Numerous factors affect milk composition, and
knowledge about their interactions is limited. The
same can be said about the large number of studies
comparing organic and conventional milk and the limited
number of generally accepted research conclusions
on the differences between organic and conventionally
produced milk. This limitation arises for 2 reasons,
the first of which is the lack of comparable conditions
within and between trials. In general, most researchers
have not controlled sufficient variables to allow a valid
comparison between organic and conventionally produced
cow milk. Diet composition and breed of cow are
the minimum factors that need to be considered and
reported when aiming to compare milk samples. The
second reason is that current regulations for organic
milk production do not allow for a distinct separation
from conventionally produced milk. In other words, no
“organic effect” exists that can be credited to a holistic
combination of factors affected by the organic system.
If animal genetics, health, breed, diet, management, or
environment differs, then so will the composition of the
milk produced.