMR) (Control, C; n = 40) or TMR + alfalfa green feed (30% of diet) (Treated, T; n = 40). Biomolecules and functional activity were measured in milk obtained twice-monthly. Treated buffaloes had higher milk l-carnitine, acetyl-l-carnitine, propionyl-l-carnitine and δ-valerobetaine (P < 0.01). They also had higher antioxidant activity (P < 0.01). Compared with C buffaloes, milk of T buffaloes improved the viability of endothelial cells exposed to high-glucose (P < 0.01), and reduced intracellular lipid peroxidation, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and cytokine release (P < 0.01). Milk of T buffaloes inhibited with greater potency the viability of human HCT116 and Cal 27 cancer cells (P < 0.001). The findings show that including green feed in the diet of dairy buffaloes enhances health-promoting biomolecules and the antioxidant and antineoplastic properties of milk.

Keywords: Antineoplastic; Antioxidant; Buffalo; Green feed; Milk; Short-chain acylcarnitines; δ-Valerobetaine.

MeSH terms

  • Animal Feed / analysis*
  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology*
  • Buffaloes / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Lipid Peroxidation / drug effects
  • Livestock*
  • Milk / metabolism*
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Antioxidants
  • Reactive Oxygen Species