Dairy

21 pages, 7646 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Encapsulation of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Using Lactoferrin and Alginate: Layer-by-Layer Coating and Dual Coating Air Brush Approaches for Enhanced Stability

by Nora Idalia Diaz-Negrete, Gabriela Ramos Clamont Montfort, Cristina Cueto-Wong, Silvia Gabriela López-Fernández and Rene Renato Balandrán-Quintana

Dairy 2025, 6(3), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/dairy6030027 - 31 May 2025

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Abstract

This study evaluated two techniques for encapsulating Lactiplantibacillus plantarum using bovine lactoferrin and sodium alginate. The first method involved a layer-by-layer (LbL) coating of lactoferrin and alginate directly onto individual cells, using three layers of these electrolytes. The second method focused on encapsulating [...] Read more.

This study evaluated two techniques for encapsulating Lactiplantibacillus plantarum using bovine lactoferrin and sodium alginate. The first method involved a layer-by-layer (LbL) coating of lactoferrin and alginate directly onto individual cells, using three layers of these electrolytes. The second method focused on encapsulating the probiotics in calcium alginate miniaturized beads, followed by a lactoferrin coating (AAcL). Encapsulation efficiency was measured at 52.7% for the LbL method and 32.6% for AAcL. Encapsulation was confirmed through zeta potential changes and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs. After freeze drying, the LbL technique showed a 2.67 log CFU decrease in survival rates, whereas the AAcL method resulted in a 3.77 log CFU decline. Nonencapsulated probiotics experienced a reduction of 5.8 log CFU. In storage at −20 °C, the LbL method led to a 32% decrease in survival after 30 days and 41% after 90 days, while the AAcL method showed a decline of 15% after 30 days and 28% after 90 days. Both techniques preserved 75% of the initial L. plantarum population under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Overall, these methods effectively protected the probiotic from environmental stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Milk Processing)

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12 pages, 717 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Combined Effects of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin and Intravaginal Progesterone Device Treatment in the Early Luteal Phase After Artificial Insemination on Conception Rate in Lactating Dairy Cows

by Ryotaro Miura, Taiki Izumi, Yuriko Wada, Yujiro Hagita, Kosuke Iga, Natsumi Sobu, Akiya Hirase, Osamu Yoneyama, Yo-ichi Miyake, Tsuyoshi Tajima, Tadaharu Ajito, Shingo Haneda and Motozumi Matsui

Dairy 2025, 6(3), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/dairy6030026 - 30 May 2025

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Abstract

The combined effects of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) treatment on Day 5 (Day 0 = the day of artificial insemination: AI) and intravaginal progesterone device (IVPD) treatment from Day 5 to 19 on the conception rate and plasma sex steroid hormone were examined [...] Read more.

The combined effects of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) treatment on Day 5 (Day 0 = the day of artificial insemination: AI) and intravaginal progesterone device (IVPD) treatment from Day 5 to 19 on the conception rate and plasma sex steroid hormone were examined in lactating dairy cows. In Experiment 1, cows were divided into a non-treatment group (n = 181), untreated; an IVPD group (n = 74), with an IVPD inserted into the vagina from Day 5 to 19; and an hCG + IVPD group (n = 87), with 3000 IU hCG administered intramuscularly on Day 5 and an IVPD inserted into the vagina from Day 5 to 19. The conception rates of the hCG + IVPD group, which underwent ≤3 AIs (52.8%) and >3 AIs (73.3%), and the IVPD group, which underwent >3 AIs (63.0%), were significantly higher than that of the non-treatment group, which underwent ≤3 AIs (34.2%). In Experiment 2, blood samples were collected from the non-treatment group (n = 6), the IVPD group (n = 6), and the hCG + IVPD group (n = 7) on days 5, 8, 12, and 15 from estrus to measure plasma progesterone (P₄) and total estrogen (E) concentrations. The plasma P₄ concentration of the hCG + IVPD group tended to be higher than that of the non-treatment group on Day 15; however, plasma E concentrations were not different among groups. These results suggest that the conception rate was improved by hCG + IVPD treatment regardless of AI number because of higher plasma P₄ concentrations later in the estrous cycle. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Reproduction)

