Information on the geographic origin of milk is important in determining quality attributes, and for economic gain through building brand value associated with origin. Stable isotope signatures and trace element concentrations are being increasingly used to authenticate milk, though information on the suitability of such technology to verify the agroclimatic origin in small continents with diverse climatic, environmental conditions, and animal management practice is scarce. The objective of this study was to investigate the possibility of using a stable isotope composition of C, N, O, and H and elemental fingerprints to determine the origin of milk produced in different agroclimatic zones of Sri Lanka.Stable isotopes ratios of C, N, H, and O, and elemental fingerprints of milk samples were determined by IRMS and ICP-MS, respectively. Significant variations were observed in stable isotope ratios, especially δ18O and the mean content of Li, Al, Cr, Mn, and Sr in the bulk milk samples obtained from different agroclimatic zones. A linear discriminant analysis differentiated cow milk produced from four agroclimatic zones based on stable isotope ratios, and the inclusion of elemental ratios enhanced the discriminating ability.
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