Boosting DHA in Goat Milk Using Algae and Choline Supplements

This animal study looked at how to increase the omega-3 fatty acid DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) in goat milk, since ruminant animals typically struggle to move dietary omega-3s into their milk. Researchers fed nine lactating dairy goats a specialized algae powder (a plant-based DHA source protected from breakdown in the rumen), either alone or combined with two different doses of rumen-protected choline, for 28 days.

Adding rumen-protected choline noticeably increased DHA levels in the milk compared to algae alone—by about 23% with the lower choline dose and 47% with the higher dose. Choline also improved how efficiently the goats converted dietary DHA into milk DHA, and it raised blood markers linked to fat transport (VLDL and triglycerides), including triglycerides specifically carrying DHA.

The researchers concluded that choline appears to help move DHA into milk by supporting fat transport pathways in the body, though they note that studies with more animals are needed to confirm these findings.