Dairy Processing Research Articles

Utilising a hybrid DMAIC/TAM model to optimise annual maintenance shutdown performance in the dairy industry: a case study

PurposeOutput from the Irish Dairy Industry has grown rapidly since the abolition of quotas in 2015, with processors investing heavily in capacity expansion to deal with the extra milk volumes. Further capacity gains may be achieved by extending the processing season into the winter, a key enabler for which being the reduction of duration of the winter maintenance overhaul period. This paper aims to investigate if Lean Six Sigma tools and techniques can be used to enhance operational maintenance performance, thereby releasing additional processing capacity.Design/methodology/approachCombining the Six-Sigma Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, Control (DMAIC) methodology and the structured approach of Turnaround Maintenance (TAM) widely used in process industries creates a novel hybrid model that promises substantial improvement in maintenance overhaul execution. This paper presents a case study applying the DMAIC/TAM model to Ireland’s largest dairy processing site to optimise the annual maintenance shutdown. The objective was to deliver a 30% reduction in the duration of the overhaul, enabling an extension of the processing season.FindingsApplication of the DMAIC/TAM hybrid resulted in process enhancements, employee engagement and a clear roadmap for the operations team. Project goals were delivered, and original objectives exceeded, resulting in €8.9m additional value to the business and a reduction of 36% in the duration of the overhaul.Practical implicationsThe results demonstrate that the model provides a structure that promotes systematic working and a continuous improvement focus that can have substantial benefits for wider industry. Opportunities for further model refinement were identified and will enhance performance in subsequent overhauls.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time that the structure and tools of DMAIC and TAM have been combined into a hybrid methodology and applied in an Irish industrial setting.

Developing dairy farming and improving product quality

The need to find ways to improve the quality characteristics of milk as a basis for increasing the competitiveness of dairy products in the global market determines the relevance of the study. Ukraine’s dairy industry is one of the critical ones in the agricultural sector of the economy, as it provides the country’s population with vital foodstuffs. The purpose of this study was to substantiate the areas of solving organisational and economic problems of development of the dairy industry to meet the needs of the domestic market with quality dairy products and increase export potential. The study was conducted to identify the main reasons for the transformational changes that have taken place in dairy farming and to outline the promising areas for the development of this industry in the context of improving product quality. This study focused on European and national requirements for the quality of raw milk. The following methods of economic research were used in the analytical material: economic and statistical, comparative analysis, graphical, logical generalisation, systematic approach, systemic and structural analysis, calculation, and design. The study analysed the data of agricultural enterprises and households engaged in milk production in Ukraine for 2010-2022 and recalculated the purchase prices for raw milk in relation to the European quality indicators. The findings of this study showed that ensuring the competitiveness of dairy products depends on the quality of milk. It was found that it is higher in European countries, and therefore high standards for the quality of raw milk become a barrier to entry into European markets for most domestic dairy processing enterprises. Accordingly, the state’s strategy should focus on increasing the production of high-quality raw milk and growing export potential by forming specialised milk production cooperatives for dairy processing enterprises. The practical significance of the obtained results is that the author’s recommendations can be used by agricultural enterprises or private households in their everyday activities

ESTABLISHMENT OF THE LAWS OF FORMATION AND CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF WASTEWATER OF A DAIRY PROCESSING PLANT IN THE WESTERN REGION OF UKRAINE

