Dairy Products Research Articles

Abstract 6184: A literature-based data scanning and prioritization study to guide future systematic literature reviews for WCRF International CUP Global Programme

Abstract Background: In 2018, the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF)/American Institute for Cancer Research published the Third Expert Report (TER) synthesizing the evidence on diet, adiposity, physical activity and risk of 19 cancers and 10 updated evidence-based cancer prevention recommendations. As part WCRF International’s Global Cancer Update Programme, we aimed to develop a prioritization support tool to identify what systematic literature reviews (SLR) of the epidemiological evidence published after the TER would help strengthen the TER’s conclusions and deepen our understanding on emerging topics. Methods: We developed a literature scanning and prioritization strategy in six actions. From January 2019 (after TER publication) to February 2024, we searched PubMed for: 1) meta- and pooled analyses, 2) randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and protocols, 3) Mendelian randomization (MR) studies, and 4) prospective cohort studies (≥100, 000 participants) on diet, adiposity, physical activity, sedentary behavior and cancer risk. In action 5, we utilized the fail-safe number and conditional power statistics to estimate the number of additional studies needed to change the existing TER meta-analytic findings. Finally, action 6 integrated data from actions 1-5, to construct an exposure-based prioritization ranking across all cancer sites. A prioritization score (PS) was derived by assessing the number of new studies, the concordance of association measures (direction and statistical significance) against the TER, and the volume of new associations not covered in the TER. Results: We reviewed 366 meta-analyses, 121 pooled analyses, 19 RCTs, 368 MR studies and 359 cohort studies covering 151 exposures and 28 cancers, comparing them to 1371 TER meta-analyses. TER meta-analyses most likely to change from not statistically significant to significant when adding new studies included folate and colorectal cancer, waist circumference and lung cancer in never smokers, poultry and breast cancer, total fat and ovarian cancer, tea and ovarian cancer, and red meat and kidney cancer, but most associations observed in the TER are unlikely to change with additional similar research. The median PS score across exposures was 6 (range -11 to 163). Top ranked exposures with new literature evidence included anthropometric measurements (PSheight 40 to PSBMI 163), physical activity (PS 100), sedentary behavior (PS 64), alcohol (PS 52), tea (PS 36), milk and dairy products (PS 29), micronutrients (PSretinol 27 to PSiron 38), vitamins (PSB12 22 to PSvitD 91), soy (PS 24), isoflavones (PS 23), and soft drinks (PS 22). Across exposures, the top cancers were colorectal, breast, lung, liver, and endometrium. Conclusions: The outputs from the prioritization support tool can help target SLRs that would most usefully contribute to evidence-based cancer prevention recommendations. Citation Format: Georgios Markozannes, Ahmad Jayedi, Sofia Cividini, Sayada Zartasha Kazmi, Margarita Cariolou, Rita Vieira, Sonia Kiss, Katia Balducci, Dagfinn Aune, Marc Gunter, Amanda Cross, Doris Chan, Konstantinos Tsilidis. A literature-based data scanning and prioritization study to guide future systematic literature reviews for WCRF International CUP Global Programme [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2025; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2025 Apr 25-30; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2025;85(8_Suppl_1):Abstract nr 6184.

Dairy Cattle Reproduction, Production, and Disease Resistance in the Omics Era: Genome-Wide Selection Signatures Identify Candidate Genes in Sahiwal Cattle.

Climate emergency and ecological sustainability call for new ways of thinking livestock health, including the dairy cattle. This study unpacks the genetic diversity and selection sweeps of Sahiwal cattle in relation to adaptability, production, and disease resistance. Using nucleotide diversity (π) calculated from 10 kb windows across the genome with VCFtools, 716 regions of genetic diversity were identified across 29 chromosomes, and importantly, with chromosome 15 showing the highest density. A total of 92 quantitative trait loci (QTL) linked genes were analyzed, with chromosome 1 harboring the highest number. Trait association analysis using the Cattle QTL database showed that 14 genes were linked to production traits, 10 to reproduction traits, and 8 to disease susceptibility. Notable genes included CSMD2 and EFNA1, which influence milk production traits such as fat percentage and yield, and PCBP3 and SGCD, which affect reproductive traits. Additionally, the genes TBXAS1 and ASTN2 were associated with disease traits such as bovine respiratory disease and sole ulcers. Selection sweeps, identified using Tajima's D, revealed 728 sweeps across the genome, with chromosomes 6 and 8 showing the highest frequencies. These sweeps indicate regions under strong selective pressure, likely due to the breed's adaptation to arid environments and specific trait selection. The present study highlights how genetic diversity and selection sweeps contribute to Sahiwal cattle's adaptability, production efficiency, and disease resistance. The insights reported here provide a foundation for livestock health and targeted breeding strategies in the case of Sahiwal cattle under diverse ecological conditions such as tropical climate.

