It’s official: milk from Irish cows is better for you!

MILK produced from Irish grass-fed cows is healthier than indoor-feeding methods practised elsewhere, research from Teagasc has confirmed. 

Researchers from Teagasc and Food for Health Ireland (FHI) discovered that dairy cows who operate on an Irish grass-fed system, produced milk with higher percentages of omega-3 and conjugated linoleic (CLA) fatty acids compared to cows fed medium and low proportions of grass. The results were published in a new scientific paper in the Journal of Dairy Science.

The study highlights the nutritional benefits of the Irish grass-fed system by comparing it to what is more commonly operated around the world, whereby cows are housed indoors year round to maximize the quantities of milk produced. 

‘While grass-based feeding systems are the most common source of dairy produce here in Ireland, the levels of fresh grass fed to dairy cows in countries such as the United States, Germany, Austria and Denmark is significantly less than in Ireland,’ said Mark Timlin, a PhD researcher based in the Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Co. Cork.

The research conducted compared the impact of three dairy systems on the nutritional composition and properties of milk. These systems included a high grass allowance diet, typical of that operated by Irish farmers, a medium grass allowance diet and a low grass allowance diet most commonly operated around the world. Researchers discovered that cows who grazed on an Irish high grass allowance diet produced milk with significantly more beneficial nutrients, compared to cows fed a medium, or low grass diet including: 

83% increase in omega-3 fatty acids, including an improved n-3 to n-6 ratio;

141% increase in conjugated linoleic acids (CLA);

Highest levels of unsaturated fatty acids (including mono- and polyunsaturated);

Lowest levels of saturated fatty acids.

Speaking at the Teagasc Farm walk was Teagasc adviser Mark Treacy. (Photo: Denis Boyle)

‘The high grass allowance diet investigated in this study is typical of the system implemented by the majority of dairy farmers in Ireland, and meets the Bord Bia grass-fed standard for dairy produce,’ Dr André Brodkorb, Teagasc lead scientist said.

Food for Health Irelands’ Centre Director, Dr Nessa Noronha said the study gives consumers in Ireland and abroad a reason to buy a premium Irish product. ‘Irish grass-fed is a claim that is gaining more resonance with consumers as it is perceived as more natural and sustainable,’ said Dr Noronha. 

 ‘The Food for Health Ireland team is committed to advancing the scientific credentials of Irish-grass fed dairy to help maintain and support Ireland as leaders in the production of sustainable, nutritious and tasty food – all of which are demanded by consumers.’ The scientific research was undertaken by Teagasc and the Food for Health Ireland team. Food for Health Ireland is a project co funded by Enterprise Ireland and four dairy industry partners (Carbery, Tirlán, Dairygold,  and Kerry). For more information on the Food for Health Ireland project visit www.FHI.ie

To read the full scientific paper see: Timlin M et al. (2023). Impact of varying levels of pasture allowance on the nutritional quality and functionality of milk throughout lactation. Journal of Dairy Science. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2022-22921