The dairy industry has a wide range of processing end products, which can be conventionally divided into liquid, solid and dry products. The first group includes pasteurized milk, cream and fermented milk drinks (kefir, yoghurt, desserts), the second group includes butter and cheese, the third group includes dry milk (whole or skim), proteins of various composition and purity, casein and whey. The wastewater of a dairy factory is the result of various technological and production processes, which vary in time and, accordingly, their products are not discharged simultaneously, which determines the formation of effluents of different compositions and volumes. Industrial wastewater generated at dairy factories is divided into two types: polluted and partly polluted wastewater. Polluted wastewater is produced after cleaning equipment, industrial pipelines, automobile tanks, floors, industrial premise panels, etc. Partly polluted wastewater is produced as a result of the cooling processes of milk and equipment. Both types of wastewater form a common flow that is subject to cleaning, disinfection and discharge into drainage systems or surface water bodies (depending on the chemical composition).
 The study of the wastewater composition of a dairy processing plant was divided into two stages. At the first stage, the analysis of mixed phases formed during the production process in each section of the factory was carried out.
 The analysis was carried out for one day of production at a dairy factory that processed 496 tons of whole milk, of which 170 tons were used to make whole milk products and cottage cheese, and the rest were used to make butter and casein. At the same time, 1200 m3 of water was used for all production processes, and additional water consumption for auxiliary processes and services amounted to 643 m3, so the total discharge per day was 2000.47 m3.
 The next step was to directly analyse the wastewater indicators of the dairy processing plant. To offset the impact of the production process on the composition of dairy wastewater and the volume of manufactured products, we organized sampling every two hours for four days. As a result, 48 points of analysis were obtained, which allowed us to form an objective assessment of the factory’s discharge.
 As a result of the research, the regularities and sources of formation of wastewater were established, and the chemical composition of wastewater from a dairy processing plant in the Western region of Ukraine was experimentally determined. The results obtained allowed us to draw the following conclusions. The formation of the total runoff is caused by both technological and related processes, which include sudden emissions of highly polluted wastewater with a high concentration of major pollutants, the use of different volumes of water for technological processes, and different volumes and composition of wastewater during the day. Therefore, to correctly assess the composition of a dairy factory's discharge, a systematic and long-term study is required, rather than a spot analysis.
 The chemical composition of wastewater was experimentally studied according to the main indicators regulated by the legislation of Ukraine regarding the discharge of wastewater into the sewage system and municipal biological treatment facilities. The data obtained indicates that the chemical composition of the total wastewater from the dairy processing plant does not meet the requirements. The main pollutants are: organic components, which are expressed in exceeding the chemical oxygen demand on average by three times, and at the peak load - by 10 times; phosphates in terms of total phosphorus - by 8-22 times and chlorides - by 2-7 times.
 A comparative characterization of individual technological stages shows that the most polluted wastewater is generated in the process of acid casein production. These waters are characterized by high values of COD, chlorides and phosphates, and their contribution to the overall value of these indicators is determinant. The production of whole milk products is characterized by a slight excess of COD.
 As a result, in order to prevent the death of activated sludge in municipal biological treatment facilities, pretreatment of wastewater is necessary to bring the above indicators to the norms.
 Key words: dairy industry, dairy processing plant, wastewater, wastewater chemical composition, the Western region of Ukraine.

A Mini Review on Technique of Milk Thermization

Thermization is a preheating procedure in which milk is heated at low temperatures for a brief time prior to further processing. It is often used in the dairy processing industry to make a variety of products, including pasteurized milk, milk powder, and cheese. Eliminating psychrophilic bacteria, avoiding milk spoiling, and halting the changes generated by lipase and protease enzymes are the objectives of this method. Despite the fact that thermization enhances the shelf life of milk, it may also result in sensory changes and the germination of B. cereus spores. The goal of the thermization method is to prepare milk for the upcoming processing stage, and the temperature and length of the process might vary. Thermization does not affect the flavor of milk or dairy products such as yogurt, but it may enhance the quality of cheese by decreasing the occurrence of stale and rancid flavors. The process may be carried out in a plate heat exchanger or as a pre-pasteurization treatment for raw milk to protect milk quality during lengthy storage in insulated silos.

Developing a method for dry-stressed Cronobacter spp. cells for subsequent sanitiser efficacy testing

Cronobacter spp. are opportunistic foodborne pathogens in dry dairy powder processing plants, where they may occur in a viable, desiccated form. This study designed a model testing system that identified the most desiccation tolerant cell form of Cronobacter spp. and that could then be used for further studies in cleaning and sanitation efficacy. Colonies of cells scraped from plates (colony cells) represented a worst-case scenario model for the most desiccation tolerant form of Cronobacter spp., followed by biofilms on stainless steel surfaces, planktonic cells, and cells mechanically dispersed from a biofilm. This model colony cell testing scheme was then used to evaluate the efficacy of two powder-based sanitisers against desiccated Cronobacter spp. on flooring materials (resin-coated concrete and stainless steel). Results indicated that powder-based sanitisers may be useful adjuncts in dairy processing plants to aid in keeping levels of Cronobacter spp. on floors low (<10 cfu).