Nutritional Status of Goats Reared Under Field Conditions of Sawai Madhopur District of Rajsthan, India

Nutritional status of goats reared under field conditions. The feeding levels of Goats reared in Bonli, Sawai Madhopur district, depend on various factors such as the purpose of rearing (dairy or meat production), breed of goats, age, weight, and available feed resources. Protein plays a vital role in the body of animals, such as providing energy, supporting the production of meat, milk, and other products, repairing tissues, and supporting various physiological processes. The main sources of protein for animals include meat and fish meat, grains, legumes, feedstuffs, specially and the protein (C.P.) requirements for animals depend on various factors such as reproductive status, age, weight, performance level, and reproductive fitness and hence providing animals with an adequate amount of protein is essential for their health, development, performance, and livelihood. A balanced diet and the use of high-quality protein sources will help animals meet their nutritional needs according to their requirements, ensuring their overall development and well-being.

Low-iodine diet: what to eat and avoid before iodine-131 procedures?

The aim of this study was to compile a list of low-iodine foods for use in the Low-Iodine Diet (LID) to optimize the uptake of Iodine-131 by cells, which is used in the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid gland disorders. A bibliographic research was conducted focusing on the most commonly consumed foods in Brazil. Iodine quantification was derived from both national and international food composition tables, with an emphasis on sources indicating the highest concentrations of this microelement. The foods were organized into categories, and their iodine levels were presented in micrograms per 100 grams of food. The compiled list includes foods classified into categories such as cereals, legumes, vegetables, fruits, flours, oils, fats, meats, dairy products, and beverages. Foods with more than 50 μg of iodine per 100 g were identified and classified separately. Based on the findings, marine-derived foods should be avoided, while dairy products and eggs can be consumed, provided substitutions are made. Identifying and quantifying low-iodine foods is essential for guiding the LID, making it more effective and better suited to the population's needs. Legumes, vegetables, and most fruits can be consumed in larger quantities, forming the core of the diet.

Advancing Probiotic Delivery in Functional Yogurt: Encapsulation in Prebiotic-Based Matrices

The aim of this study was to develop a functional yogurt enriched with encapsulated probiotics with viable cell counts exceeding 107 CFU/g while preserving sensory quality, thereby enhancing health benefits and potentially preventing intestinal barrier dysfunction. Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LGG® was encapsulated in prebiotic-based matrices for enhanced stability, bioavailability, and controlled release under gastrointestinal conditions. Two encapsulation methods were investigated—the innovative electrohydrodynamic processing (electrospraying) method and conventional freeze drying. The encapsulation matrices were composed of inulin and whey protein isolate. Encapsulation efficiency was determined via microbiological analysis, and the encapsulated structures were characterized using scanning electron microscopy. The efficacy of the encapsulated probiotics was further assessed through exposure to gastrointestinal conditions. Electrosprayed LGG® provided the highest survival rates, up to 76%. Storage stability was evaluated at 4 °C for 105 days and after incorporation in commercial yogurt for 60 days. The sensory characteristics of the different yogurt products were also evaluated. The final products presented acceptable sensory features and final viable counts of 1.6–1.8 × 107 CFU/g. The denser structure of electrosprayed LGG® led to even higher protection. The findings highlight the potential of encapsulation—particularly electrospraying—in developing functional foods with improved probiotic delivery systems, paving the way for health-oriented dairy products.

Persistence of Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus in Goat and Cow Milks Under Different Storage Conditions and Following Thermal Inactivation

Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is a neuroinvasive arbovirus that is primarily transmitted to humans through the bites of Ixodes ricinus ticks. Consumption of unpasteurised milk and dairy products from infected ruminants can also cause infection in humans. In the majority of food-borne TBE (FB-TBE) cases, goat milk and/or cheese has been identified as the source of infection. The aim of the present study was to analyse the persistence of the infectious strain TBEV_Ain_2020 virus in spiked goat and cow raw milks under different storage conditions, and following pasteurisations performed at 63 °C/30 min or 72 °C/15 s. The total genome of TBEV was stable up to 48 h in goat and cow’s milks at 4 °C and 21 °C. In contrast, the viral titre was significantly lower in goat milk from T + 2 h post-contamination up to 17 h compared to culture cell medium and cow milk at 4 °C. At 21 °C, viral titres were lower than in DMEM in both milks up to T + 12 h. Thermal inactivations were effective in goat milk, but were not sufficient to eliminate all infective virus particles in cow milk. These unexpected findings highlighted that pasteurisation processes should be adapted to the species of origin of the milk and to the initial viral load to ensure food safety.

