Influence of season on milk fatty acid profile and sensory characteristics of grazing goats in a Mediterranean environment: a sustainable agro-food system

Context Pasture is widely used in rural Mediterranean areas as a local resource for animal feeding in a sustainable food system. Aims The present study aimed at evaluating the effects of pasture from a Mediterranean environment on milk fatty acid profile and organoleptic characteristics in grazing Cilentana goats bred in Cilento (Salerno province, southern Italy). Methods Twelve Cilentana dairy goats, grazing on local feeding resources were studied for 5 months (from May to September), starting from 60 days after kidding. Bodyweight and milk yield were recorded, whereas milk samples were collected and analysed for milk chemical composition and fatty acid profile. Milk organoleptic characteristics were analysed using an instrumental sensory platform. Key results Season significantly (P