Understanding and controlling variability of iodine concentration in bulk-tank milk in Canada
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20123902Keywords:
iodine, bulk-tank milk, feeding management, micronutrient, BTM testingAbstract
Iodine is an essential micronutrient for dairy cattle and humans to maintain adequate metabolism. Feeding management practices for dairy cattle are aimed at achieving the recommended intake of micronutrients for optimal health. Testing has shown that iodine concentrations in bulk-tank milk (BTM) are highly variable between herds. While the current iodine concentration in retail milk does not present a substantial risk to human health, Health Canada has recommended an interim upper limit of 500 ppm of iodine in BTM. The objectives of this project were to determine the primary sources of variability for BTM iodine concentration and provide recommendations for best management practices to maintain BTM iodine concentrations within acceptable limits.