Milk-e: Towards a dairy sector resilient to climate change

During the summer season, dairy processors face increased variability in the composition of raw milk due to heat. These issues have worsened in recent years, leading to significant challenges for the industry, affecting not only the quality of final products but also the profitability of operations and the environmental impact of the dairy industry. In the current context of climate change, it is imperative for dairy producers and processors to implement practices that maintain animal welfare and the stability of milk composition and technological properties throughout the year.

As part of the proposed research program, the first animal phase will be conducted to characterize the impacts of heat on these properties and measure the effects of heat stress mitigation strategies on milk quality and animal welfare (objective 1). A second experimental phase will focus on characterizing the impacts of heat stress on minor milk components (minerals, vitamins, organic acids, free amino acids) that can affect the growth of bacteria responsible for acidification in cheese making (objective 2). A third experimental phase will be carried out to propose adjustments to processing methods that can counteract the effects of heat stress experienced in the barn (objective 3).

Milk samples from past and ongoing trials will be combined with those from the proposed project to develop models using artificial intelligence (AI) to predict the technological properties of milk using routine Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) mid-infrared spectroscopy. This low-cost, high-throughput milk transformation potential screening method will be applicable to all farms in Quebec (objective 4). Finally, the evolution of the technological properties of milk will be projected under future climatic conditions using simulations generated by Ouranos (objective 5). This last objective will enable better long-term planning of strategies to be adopted across Quebec.

In this context, the outcomes of our research program will provide a solid scientific foundation to inform decisions by dairy producers and processors, thereby contributing to the sustainability and resilience of the Quebec dairy industry in the face of current and future climate challenges.