Screening of Lipase-Producing Microbes for Oil Bioremediation: An Eco-Friendly Approach

Oil pollution poses significant environmental challenges, threatening ecosystems and human health. Microbial lipases offer eco-friendly solutions for degrading lipid-based pollutants. Microbial lipases (EC 3.1.1.3) are versatile enzymes capable of catalysing lipid hydrolysis and synthesis, with significant potential for industrial and environmental applications. This study aimed to explore the bioremediation potential of microbial lipases obtained from dairy products, oil-contaminated soil and water, garage soil, and mill effluents. Lipase activity was optimized under varying pH, temperature, and incubation conditions. Optimal activity was observed at pH 6, temperatures of 37°C, and incubation time 60 min. Among the isolates, Mill Water Enzyme showed the highest specific activity (7.02 U/mg), whereas garage soil enzyme exhibited the highest bioremediation efficiency (0.0687 U/mol). Bioremediation assays using the gravimetric method showed promising results. The Mill Soil, Garage Soil, and Dairy Water Enzymes achieved 50% oil degradation from soil, whereas the Mill Water, Mill Soil, and Garage Soil Enzymes achieved 100% oil degradation from water effluent. Similarly, the Mill Water Enzyme demonstrated complete oil degradation (100%) in the dairy waste water effluent. Titrimetric estimation further underscored the effectiveness of microbial enzymes in oil breakdown, with garage soil enzyme exhibiting the highest activity (0.0687 U/mol). This study confirms the industrial and environmental relevance of microbial lipases, particularly in bioremediation.

Computational pipeline for sustainable enzyme discovery through (re)use of metagenomic data.

Computational pipeline for sustainable enzyme discovery through (re)use of metagenomic data.

On the issue of the development of methodological support analysis of the financial condition and forecasting model of dairy industry organizations

The subject of this article is the development of methodological support for the analysis of the financial condition and forecasting models of dairy industry organizations. The purpose of the work is to develop a methodology for assessing the target financial condition of dairy industry organizations and to study the degree to which the target financial condition of the organizations that make up the study sample has been achieved. The empirical basis of the study was made up of financial and non-financial reporting data from organizations that produce and process dairy products. To assess the impact, the dynamics of the indicators presented for the compilation of the above ratings of the sample organizations were taken into account. As a result of the conducted research, the problems associated with achieving the target financial condition of organizations (study samples) are identified. As a result of the differentiation of these characteristics, it is possible to identify five models of the target financial condition of Russian dairy industry organizations. The presented conclusions and recommendations can be used by the management of organizations to further implement the development strategy of the subjects of the industry in question.

Animal welfare information frames US public perceptions of precision technology use on dairy farms.

Animal welfare information frames US public perceptions of precision technology use on dairy farms.

Determination of Ethylene Oxide Residues in Dairy Products and Ice Cream by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

Determination of Ethylene Oxide Residues in Dairy Products and Ice Cream by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

AI-based forecasting of dynamic behaviors of Ag and ZnO nanoparticles-enhanced milk in an electromagnetic channel with exponential heating: dairy decontamination.

Electromagnetic plates can be used to heat milk and other dairy products rapidly and uniformly. The use of electromagnetic fields enables precise thermal control, which is crucial for safe pasteurization while retaining the nutritional and sensory qualities of milk. This study investigates the dynamics of Ag-ZnO/milk under electromagnetic fields generated by Riga plates with exponentially decaying wall temperatures. The model includes radiation heat emission, heat sinks, and Darcy drag forces due to the porous medium. The flow is mathematically depicted through unsteady partial differential equations solved using the Laplace transform approach. Results include tabulated and graphical with an exhaustive analysis of flow entities against model parameters. Findings highlight increased milk velocity with a boosted modified Hartmann number and declined velocity with wider electrodes. An AI-powered computing approach enhances the accuracy in envisaging flow metrics, achieving 100% accuracy in training, testing, and validation phases. This research not only advances dairy processing technologies but also paves the way for innovations in food safety, nano-enhanced dairy production, and sustainable manufacturing practices.

Risk factors for stall unoccupancy in Holstein dairy cows milked 3 times per day in a rotary milking parlor: A case control study.

