Mineral Profiles Characteristics in Milk from Dairy Cows in Xinjiang, China, and Production Plan for Season-Dependent High-Calcium Milk Sources

Mineral content is an important nutrient component in milk. At present, there is not much research and application on the ecological mineral profiles of milk, especially in the development and utilization of the dominant milk source in Xinjiang. This study uses a mid-infrared spectroscopy (MIRS) model to predict the mineral content of seven key minerals in milk, explores the secretion patterns and characteristics of mineral profiles in milk, provides production methods for the efficient utilization of high-calcium milk sources, and analyzes the possible economic benefits. The results indicate that the mineral content of milk in Xinjiang has advantages over that of other regions of China. Mineral profiles' characteristics in milk are influenced by the parity, days of lactation, sampling season, calving season, and breast health status. Moreover, there are correlations between different minerals. Milk with higher calcium content also has elevated levels of other minerals and regular milk components (milk protein and milk fat). Therefore, such milk may serve as a reference for producing season-dependent high-calcium milk sources. If native calcium content above 1300 mg/kg, as identified in this study, was used to produce high-calcium pasteurized fresh milk and premium high-calcium pasteurized fresh milk, the dairy industry could see a significant increase in economic benefits. This study provides a foundation for the production of characteristic milk sources and diversified dairy products in Xinjiang. It also lays the groundwork for understanding the secretion patterns and mechanisms of minerals in milk.