Analysis of collaborative control of dairy product supply chain quality based on evolutionary games: Perspectives from government intervention and market failure

Dairy quality affects the health and quality of life of consumers. Implementing supply chain management and collaborative quality control is an effective way to solve dairy quality problems. Based on the perspective of the combination of market failure and government intervention, this paper analyzes the conditions for the realization of collaborative quality control between dairy farmers and dairy processors. At the same time, this paper uses relevant data to verify the applicability of the model and the accuracy of the conclusions. The findings show that both low yields and high spillovers lead to market failures. When farmers adopt advanced prevention strategies and dairy processors adopt advanced inspection strategies with low yields, basic prevention and basic inspection will be the best combination of quality control strategies for both parties. In this case, the government should subsidize the advanced control strategy to provide adequate subsidies. This will provide incentives for both parties to work together to ensure the quality of dairy products. Secondly, when farmers adopt advanced prevention strategies or dairy processors adopt advanced inspection strategies yields increase but spillover rates are higher. Advanced prevention, basic inspection or basic prevention, advanced inspection would be the optimal combination of strategies for both parties. At this point, the government should increase the penalties. The simulation results further indicate that the government subsidy is more effective for dairy farmers. Government penalties have both the positive and negative reinforcing effects.

Assessment of Soil Quality for Agro-Diversification in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Soil quality is the foundation of productive farming practices. This study assessed soil quality on different land use types to provide recommendations for agro-diversification in Kaduna State. Soil sampling was done along three value chain segments for agro-diversification, namely: (maize, ginger and dairy). In order to have a fair representation and good geographical spread, a total of six clusters were sampled purposively in the value chain segments as follows: dairy processing and production (Zango in Kaduna South LGA and Dorayi in Zaria LGA), maize production processing/production (Biye village in Giwa LGA and Anchau in Kubau LGA) and ginger production and processing (Kwoi in Jaba LGA and Kachia in Kachia LGA). A total of eighteen (18) soil samples were collected at two depths: top (0 – 20 cm) and sub-soil (20 – 40 cm) in the six clusters using an auger. The soil samples were air-dried in situ and packaged in well-labelled cotton bags to aid aeration and prevent soil moisture loss. It was taken to the Centre for Dryland Agriculture laboratory, Bayero University, Kano, for analysis after some in-situ soil temperature and colour investigations. In the laboratory, the soil is bulked, and 500g composite samples were obtained for testing pH, Phosphorus (P), Aluminum (Al), Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca) and Magnesium (Mg), electrical conductivity, total nitrogen, sulphur, and carbon. The findings of the study revealed that the SQI was found to be significantly higher in the ginger production/processing zone as recorded in Kachia ginger production (0.94) and Kwoi ginger processing (0.91), while Audi dairy production (0.81) and Zango Dairy processing (0.79) recorded least soil quality index. Therefore, This study recommended that Farmers apply synthetic fertilizer and organic manure to effectively recycle organic amendments on cultivated land.

Genomic Diversity and Virulence Genes Characterization of Bacillus cereus sensu lato Isolated from Processing Equipment of an Algerian Dairy Plant

Bacillus cereus is a ubiquitous spore-forming bacterium causing food spoilage. In this study, seventeen B. cereus were isolated from dairy processing equipment in Algeria and characterized. The pathogenic potential genes encoding hemolysin, nonhaemolytic enterotoxin, cytotoxin K and emetic toxin were investigated by PCR. Phylogeny and genetic markers for antimicrobial resistance and virulence were analyzed using whole-genome sequencing data using the Illumina MiSeq® technology. The identity of the isolated strains was confirmed as B. cereus sensu lato and the sequencing of the panC gene clustered 64.7% of them in phylogenetic group III and 35.3% in group IV. The results of PFGE showed that 8 (47.1%), 4 (23.5%), 3 (17.6%) and 2 (11.8%) were differentiated into four groups A, B, C and D, respectively. Each of the two panC phylogenetic groups contains two different types of isolates corresponding to PFGE group (A and C) and (B and D) for phylogenetic groups III and IV, respectively. None of the 14 isolates carried the emetic toxin (ces) gene, whereas other toxin genes were variably detected. Genotyping assigned all isolates to three different sequence types (ST 2226, ST1018 and ST1431) while one clonal complex (CC-142) was identified in three isolates. Hierarchical clustering with a threshold of 500 core genome single nucleotide polymorphism (cgSNPs) differences grouped the strains into three clusters while two strains were less than 20 SNPs different. Three B. cereus (25%) contained three enterotoxic HBL complex-encoding genes hblA/C/D. Enterotoxic NHE complex-encoding genes (nheA/B/C) and the ctyK1 gene were detected in all isolates. The overall results highlight the risk due to toxins produced by the B. cereus group in the food safety and dairy industries in Algeria. This study emphasized the potential of whole-genome sequencing for genotyping and predicting the virulence-associated genes and antimicrobial resistance. The present study will help to better assess the health and spoilage risk associated with B. cereus in dairy processing plants and to incorporate adequate preventive measures.

