Irish research response to dairy quality in an era of change

peer-reviewedThe Irish dairy sector is recognised for its very significant contribution to the national economic status; it is now worth ∼€5 billion annually and represents the largest food and drink export category, which, in turn, represents one of the four largest manufacturing industries in the country. Given anticipated further growth in global demand for dairy products and the positive attributes and capabilities that Ireland has to meet that demand, in terms of pasture-based production and cost competitiveness, it is incumbent for the sector to attain the highest quality milk and dairy products. The combined collaborative approach between research and industry has ensured significant progress and enabled Ireland to remain at the forefront globally in terms of production of quality milk and dairy products. This paper highlights some specific scientific platforms and technologies currently shaping the industry in this regard and discusses current research activity as well as anticipating key requirements for future progress. While research, and farm and processing plant management have accomplished very significant advances in milk and dairy product quality, some overarching emerging challenges include product substitution and sustainability. Some key pillars for the future have been identified on which a strong, efficient dairy sector can be maintained and progressed. Specifically, the use of evidence-based information and real-time measures in prediction and decision-making will be a crucial pillar for the dairy sector of the future. This can promote an approach of proactive maintenance and optimisation of production through improved predictability and control of manufacturing processes

Flavour development via lipolysis of milkfats: changes in free fatty acid pool

Under the trade name lipolysed milkfat (LMF), concentrated cheese flavours obtained via enzymatic treatments of cheese (or other dairy substrates) have been made available in increasing numbers. In this research effort, (anhydrous) milkfats from cows, ewes and goats were used as substrates for production of cheesy flavours. Those milkfats were subjected to modifications brought about by ten different (commercial) lipases and one cutinase, and the free fatty acids released were analysed by high performance liquid chromatography. Both the degrees of hydrolysis and the free fatty acid profiles of the final products were similar to those reported for several LMF products, although specific keynotes could be pinpointed. Consequently, those milkfats may represent alternative raw materials for manufacture of cheesy flavours, while contributing to alleviate the problem derived from the increasing surplus of milkfat in Western countries.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio