Milk composition testing: From dairy farmer payment to dairy processor efficiency to dairy farm and animal diagnostics

L. Metzger

Document Type

Abstract

Publication Date

2019

Location

2019 American Dairy Science Association Annual Meeting: Cincinnati, Ohio

Publisher

American Dairy Science Association

Journal

Journal of Dairy Science

Volume

102

Issue

Suppl.1

Pages

5

Language

en.

Keywords

mid infrared milk analyzers, milk composition, analysis methods

Abstract

A cornerstone of Dr. Barbano’s research program is the development and application of analysis methods for milk and dairy products. A major portion of this work has focused on rapid milk component testing using mid infrared analysis. Mid infrared milk analysis is the critical technology that allowed a transition from producer payment based on milk weight and fat to payment based on multiple components (fat, protein, and other solids). The successful application of mid infrared milk analysis for producer payment as well as dairy herd improvement testing would not have been possible without the detailed and systematically research conducted by Dr. Barbano. The central theme of this research was that mid infrared milk analyzers needed to be accurately calibrated to provide useful information. This research involved numerous facets over a 30-year period including: ensuring accuracy of primary methods, identification of factors influencing mid infrared performance, and development of calibrations standards. The financial implications of this work are enormous and ensure that both producers and processors are fairly compensated for the composition of the milk they buy/sell. Subsequently, Dr Barbano facilitated the application of mid infrared analysis to improve processor efficiency during the manufacture of cheese and concentrated milk products. Finally, in the last several years, Dr. Barbano discovered that some of the factors which influence calibration of mid infrared milk analyzer could be utilized to diagnose rumen health and productivity of dairy cattle. This information has led to a new area of research and has returned him full circle back to the farm.

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