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16 pages, 1057 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fermented Buffalo Milk with Conjugated Linoleic Acid-Producing Bacteria: Strain Selection and Functional Applications

by Bruna Samara dos Santos Rekowsky, Lorena Brandão Rocha Martinez Fernandez, Katherine Gutierrez Alzate, Carini Aparecida Lelis, Marcelo Resende de Souza, Carolina Oliveira de Souza, Bruno Dutra da Silva, Carlos Adam Conte-Júnior, Carla Paulo Vieira, José Givanildo da Silva and Marion Pereira da Costa

Dairy 2025, 6(3), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/dairy6030025 - 29 May 2025

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Abstract

Buffalo milk is a rich source of precursor fatty acids for bioactive compounds and provides an optimal environment for bacterial growth. This study aimed to isolate and select lactic acid bacteria strains with potential to conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) production for technological application [...] Read more.

Buffalo milk is a rich source of precursor fatty acids for bioactive compounds and provides an optimal environment for bacterial growth. This study aimed to isolate and select lactic acid bacteria strains with potential to conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) production for technological application in fermented buffalo milk. Fifty-eight strains were isolated from raw milk, kefir, artisanal cheese, kombucha, and jaboticaba juice and tested for CLA biosynthesis. In milk fermentation, selected strains with linoleic acid (LA) conversion rates ranging from 65.66% to 21.86% were L. paraplantarum, L. plantarum, P. pentosaceus, and L. fermentum. The highest viability average values between 11.85 and 11.15 Log CFU/mL were observed after 8 h of fermentation for the L. plantarum, control L. plantarum, and L. fermentum treatments, while it took 10 h of fermentation for L. paraplantarum and P. pentosaceus to reach a stationary phase, with pH stabilizing at 4.60 ± 0.1 after 30 h. Despite L. paraplantarum showing the highest in vitro CLA production (0.99 mg/mL), in buffalo milk, all strains similarly produced c9t11 CLA, with no detectable t11c12 CLA. P. pentosaceus and L. fermentum showed a fatty acid profile with higher PUFA content, especially in CLA and MUFA, related to a lower degree of atherogenicity (IA) and thrombogenicity index (ThI). These findings boost understanding of dairy (raw milk, artisanal cheese, and milk kefir) and non-dairy substrates (kombucha and jaboticaba juice) as reservoirs for functional bacteria and highlight buffalo milk as a matrix for diversification of naturally enriched fermented dairy products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Milk Processing)

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29 pages, 6123 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lactic Microbiota and Metabolites in Raw Cow’s Milk: Implications for Consumer Health

by María Carmen Sánchez, Eduardo Soria, Arancha Llama-Palacios, Franco Almirón, Alberto Valdés, Alejandro Cifuentes, Marta Hernández, María José Ciudad and Luis Collado

Dairy 2025, 6(3), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/dairy6030024 - 22 May 2025

Viewed by 389

Abstract

This study explores the microbiota and metabolite profile of raw cow’s milk, analyzing the correlation between them and their potential impact on consumer health, focusing on factors like cow’s feeding regimen (conventional vs. grazing), the herd’s geographical location (coastal vs. inland), and the [...] Read more.

This study explores the microbiota and metabolite profile of raw cow’s milk, analyzing the correlation between them and their potential impact on consumer health, focusing on factors like cow’s feeding regimen (conventional vs. grazing), the herd’s geographical location (coastal vs. inland), and the thermal stability of raw milk samples. To achieve this, raw milk quality was assessed through mesophilic bacterial count and thermal stability using the 70° and 80° ethanol test. Metataxonomic analysis was performed using Illumina 16S rRNA hypervariable region sequencing, and untargeted metabolomics was conducted using UHPLC-Q/TOF MS/MS, followed by multivariate correlation analysis. All samples met quality standards. A total of 1258 prokaryotic ASVs were identified, spanning 48 bacterial phyla and one archaeal phylum, with 909 genera and 349 unidentified ASVs. Additionally, 70 metabolites were identified, including essential amino acids, vitamins, and bioactive compounds with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and prebiotic properties. Significant correlations between bacterial diversity and metabolite profiles were observed. Feeding regimen and geographical location influence microbial composition and metabolite abundance, while thermal stability was linked to specific metabolites like oleamide and pyridoxal. These findings suggest that microbiota-derived metabolites can enhance the nutritional and functional value of milk. Further research is needed to understand how environmental and processing factors influence these dynamics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Metabolomics and Foodomics)