The milking parlor is one of the most expensive capital investments on a dairy, therefore, using it in its most efficient way is crucial to the financial sustainability of dairy operations. Minimizing the number of unoccupied stalls in the parlor is one way to improve the parlor efficiency. Disruption in normal traffic entry to the parlor may lead to an unoccupied stall in front of a cow (i.e., stall unoccupancy). The objectives of this retrospective case control study were to identify cows at risk of stall unoccupancy and to investigate risk factors for stall unoccupancy over a 10-d risk period. The study was conducted on a Holstein dairy farm milking ∼5,000 cows 3 times per day in a 100-stall rotary parlor. Stall unoccupancy in this study refers to an event during milking in which the preceding stall of a cow remained unoccupied. A case of recurrent stall unoccupancy (RSU) was defined as a cow experiencing 11 or more stall unoccupancy events during the 10-d risk period. We hypothesized that certain cows would be responsible for causing RSU and that stall unoccupancy would be associated with cow characteristics, such as parity, stage of lactation, and health-related events. The health events considered were lameness, mastitis, individual quarter dry-off during lactation, vaccination, hoof trimming, and other disease events that occurred 1 wk before, during, or 1 wk following the risk period. Data were extracted from the farm management software programs and analyzed with a multivariable logistic regression model. We found that lactation number, lactation stage, and SCC were associated with RSU. Compared with cows in third or greater lactation, the odds ratio (OR; 95% CI) of RSU were 0.062 (0.03-0.15) for lactation 1 and 0.35 (0.22-0.56) for lactation 2. Taking cows in late lactation (≥200 DIM) as reference group, the OR (95% CI) of RSU were 0.56 (0.35-0.92) for early-lactation (<100 DIM) cows and 0.84 (0.56-1.26) for mid-lactation (101-200 DIM) cows. A 1 unit increase in the log-transformed SCC value was associated with increased odds of RSU (OR [95% CI]: 1.37 [1.05-1.76]). In addition, we documented that lameness was associated with RSU. A cow diagnosed with a lameness event 1 wk before, during, or 1 wk after the risk period exhibited higher odds of RSU with an OR (95% CI) of 1.81 (1.03-3.19). The protocol described herein provides a method to identify cows at risk of RSU and the associated risk factors. Our findings can help dairy producers identify cows that may require assisted entry to the parlor, enabling more efficient use of both parlor and labor resources. In addition to the well-documented effects of lameness on productivity, lactation performance, and animal well-being, our data suggest that lameness can have a substantial effect on parlor efficiency. These findings underscore the importance of effective treatment and prevention strategies for lameness.

Genomic analysis of Listeria monocytogenes strains from dairy products in Ethiopia

This study explored virulence genes, antibiotic resistance genes, and mobile genetic elements in 14 Listeria monocytogenes strains from milk and dairy products collected from different regions of Ethiopia. The strains were classified into two Multilocus Sequence Typing sequence types (ST2 and ST45) and further grouped into clonal complexes (CC2) and different cgMLST types. Twenty-nine virulence genes were identified across all 14 strains, with lplA1 detected at higher levels in all strains except SAMN28661660. All L. monocytogenes strains also carried four antibiotic resistance genes (fosX, lin, norB, mprF), contributing to their ability to withstand multiple antimicrobial agents. Notably, no plasmids or mobile genetic elements were detected. Stress resistance genes, including stress survival islet 1 (SSI1_lmo0447), lmo 1800, and lmo1799, were identified in all strains. However, genes encoding for disinfectant resistance were not identified from all strains. LGI-2 was found in all the strains and none of the studied strains harbored LGI-1 and LGI-3. Conserved CRISPR-Cas systems were found in some strains. KEGG pathway analysis revealed that inlA and inlB genes facilitate bacterial internalization through host actin polymerization. Overall, the study provided crucial insights into the genomic features of L. monocytogenes in the Ethiopian dairy chain. It is crucial to establish continuous monitoring of L. monocytogenes in dairy products, improve sanitation, enforce stricter antibiotic usage and food safety regulations, and raise public awareness of associated risks.

Identification of bioaccessible and neuroprotective peptides from fermented casein hydrolysate.

Identification of bioaccessible and neuroprotective peptides from fermented casein hydrolysate.

Associations between Saturated Fat from Single Dairy Foods and Body Composition in Young Canadian Children.