PRACTICES AND MODELS FOR MONITORING AND CONTROL OF THE MICROBIAL RESIDUE IN PIGS AND POULTRY APPLIED IN ROMANIA

"Withdrawal periods after antimicrobial treatment have been defined as preventing in meat the presence of residues above the maximum residue limits (MRLs). However, errors can lead to residues above MRLs (Alban et al., 2023). The aim of the study was to perform a microbial risk assessment on pork and broiler carcasses. In the European Union (EU), the antimicrobial is prescribed by a veterinarian and the prescription contains information about the withdrawal period needed before the animal can be sent for slaughter (EU Parliament and Council, 2019). (Background:) Study wants to investigate the best practices applied in our country for monitoring microbial residues in pork and poultry carcasses. Procedures are in place to help avoid delivery of milk to the dairy processor or animals to the abattoir prior to the end of the withdrawal period. Still, residues can occasionally be present in animals sent for slaughter, with potential consequences along the whole meat chain (Arsène et al., 2022). (Methods:) Research was based on a qualitative analysis based on two questionnaires, one for business operators, the other to competent authority distributed to pigs and poultry abattoirs and competent authority. A statistical method was carried out for questionnaires analysis. (Results:) The results showed a variation in small or big facilities, abattoirs placing meat on national markets or to be traded and exported. Two best practices models were developed equal applied for pork and poultry production."

PSIX-24 Social Trust in a Small Dairy Farmer Organization in Southeast Brazil

Abstract The objective of this study was to analyze the social trust in a group of dairy farmers in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. The related Association of Dairy Producers (ADP) is like most small rural organizations present in Brazil that emerged to meet the public policies. Current assessment had three stages: a) identifying producers; b) applying the surveys; and c) data analyses. The producer association was unable to provide some basic information about its members (such as phone number), which signals a lack of trust. To identify the ADP members, it was necessary to visit the milking parlor expansion tanks to find such contact. Another situation reinforced the first impression regarding the lack of social trust: an ADP member did not authorize the access to to the research conduct the surveys for the members that used the expansion tank installed on his land. The surveys were then conducted at four out of five locations where expansion tanks were installed. Among the ADP members surveyed, 68.75% answered the survey. Approximately 82% of respondents indicated caution when dealing people in general (inside or outside the ADP). Although there was an indication of lack of social trust, 54.4% of producers trusted entirely the ADP; 22.7% partially trusted; 13.6% were indifferent; 4.5% had low trust, and 4.5% did not trust. When voluntary participation in decision in the association activities was questioned, 68.2% of the surveyed members answered “actively participate”, 31.8% “participate without actions,” and none of the surveyed members admitted no participation. Approximately 82% of the surveyed members had a positive perception of the association, while 18% believed it was not properly managed and inferred no longer assist with it in the future. A greater participation in the association activities may have not being observed due to the fact that current association was transitioning into a cooperative business model at the time of current data collection. For 18.25% of the members, the two main causes of the distrust in the recently created agricultural cooperative was related to: a) the requirement to obligatory become a member; and b) the delay in the construction completion of the dairy processing plant. The results suggest that producers show signs of general social distrust, indicated by concerns regarding the advantages, disadvantages, or even the risks associated with becoming members of the agricultural cooperative. Nonetheless, the vast majority of producer members trusted in the association. Further assessment is warranted to investigate if the source of general social mistrust observed erupted from internal (local community) or external (city, state, and federal public policies) venues of the society.

