Conjugated linoleic acid and C18:1 isomers content in milk fat of sheep and their transfer to Pecorino Toscano cheese

Abstract: The aim of the study was to evaluate the transfer of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and of C18:1 isomers from sheep milk to Pecorino Toscano protected denomination of origin cheese and to monitor the stability of these fatty acids during ripening. The total content of C18:1 fatty acids was not affected by milk treatment but there were changes in the isomers profile. In particular, the milk trans11 C18:1 decreased with pasteurization and after starter culture addition. In contrast, trans10 C18:1 and cis9, trans11 C18:2 were enhanced by the thermal treatment of milk. The fatty acid profile of cheese reflected that of milk used for cheese making with the exception of the C18:1 and CLA isomer profile. The cheese ripening affected the percentage of cis9, trans11 C18:2, which increased more than 10% on total content of CLA. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]