The aim of the study was to present a review of literature data on the antioxidant potential of raw milk and dairy products (milk, fermented products, and cheese) and the possibility to modify its level at the milk production and processing stage. Based on the available reports, it can be concluded that the consumption of products that are a rich source of bioactive components improves the antioxidant status of the organism and reduces the risk of development of many civilization diseases. Milk and dairy products are undoubtedly rich sources of antioxidant compounds. Various methods, in particular, ABTS, FRAP, and DPPH assays, are used for the measurement of the overall antioxidant activity of milk and dairy products. Research indicates differences in the total antioxidant capacity of milk between animal species, which result from the differences in the chemical compositions of their milk. The content of antioxidant components in milk and the antioxidant potential can be modified through animal nutrition (e.g., supplementation of animal diets with various natural additives (herbal mixtures, waste from fruit and vegetable processing)). The antioxidant potential of dairy products is associated with the quality of the raw material as well as the bacterial cultures and natural plant additives used. Antioxidant peptides released during milk fermentation increase the antioxidant capacity of dairy products, and the use of probiotic strains contributes its enhancement. Investigations have shown that the antioxidant activity of dairy products can be enhanced by the addition of plant raw materials or their extracts in the production process. Natural plant additives should therefore be widely used in animal nutrition or as functional additives to dairy products.

Milk, as one of the basic raw materials of animal origin, must be of adequate hygienic and physicochemical quality for processing. The aim of the article was to compare the quality of raw milk from three production systems, intensive, traditional (together referred to as conventional), and organic, as material for processing, as well as the quality of products made from it. Particular attention was focused on hygienic quality (somatic cell count and total bacterial count), physical characteristics (acidity), basic nutritional value (content of dry matter, total protein, casein, fat, and lactose), content of health-promoting substances (whey proteins, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals), and technological parameters (rennet clotting time, heat stability, and protein-to-fat ratio). Research assessing the quality of organic milk and dairy products is significantly less extensive (if available at all) than for milk from conventional production (intensive and traditional). The available reports indicate that raw milk from organic farms is more valuable, especially in terms of the content of health-promoting compounds, including vitamins, fatty acids, whey proteins, and minerals. This applies to organic dairy products as well, mainly cheese and yoghurt. This is explained by the fact that organic farming requires that animals are kept in the pasture. However, the hygienic quality of the raw milk, and often the products as well, raises some concerns; for this reason, organic milk producers should be supported in this regard, e.g., through consultancy and training in Good Hygienic Practices. Importantly, milk production in the traditional and organic systems is in line with the concept of the European Green Deal.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the addition of a standardized herbal mixture to the feed ration for Holstein-Friesian cows on the antioxidant capacity of milk. The study was carried out on a farm specialized in breeding dairy cattle. The exact study involved 30 cows in lactation III, which were in the first phase of lactation at the beginning of the experiment (15 cows—control group; 15 cows—experimental group). The nutrition supplied to the cows was based on the TMR (total mixed ration) system, with roughage and concentrate fodder used as the basis of the feed ration. The addition of a standardized blend of dried herbs, i.e., oregano (Origanum vulgare), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), and cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), was the experimental factor. Powdered herbs were administered as a component of the concentrate fodder at the dose of 3% DM ration/day/head. Milk samples were collected four times during the experiment (term 0 after the colostrum period and then after lactation weeks 2, 4, and 6). The following parameters were determined in the milk: the basic chemical composition, i.e., the content of total protein, fat, lactose, and casein; somatic cell count; content of selected whey proteins (α-lactalbumin, β-lactoglobulin, lactoferrin, BSA); and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D₃, E). Additionally, the milk antioxidant capacity (ABTS, FRAP, DPPH) was determined and the degree of antioxidant protection (DAP) was calculated. It was shown that the milk from cows receiving the herbal blend-supplemented fodder had a higher content of casein, compared to the control group. The herbal supplementation contributed to a significant increase in the content of bioactive compounds, i.e., selected whey proteins (β-lactoglobulin, lactoferrin) and lipophilic vitamins (A, E). The milk was also characterized by significantly higher antioxidant potential (regardless of the measurement method) and a higher degree of antioxidant protection (DAP).

The aim of the study was to assess the potential of milk from herbal blend-fed cows to be used for the production of yogurts exhibiting increased antioxidant potential with regard to the duration of refrigerated storage of the products. Bulk milk (control—CM and experimental—EM) intended for the production of yogurts was provided by a dairy cattle breeding farm. The milk samples were analyzed to determine their basic chemical composition (the content of dry matter, fat, and total protein including casein), hygienic status (somatic cell count (SCC) and total microbial count (TMC)), and antioxidant activity (FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS assays). Pasteurized milk was used to manufacture natural yogurts with the use of starter cultures YC-X11 (Chr. Hansen, Hørsholm, Denmark). Changes in physicochemical traits (acidity, nutritional value, and water activity) and antioxidant activity (FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS assays) occurring during 21-day refrigerated storage of the yogurts were determined. The analyses revealed that the yogurts had higher antioxidant potential than the milk, irrespective of the determination method. Additionally, the experimental yogurts produced from milk obtained from the cows fed fodder supplemented with an herbal mixture exhibited significantly higher antioxidant activity than the control yogurts. The antioxidant potential of the yogurts changed during the refrigerated storage. It should be emphasized that their antioxidant activity significantly increased during the first two weeks (until day 14) but decreased by 15–20% in the following week.

Nowadays, consumers choose food products, pay attention not only to their nutritional value and taste, but also to health-promoting properties. Milk from various animal species is a rich source of health-enhancing components present in the fat, protein and water fractions. They exert a multidirectional impact on the human organism and limit the risk of development of many lifestyle diseases. There are differences in the content of bioactive ingredients in milk from various animal species. In comparison with cow milk, which is of key importance in the world production, sheep and donkey milk contains higher amounts of whey proteins (mainly β-Lg) and polyunsaturated acids. Camel milk deserves special attention as well due to its high content of antibacterial substances, i.e. lactoferrin and lysozyme, as well as vitamins C and E. Importantly, milk and dairy products are a rich source of essential amino acids and minerals (mainly calcium), indispensable for normal functioning of the human organism. Due to the presence of antioxidants, i.e. β-Lg, lactoferrin, CLA, and vitamins E and C, they are classified as natural antioxidants.