Using Geospatial Information for Sustainable Small Farm and Dairy Processing Cluster Development of Community-Based in a Small City of Indonesia

Cluster development based on community participation is one way to increase farmers’ income. The cow-milk processing cluster is one of the promising clusters in Salatiga City. Dairy cow’s milk is a well-known product in Salatiga City, including in Kumpulrejo Area/Kelurahan. Kumpulrejo Area has various dairy products, including cheese, chips, and ice cream. However, the production of dairy products could be more sustainable, but only by consumer demand. Another obstacle is the need for more marketing and sales facilities from business actors to market existing dairy products, and the presence of COVID-19 and Foot and Mouth Diseases also impacts production activities. A dairy product processing cluster in Kumpulrejo Area is an effort to increase the economic value chain of business actors for dairy products in Kumpulrejo Area. This study analyzes the master plan of the area by using geospatial information. The master plan document is vital in the development of this cluster by involving the participation of the Kumpulrejo Area community, in this case, the Farmers Groups, which is the main subject of the Community Action Plan (CAP), through community discussion activities (CAP Workshop/FGDs). Before the process, it was previously conducting field observations, interviews, and distributing questionnaires in Pre-CAP. The observation determines the condition of dairy cow’s milk production activities in Kumpulrejo Area. In addition to gaining participation from the community, other stakeholders, such as local government and academics, also play a role in preparing the master plan document. The realization of the milk processing cluster in Kumpulrejo Area is expected to improve the income of the community in Kumpulrejo Area.

DETERMINANTS OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF ECONOMIC PROCESSES IN THE DAIRY MARKET OF UKRAINE

The article analyzes economic phenomena and processes in the dairy market of Ukraine and identifies the main factors affecting them. Based on constructing an equations system, the existence of direct and inverse relationships between the determining factors of the development of the dairy market of Ukraine was established. Determining factors were checked for multicollinearity. A dependence equation was calculated for the volumes of retail turnover of milk and dairy products based on such influencing factors as average monthly salary, consumer price index, and the volume of milk product imports. The equation shows the presence of a close relationship between the determined factors and the volume of retail turnover of milk and dairy products and also between the volume of dairy products produced and the consumption of milk per capita and the production of milk by farms of all categories — appreciable. Partial coefficients of elasticity were calculated to forecast further directions of influence of determining factors on economic phenomena and processes in the dairy products market. A controlled factor has been identified, which Ukrainian dairy processing enterprises can influence by promoting their products on the market.

Impact of capacity underutilization of milk processing plants on employment multipliers

The investigation into the employment-generating capacity of industries has captured the interest of numerous scholars on a global scale. However, there is a paucity of literature on the impact of the capacity underutilization of dairy processing plants (DPPs) on employment multipliers. This study employed secondary data sourced from the Tanzania Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries’ budget reports for the fiscal year 2022/23. Using the Leontief Input‒Output simulation model, the study establishes the effects of low utilization of milk processing plants on employment generation. The study establishes employment gaps created by capacity underutilization of DPPs along the milk value chain. The fact that the available DPPs operate at just 23.4 % of their total capacity constrains employment opportunities across the entire value chain. Approximately 500,000 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) minimum wage jobs (i.e., direct, indirect, and induced) are lost annually, highlighting the need for measures to address the challenge of undercapacity utilization of DPPs. Furthermore, the study found significant backwards and forward linkages in the upstream and downstream parts of the dairy value chain. This indicates strong connections and the potential for job creation within the value chain. Thus, ensuring a consistent milk supply in dairy processing plants is crucial to mitigate undercapacity issues in DPPs and to sustain job growth in the milk value chain. Additionally, the study strongly recommends policy measures to boost DPPs’ capacity utilization, foster economic growth, develop the dairy industry, and enhance the overall national economy.

Foaming properties of milk samples collected at various processing stages in a dairy processing factory across two seasons.

