Dr. Duncan and Dr. Wang have presented their research on The 5th International Symposium on Dairy Cow Nutrition and Milk Quality

Dr. Susan Duncan and Dr. Aili Wang have participated held in May 5-7th in Beijing. As the prior president of The American Dairy Science Association (ADSA), Dr. Duncan represented ADSA to have an opening speech in the conference and was interviewed by two Newspapers in China (Farmer’s Daily and Chinese Social Sciences Today). Over 20 members from ADSA have participated this conference and shared their experience and research outcome with over 400 dairy scientists about milk quality and safety, diary cow nutrition, and advanced technology on dairy research. Dr. Duncan and Aili also presented their interdisciplinary research in the conference: Effect of Iron in Farm and Processing Water Sources on Milk Quality.

*Abstract: High mineral concentrations (>0.3 mg/kg Fe and others) may be associated with natural levels in ground water, contaminating sources, drought conditions, or storage systems. Implications of dietary water mineral chemistry on biological fluids are not well described. Water is an important nutrient for dairy cattle, who consume high quantities (90 to 150 L) of water daily. As water is a major component of milk, water source influence on bovine milk synthesis and subsequent milk quality is of interest in understanding implications to cow and calf health, milk processing and stability, and milk nutrient availability for human health. When in excess that exceeds the antioxidant mechanisms in biological systems, iron and copper initiate oxidative reactions that may lead to oxidative stress, initiating biological responses that lead to changes in biological fluids such as saliva and milk. Excess iron in bovine water sources influences the milk proteome, which can affect milk stability as well as influencing sensory and nutritional quality and further processing into dairy products.

*Duncan, S.E.; Wang, A.; Mann, G. Effect of iron in farm and processing water sources on milk quality. Proceedings of the 5th International Symposium on Dairy Cow Nutrition and Milk Quality. Beijing, China. May 5-7, 2017; pp 99-110.