Organically reared cows produce 'healthier milk'
29/05/2008

Milk from organic cattle that eat a fresh grass diet is likely to be better for your health, according to a new study by the University of Newcastle

This organic milk contained more good fatty acids such as omega-3 and conjugated linoleic acid known as CLA9 than milk produced at intensive commercial dairy farms. The difference was even more marked during the summer with levels of CLA9 about 60 per cent higher in milk from cattle that graze in fields.

Gillian Butler, livestock project manager for the university's Nafferton Ecological Farming Group, who led the research, said: "Our work has not looked at the impact on human health, but I would say organic milk should be better for health from what we know of the benefits of these good fatty acids. She added: "They are effective in combating cancer, coronary heart disease and type II diabetes."

Peter Melchett, policy director at the the association, said: "This research confirms what organic farmers and consumers have long believed to be true. Some sceptics have thrown doubts on the benefit of organic milk because scientists had not shown precisely how organic farming makes a positive difference. This latest research demonstrates that it is the cows' organic diet that makes their milk healthier. Other research has shown the same is true for beef and lamb reared on grass."

Reported at the following newspapers:

The Times (28 May, p.22)
The Daily Telegraph (28 May, front page, p.12)
The Independent (28 May, p.5)
Daily Express (28 May, p.15)
Scotsman (28 May)
Eat Out Magazine (27 May)

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