PhD project: Title: Effect of antimethanogenic feed additives on milk composition, functional properties and quality of dairy products (ClimateMilk)

University: Aarhus University

Department: Department of Food Science

Main Supervisor: Nina Aagaard Poulsen, Associate Professor

Co-supervisors: Lotte Bach Larsen, Professor

    Lars Wiking, Associate Professor

Project term: 1/12/2020 – 30/11/2023

Master’s degree: MSc in Animal Science, University of Manitoba, Canada

Background:

Methane (CH₄) is one of the primary greenhouse gas (GHG) emission and milk production and the dairy industry is considered as one of the major contributors to CH₄ production. Therefore, application of methane mitigation strategies in dairy production is of great interest. These strategies include changes in feed and/or addition of feed additives such as nitrate and 3-NOP (3-nitro-oxy-propanol) and supplementation of fat. These feed additives have previously been documented to reduce CH₄ production.

Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the individual and synergistic effects of 3-NOP, nitrate and fat supplementation on milk composition, functional properties and quality of dairy products.

Research outline: The study is imbedded in the ClimateMilk project, which is funded by the Danish Dairy Research Foundation. Milk samples from a feeding trial performed at the Danish Cattle Research Centre at Aarhus University will be analysed for overall milk composition, protein profile, vitamin and mineral composition, fatty acid profile and functional properties including milk coagulation properties and fat crystallization. Further, possible transfer of feed additives  and their metabolites into the milk will be determined.

Partners of collaboration:

Arla Foods amba

DSM

Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University

Main area: Milk and Dairy products