Purpose: To examine the associations between dairy-derived saturated fat from fluid cow's milk, cheese, and yogurt, and body composition [body mass index z-scores (BMIz), fat mass index (FMI), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR)] in children aged 1.5-5 years. Methods: This cross-sectional study used baseline data from 267 children (3.5 ± 1.2 years) from the Guelph Family Health Study. Dairy-derived saturated fat intake (g/1000kcal) was assessed via one 24-hour dietary recall completed by parents using the web-based Automated Self-Administered 24-Hour Dietary Assessment Tool 2016 - Canadian version. Linear regression using generalized estimating equations explored associations between dairy-derived saturated fat intake and BMIz and FMI, adjusted for physical activity, household income, parent education, and child ethnicity; WHtR was additionally adjusted for age and sex. Results: Total dairy- and milk-derived saturated fat were not associated with any body composition outcomes. Cheese-derived saturated fat intake was positively, but marginally associated with BMIz (B̂ = 0.03, 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.06, p = 0.013), while yogurt-derived saturated fat was inversely associated with FMI (B̂ = -0.19, 95% CI: -0.34 to -0.04, p = 0.015). Conclusions: These cross-sectional findings may inform dietary guidelines to recognize the neutral or potentially beneficial effects of saturated fat from dairy products on body composition in young children. Longitudinal studies are warranted.

Comparative genome analysis of international transboundary cattle breeds.

Comparative genome analysis of international transboundary cattle breeds.

Development and evaluation of technology for preserving hard cheese with staphylococcal bacteriophage

Despite the control of dairy products by microbiological indicators, this category of products is among those that most often cause alimentary infections and poisonings among consumers. At the same time, the most dangerous food pathogens are Campylobacter, Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes and toxin-producing pathogens ‒ Staphylococcus aureus. Therefore, the issue of increasing the microbiological safety of dairy products, including hard cheese, is constantly relevant. This search aimed to determine S. aureus contamination of raw milk and hard cheeses and assess the influence of isolated bacteriophages on the development of staphylococci and lactic acid microorganisms during cheese ripening. S. aureus was not detected in 25.5% of raw milk samples received for processing. In comparison, the bulk of the milk – 52.9% of the samples – was contaminated with coagulase-positive staphylococci up to 500 CFU/ml. 21.6% of raw milk samples at the processing plant contained S. aureus more than 500 CFU/ml. Hard cheeses sold in the trade network did not contain S.aureus in 70.4% of samples; in 22.2%, its amount did not exceed 5 ×102 CFU/g, and in 7.4% of cheese samples, the content of S.aureus was higher than the standard norm of 5 ×102 CFU/g. From 30.4 to 60.8% of raw milk samples contained virulent phages that lysed S. aureus, which was isolated from hard cheeses and dairy raw materials. Two phages (No. 4 and No. 8) were isolated from raw milk, which showed 80.0 – 90.0% virulent activity in four crosses against both S. aureus isolated from milk and rennet cheeses. These phages were introduced into the technology of hard cheese production. The addition of virulent staphylococcal bacteriophages to the milk mixture (2 ml per 1 l at a concentration of 108 CFU/ml) during the production technology of hard cheese allows its preservation against the development of S. aureus. Thus, a technology for the biocontrol of S. aureus in hard cheese has been developed, almost wholly neutralizing it during production.

Development and validation of an LC-MS method for free monosaccharide analysis in milk from 8 species.

Development and validation of an LC-MS method for free monosaccharide analysis in milk from 8 species.

Effects of Dairy Matrix on the Intestinal, Liver, and Bone Transcriptome of Healthy Rats

Fermentation is one of the oldest food processing techniques and is widely utilized in dairy product processing, during which nutrient availability and bioactive compounds are altered. However, the complete mode of action by which fermented dairy exerts beneficial effects on the host remains unknown. The present study investigated the effect of milk and yogurt ingestion alone or combined with prebiotic inulin on the transcriptome of colonic mucosa, liver, and femur in healthy rats. Young growing male rats were fed one of four experimental diets containing (1) skimmed milk, (2) skimmed milk supplemented with inulin (5% w/w), (3) yogurt, or (4) yogurt supplemented with inulin (5% w/w) for 6 weeks. Microarray results revealed that yogurt consumption resulted in 2195 upregulated differential expressed genes (DEGs) and 1474 downregulated DEGs in colonic mucosa as compared with milk consumption. According to Gene Ontology (GO) categories and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, tight junction-, immune system-related pathways in the colonic mucosa and metabolic pathways in the liver were enriched with yogurt consumption. No evident differences were identified in the bone transcriptome between the diet groups. In conclusion, the study found that the intake of fermented dairy exerts more pronounced effects on gene expression in the intestinal tissue than prebiotics supplementation.