What can cause salty flavors in milk?

The presence of salty flavors in milk can often be linked to mastitis in cows. Mastitis is an infection of the mammary gland that can lead to elevated levels of sodium and other minerals in the milk produced by an affected cow. When a cow suffers from this condition, the physiological changes and inflammation can cause alterations in the milk's composition, including an increase in its salt content. This change results in a distinctly noticeable salty flavor that can affect the overall quality and taste of the milk.

While factors such as hygiene issues, feed composition, and processing errors can influence milk quality and flavor in various ways, the direct connection between mastitis and the salty taste in milk makes it the most relevant cause in this context. In particular, poor hygiene can certainly affect milk quality, but it may not specifically lead to salty flavors. Similarly, while feed composition can influence the flavor profiles of milk, it is less directly associated with a salty taste compared to the physiological effects of mastitis. Processing errors could lead to quality issues, but they do not typically create a salty flavor. Thus, mastitis stands out as the primary reason for salty flavors in milk.