A foam layer makes an essential contribution to the quality of cappuccino-style drinks. Poor foaming of milk occurs quite often, however, especially in summer. The reasons for this are still unknown. Although a substantial number of studies on the foaming process of milk have been reported, these studies have been laboratory based and have used laboratory or pilot-scale equipment to simulate the processing conditions of a dairy processing factory. This study collected about 40 different samples across different processing stages in a dairy factory over two seasons (two batches per season) and investigated their composition and physical and foaming properties by mechanical mixing and steam injection. The results showed that milk samples collected in summer had a significantly higher content of fat, free fatty acids, and Ca2+ ions, and larger particle sizes but a markedly lower concentration of protein and solid non-fat, and surface tension than the samples collected in spring. These differences provided spring milk with a higher steam injection foamability than summer milk. However, steam injection foam stability, and mechanical mixing foamability and foam stability were not affected by seasonal factors. Milk samples collected in different batches within a season were almost identical with regard to the properties that were investigated. The variations in composition and physical properties of milk collected between two seasons could be the reasons for their difference in foamability but not for foam stability. Processes such as standardization, homogenization, and pasteurization improved markedlythe foaming properties of milk. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

The Detection of Bacterial Pathogens, including Emerging Klebsiella pneumoniae, Associated with Mastitis in the Milk of Ruminant Species

Milk is an excellent medium for the growth of several bacteria and other microorganisms and thus, it has been extensively studied. An always current issue in the dairy industry is mastitis, which causes losses in milk volume and profits. In many cases, milk is used raw or treated at low temperatures for further dairy processes while there are quite a few cases in which foodborne-related outbreaks have occurred. Both culture-based methods and PCR were used to assess the presence of certain pathogens related to both contagious and environmental pathogens, especially the emerging pathogenic bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae, as well as Staphyloccocus aureus and Enterobacter spp., which are associated with mastitis in milk samples from different lactating ruminant species (cows, goats, and sheep) and to further evaluate the significance of the isolated pathogens to public health. Even though significant mastitis contagious pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis were not detected, environmental pathogens related to poor hygiene conditions at the farm level (K. pneumoniae, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, and Enterococcus spp.) were detected. In particular, K. pneumoniae and Staphylococcus saprophyticus were present in ovine milk samples while bovine and caprine milk samples were contaminated with Enterococcus spp. The presence of these bacteria underlines the significant role of environmental hygiene especially since Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Enterococcus spp. are related to urinary tract infections and all of the tested pathogens may carry antibiotic resistance genes. More specifically, 20% of the isolated Klebsiella pneumoniae strains were found resistant to carbapenem antibiotics. The presence of emerging K. pneumoniae in ovine milk samples also indicates the need for new policies in terms of safety testing. Suggestions of monitoring processes carried out by the relevant authorities are discussed.

EVALUATION OF QUORUM SENSING SIGNALS OF STRONG BIOFILM PRODUCING BACTERIA VIA LC-MSMS, HPLC AND BIOSENSORS

This study aimed to show presence of Quorum Sensing (QS) signals of Gram-negative and Gram-positive biofilm producing bacteria isolated from real dairy process lines. Defining the profile and chemical composition of QS-signals is an important factor in control of microbial resistance and biofilm production. We especially focused on unusual behaviour of Gram-positive and Gram-negative isolates. Long-chain acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs) signals (C14-HSL, C16-HSL and C18-HSL) and DFD (4,5-dihidroksi-2,3-pentanedione)-AI-2 signals of the isolates were studied by High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and Liquid Chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MSMS) methods. All Gram-positive isolates were defined as AHL-producers. All Gram-negative isolates, formerly defined as non-AHL producers by both biosensors and HPLC methods, were identified as AHL-producers. DFD signal was only detected from Gram-negative Klebsiella pneumonia, Enterobacter cloacae and Klebsiella oxytoca isolates. The results demonstrated that the QS-system is a complex system and biosensor microorganism may not be the best method for QS-signal identification. The results also provided new insights in defining the profile and chemical composition of QS-signals importance for interrupting the chemical communication completely to reduce biofilm formation and prevent resistance gain of microorganisms.

Quantitative Associations between Season, Month, and Temperature-Humidity Index with Milk Yield, Composition, Somatic Cell Counts, and Microbial Load: A Comprehensive Study across Ten Dairy Farms over an Annual Cycle.