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11 pages, 262 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Feeding Cactus (Opuntia stricta [Haw.] Haw.) Cladodes as a Partial Substitute for Elephant Grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) Induces Beneficial Changes in Milk Fatty Acid Composition of Dairy Goats Fed Full-Fat Corn Germ

by Agni M. N. Corrêa, Camila S. da Silva, Marco A. S. Gama, Luciana F. P. Soares, Andreia F. de Souza, Michelle C. B. Siqueira, Elizabeth Q. L. de Vasconcelos, Victor J. L. Galeano, Robert E. Mora-Luna, Thayane V. M. Santos, Adriano H. N. Rangel and Marcelo de A. Ferreira

Dairy 2025, 6(3), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/dairy6030023 - 30 Apr 2025

Viewed by 382

Abstract

The present study explored the combined effects of CC (Opuntia stricta [Haw.] Haw.) and full-fat corn germ (FFCG) as a source of supplementary PUFA on milk fatty acid (FA) composition of dairy goats fed elephant grass (EG). Twelve Saanen goats were [...] Read more.

The present study explored the combined effects of CC (Opuntia stricta [Haw.] Haw.) and full-fat corn germ (FFCG) as a source of supplementary PUFA on milk fatty acid (FA) composition of dairy goats fed elephant grass (EG). Twelve Saanen goats were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments (GC or FFCG as energy sources, and the inclusion or not of CC in the diet as a partial substitute for EG). The proportions of various milk FAs were influenced by CC, FFCG, or both. Significant interactions between CC and FFCG were noted for most trans-C18:1 and CLA isomers. Specifically, including CC in the FFCG-supplemented diet increased the levels of trans-11 C18:1 and cis-9, trans-11 CLA in milk fat, whereas these isomers were unchanged or slightly reduced with CC in the GC diet. Similar patterns were observed for C18:2 n-6, while C16:0 increased with CC in the GC diet. Ratios of trans-C18:1/C18:0 and trans-11 C18:1/C18:0 were notably higher when CC was included in the FFCG-supplemented diet. These findings suggest that CC inhibits the last step of rumen biohydrogenation in dairy goats, enriching milk with trans-11 C18:1 and cis-9, trans-11 CLA when supplementary PUFA is provided in the diet. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Dairy Animal Nutrition and Welfare)

36 pages, 7158 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

The Calci-Inflammatory Network: A Paradigm Shift in Understanding Milk Fever

by Burim N. Ametaj

Dairy 2025, 6(3), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/dairy6030022 - 28 Apr 2025

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Abstract

This review highlights a paradigm shift in our understanding of hypocalcemia during milk fever by introducing the concept of the Calci-Inflammatory Network. Traditionally viewed as a pathological deficiency necessitating rapid correction (e.g., through calcium borogluconate infusions or dietary adjustments like dietary cation-anion [...] Read more.

This review highlights a paradigm shift in our understanding of hypocalcemia during milk fever by introducing the concept of the Calci-Inflammatory Network. Traditionally viewed as a pathological deficiency necessitating rapid correction (e.g., through calcium borogluconate infusions or dietary adjustments like dietary cation-anion difference), periparturient hypocalcemia is reinterpreted here as an adaptive, protective response. Within this new framework, reduced circulating calcium levels may help temper systemic inflammation by limiting lipopolysaccharide (LPS) aggregation and curbing excessive macrophage activation. The review discusses how calcium signaling, the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR), and immune cell functions adapt under hypocalcemic conditions to modulate inflammatory processes. This integrated perspective not only redefines the role of hypocalcemia but also proposes the Calci-Inflammatory Network as a novel concept through which we can understand how changes in calcium homeostasis mitigate inflammatory cascades—potentially lowering the incidence of periparturient diseases and enhance overall cow health and farm productivity. Future research should investigate the long-term effects of hypocalcemia, the environmental influences on this Calci-Inflammatory Network, and their collective impact on disease susceptibility and inflammation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Dairy Animal Health)

