Burrow, K.K.BurrowYoung, W.W.YoungHammer, N.N.HammerSafavi, S.S.SafaviScholze, M.M.ScholzeMcConnell, M.M.McConnellCarne, A.A.CarneBarr, D.D.BarrReid, M.M.ReidBekhit, A.E.-D.A.E.-D.Bekhit2022-03-062022-03-062020https://publica.fraunhofer.de/handle/publica/26502610.3390/foods90810702-s2.0-85091156027This study assessed the effect of cow milk (CM) and sheep milk (SM) consumption on the micro-structure, mechanical function, and mineral composition of rat femora in a male weanling rat model. Male weanling rats were fed a basal diet with a 50% reduction in calcium and phosphorus content (low Ca/P-diet) supplemented with either SM or CM. Rats were fed for 28 days, after which the femora were harvested and stored. The femora were analyzed by m-CT, three-point bending, and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The addition of either milk to the low Ca/P-diet significantly increased (p < 0.05) trabecular bone volume, trabecular bone surface density, trabecular number, cortical bone volume, and maximum force, when compared to rats that consumed only the low Ca/P-diet. The consumption of either milk resulted in a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in trabecular pattern factor, and cortical bone surface to volume ratio when compared to rats that consumed only the low Ca/P-diet. The results were achieved with a lower consumption of SM compared to that of CM (p < 0.05). This work indicates that SM and CM can help overcome the effects on bone of a restriction in calcium and phosphorus intake.en620670journal article