This current study addresses the knowledge gap regarding the influence of seasons, months, and THI on milk yield, composition, somatic cell counts (SCC), and total bacterial counts (TBC) of dairy farms in northeastern regions of Iran. For this purpose, ten dairy herds were randomly chosen, and daily milk production records were obtained. Milk samples were systematically collected from individual herds upon delivery to the dairy processing facility for subsequent analysis, including fat, protein, solids-not-fat (SNF), pH, SCC, and TBC. The effects of seasons, months, and THI on milk yield, composition, SCC, and TBC were assessed using an analysis of variance. To account for these effects, a mixed-effects model was utilized with a restricted maximum likelihood approach, treating month and THI as fixed factors. Our investigation revealed noteworthy correlations between key milk parameters and seasonal, monthly, and THI variations. Winter showed the highest milk yield, fat, protein, SNF, and pH (p < 0.01), whereas both SCC and TBC reached their lowest values in winter (p < 0.01). The highest values for milk yield, fat, and pH were recorded in January (p < 0.01), while the highest protein and SNF levels were observed in March (p < 0.01). December marked the lowest SCC and TBC values (p < 0.01). Across the THI spectrum, spanning from -3.6 to 37.7, distinct trends were evident. Quadratic regression models accounted for 34.59%, 21.33%, 4.78%, 20.22%, 1.34%, 15.42%, and 13.16% of the variance in milk yield, fat, protein, SNF, pH, SCC, and TBC, respectively. In conclusion, our findings underscore the significant impact of THI on milk production, composition, SCC, and TBC, offering valuable insights for dairy management strategies. In the face of persistent challenges posed by climate change, these results provide crucial guidance for enhancing production efficiency and upholding milk quality standards.

Temporal changes in labile soil phosphorus pools in grassland receiving P recycled from dairy processing sludge

Replacing chemical fertilisers with recycled products will require new advice for phosphorus (P) use.. Emerging P fertilisers derived from dairy processing sludge (DPS) include products such as struvite and hydrochar. A field study monitored temporal changes in available, exchangeable, and Mehlich3 P pools in a P deficient grassland amended with DPS-derived hydrochar and struvite. Herbage P content and yields were compared with data from plots amended with a mineral P fertiliser. Regardless of fertiliser used, there was no statistical difference in dry matter yield. However, herbage P content varied depending on the fertiliser type. The optimal P content in herbage for cattle feed (0.3–0.4 %) was reached using struvite and mineral fertiliser. Application of struvites increased available, exchangeable, and Mehlich3 P, raising the available P levels to the agronomic optimal value for crop production (>5 mg l-1) within one month. In hydrochar amended plots, the optimal level of P was reached 4 months after fertilisation, at the end of the growing season. During the low growth or dormancy period, soil P levels decreased and remained low regardless of the treatment. In the struvite amended plots, available and exchangeable P pools recovered at the beginning of the second season. This effect was not observed in mineral fertiliser and hydrochar amended plots. A single application of struvite can replace mineral fertilisers supplying crops with P for more than one season. This needs to be reflected in the advice for growers to avoid excessive P application and legacy P deposition.

ISM- and MICMAC-based modelling of dairy supply chain: a study of enablers in Indian economy perspective

PurposeThis study aims at modelling the enablers of dairy supply chain (DSC) in Indian context.Design/methodology/approachInterpretive structural modelling (ISM) approach has been used to model the enabler of dairy supply chain. The opinion has been taken from the industry experts and experienced academicians. Further, Matrix Cross-Reference Multiplication Applied to a Classification (MICMAC) used to classify the enablers based on driving and dependence power.FindingsFindings show that stakeholder trust and top management support/leadership are the very crucial enablers in dairy supply chain; they are at a lower level of hierarchical structure and work as primary enablers to development of DSC. While customer satisfaction and financial performance are at top of the digraph, it shows these enablers are the outcome of a smooth supply chain. The MICMAC analysis suggests that the identified enablers are largely classified into dependent and independent enablers; there are no autonomous enablers in the dairy supply chain.Practical implicationsThe study can aid businesses in the dairy processing industry in managing demand fluctuations, enhancing product quality, implementing effective information systems and adapting procedures, thereby enhancing supply chain performance.Originality/valueThere is very limited study on enablers of the dairy supply chain in general, while in the Indian context, there is no specific study on modelling the enablers of dairy supply chain.

An Economic Study of Dairy Production and Processing in Egypt

An Economic Study of Dairy Production and Processing in Egypt