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11 pages, 564 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Acid Whey from Industrial Greek Strained Yoghurt: Effect of the Kind of Milk and the Way of Straining on Its Composition and Processing by Nanofiltration

by Marianna Karela, Lambros Sakkas, Evangelia Zoidou, Golfo Moatsou, Konstantina Milosi and Ekaterini Moschopoulou

Dairy 2025, 6(3), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/dairy6030021 - 28 Apr 2025

Viewed by 402

Abstract

The acid whey derived during the production of Greek yoghurt, i.e., yoghurt acid whey (YAW), is considered as environmental pollutant due to its low pH and high lactose content. YAW may be obtained by centrifugation or ultrafiltration or filtration through cloth bags (traditional [...] Read more.

The acid whey derived during the production of Greek yoghurt, i.e., yoghurt acid whey (YAW), is considered as environmental pollutant due to its low pH and high lactose content. YAW may be obtained by centrifugation or ultrafiltration or filtration through cloth bags (traditional method) of the initial yoghurt, methods that could affect its composition. In the last years, efforts have been made to improve its composition using membrane technology. In the present work, the composition of 35 different YAW samples from Greek Yoghurt dairies was studied. The YAW samples were grouped according to the way of production and the kind of milk in the case of the traditional method. The results showed that both the kind of milk and the way of yoghurt staining affected its composition. Ovine YAW derived from traditional straining was richer in lactic acid and calcium than bovine YAW. Moreover, the composition of bovine YAW varied among the different ways of straining, and this affected its behaviour during membrane processing. Nanofiltration of three representative bovine YAW samples and one ovine YAW sample at their natural pH, i.e., pH 4.5, and at 25 °C removed the lactic acid at a range from 40 to 55%, and the monovalent cations > 60% and retained lactose and galactose at percentages > 95% and 80% respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Milk Processing)

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14 pages, 1003 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Health and Growth Performance During the Pre-Weaning Phase of Angus × Holstein Crossbred and Holstein Calves Managed Under the Same Conditions

by Michail Sabino Moroz, Camila Cecilia Martin and Ruan Rolnei Daros

Dairy 2025, 6(3), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/dairy6030020 - 27 Apr 2025

Viewed by 487

Abstract

There are few studies on how dairy × beef crossbred calves perform during the pre-weaning phase compared to dairy calves. This observational study evaluated birth weight, average daily gain (ADG), and disease occurrence in Angus × Holstein (Ang × Hol) crossbred and Holstein [...] Read more.

There are few studies on how dairy × beef crossbred calves perform during the pre-weaning phase compared to dairy calves. This observational study evaluated birth weight, average daily gain (ADG), and disease occurrence in Angus × Holstein (Ang × Hol) crossbred and Holstein calves reared under the same conditions on a commercial dairy farm. Retrospective data from 379 calves (290 Holstein females; 89 Ang × Hol crossbreds: 46 males, 43 females) born between January 2022 and August 2023 were analyzed. Variables included dam parity, calving type, birth weight, colostrum Brix levels, serum total protein (STP), mortality, disease occurrence, ADG, and weaning weight. Statistical analysis used linear and logistic regression models. Ang × Hol male calves had higher odds of assisted calving. Male and female Ang × Hol calves had greater birth weights than Holstein calves, with males being the heaviest. No differences in STP were observed. Ang × Hol calves (both sexes) showed higher ADG than Holsteins but did not differ from each other. Holstein calves had higher odds of diarrhea (OR: 2.95, 95% CI: 1.63–5.35), while Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) incidence was similar across groups. Overall, Ang × Hol crossbred calves demonstrated superior growth and lower diarrhea risk under the same management conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Dairy Animal Health)

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Dairy, Volume 6, Issue 3 (June 2025) – 8 articles

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