From milk to plate: how cow nutrition shapes our dairy products

Targeted research priorities

Dairy cattle feed and nutrition

Technological properties of dairy matrices

Project summary

Feed supplements containing saturated fatty acids are used to support the high requirements of lactating cows, but their effects on milk composition and technological properties remain poorly documented. It is currently impossible to determine the impact of this supplementation on the economic performance of factories.

This research project explores feeding and milking management strategies to optimize milk composition. On-farm trials will analyze the impact of lipid supplements on the fatty acid and protein profile of milk, as well as its suitability for processing into butter and cheese. The team will also study interactions with other ration ingredients and milking frequency.

The results will help determine best practices for producing milk suitable for processing, improving dairy product quality and developing a commercial analysis tool for milk protein fractions, thereby boosting efficiency and innovation in dairy production.

Expected results

This research project will enable an in-depth analysis of the effects of lipid supplementation and milking frequency on the ability of milk to be processed into cheese and butter, but also on the economic performance of plants and the ecological footprint of these inputs. In addition, the development of a milk quality measurement tool, adapted to commercial conditions, will strengthen the link between milk fat and protein production and industrial requirements.

Main achievements

• Training two master’s students and one doctoral student
• Presentation of results at the Dairy Cattle Symposium, Forum Techno Novalait, Colloque STELA and other local conferences.
• Articles published in Le producteur de lait du Québec and Milk Producer magazines
• Participation in the Novalait steering committee
• Scientific publications (Journal of Dairy Science) and oral and poster presentations at national and international conferences (American Dairy Science Association Annual Meeting, Canadian Animal Nutrition Conference).