ADSA Foundation Scholar Award: Possibilities and challenges of exopolysaccharide-producing lactic cultures in dairy foods

Exopolysaccharides (EPS) from lactic acid bacteria are a diverse group of polysaccharides exhibiting various functional properties. Two forms of EPS are produced by lactic acid bacteria: capsular and unattached. Capsular EPS does not cause ropiness nor does production of unattached EPS ensure ropiness. The functions of EPS in dairy products are not completely understood. This is for 2 main reasons: the major variations among exopolysaccharides even from the same group of micro-organisms, which makes it difficult to apply information from one EPS to others, and the lack of availability of techniques with the ability to observe the microstructure and distribution of the highly hydrated EPS in fermented dairy products. The introduction of relatively new microscopic techniques such as confocal scanning laser microscopy and cryo-scanning electron microscopy made it possible to directly observe the distribution of fully hydrated EPS in dairy products. Recently, EPS produced by nonropy strains have drawn the attention of the dairy industry. This is because of the ability of some nonropy strains to produce large capsular and unattached EPS that would improve the texture of dairy products without causing the undesirable slippery mouthfeel produced by the ropy strains. Factors affecting functions of EPS are their molecular characteristics and ability to interact with milk proteins. Studying the interaction between EPS and milk proteins is complex because EPS are gradually produced during fermentation, unlike polysaccharides added directly to milk to stabilize the fermented product. The concentration and possibly molecular characteristics of EPS and protein characteristics such as charge and hydrophobicity change during fermentation. Consequently, the interaction of EPS with proteins might also change during fermentation. Exopolysaccharides provide functions that benefit reduced-fat cheeses. They bind water and increase the moisture in the nonfat portion, interfere with protein-protein interactions and reduce the rigidity of the protein network, and increase viscosity of the serum phase. This review discusses the production of capsular EPS and their role in structure formation in fermented milk, the mechanism of ropiness formation, and applications of EPS-producing cultures in reduced-fat cheeses.     

ADSA Foundation Scholar Award: Implementing waste solutions for dairy and livestock farms

Water quality in the United States is threatened by contamination with nutrients, primarily nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). Animal manure can be a valuable resource for farmers, providing nutrients, improving soil structure, and increasing vegetative cover to reduce erosion potential. At the same time, application of manure nutrients in excess of crop requirements can result in environmental contamination. Concentrated animal agriculture has been identified as a significant source of nutrient contamination of surface water, nitrogen contamination of groundwater, and ammonia emission. Areas facing the dilemma of an economically important livestock industry concentrated in an environmentally sensitive area have few options. If agricultural practices continue as they have in the past, despite the significant changes in agricultural intensity and changing environmental conditions, continued damage to water resources and a loss of fishing and recreational activity are inevitable. If agricultural productivity is reduced, however, the maintenance of a stable farm economy, a viable rural economy, and a reliable domestic food supply are seriously threatened. The identification and implementation of solutions to the generation of excess manure in confined animal feeding operations are necessary to enable such agricultural operations to thrive in environmentally sensitive areas such as the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. This paper will review an innovative collaborative approach to the development of a manure and litter solutions strategy by a diverse array of potential problem-solvers.     

ADSA Foundation Scholar Award: Materials science approach to the study of mechanical and diffusion properties in cheese

Dairy products can be manufactured in a variety of structural forms (e.g., liquid, semi-solids, and solids). Although liquid milk is a colloidal dispersion of fat and protein in the serum portion, it can easily be converted into a soft gel (yogurt) upon acid coagulation. Similarly, cheese, a rennet-coagulated, casein-rich fraction of milk, falls in the category of semi-solid foods. Structurally, all of these materials are complex in nature because of interactions between protein, fat, and water components. The structural origin of these diversified food textures is derived from the way that various food constituents are arranged to form a unique body or mass. Food materials science helps in the assessment of structural arrangements of these molecules at various length scales. This article focuses on the use of various materials science approaches for understanding the fundamental relationship between process, structure, and property in solving critical issues that pertain to the dairy industry and academia.     

ADSA Foundation Scholar Award. Formation and physical properties of milk protein gels

Gelation of milk proteins is the crucial first step in both cheese and yogurt manufacture. Several types of milk gels are discussed, with an emphasis on recent developments in our understanding of how these gels are formed and some of their key physical properties. Areas discussed include the latest dual-binding model for casein micelles; some recent developments in rennet-induced gelation; review of the methods that have been used to monitor milk coagulation; and a discussion of some of the possible causes for the wheying-off defect in yogurts. Casein micelles are the primary building blocks of casein-based gels; however, controversy about its structure continues. The latest model proposed for the formation of casein micelles is the dual-binding model proposed by Horne, 1998, which suggests that casein micelles are formed as a result of two binding mechanisms, namely hydrophobic attraction and colloidal calcium phosphate (CCP) bridging. Most previous models for the casein micelle have treated milk gelation from the viewpoint of simple particle destabilization and aggregation, but they have not been able to explain several unusual rheological properties of milk gels. Although there have been many techniques used to monitor the milk gelation process over the past few decades, only a few appear attractive as possible in-vat coagulation sensors. Another important aspect of milk gels is the defect in yogurts called wheying-off, which is the appearance of whey on the gel surface. The factors responsible for its occurrence are still unclear, but they have been investigated in model acid gel systems.     

Invited review: Sensory analysis of dairy foods

Sensory quality is the ultimate measure of product quality and success. Sensory analysis comprises a variety of powerful and sensitive tools to measure human responses to foods and other products. Selection of the appropriate test, test conditions, and data analysis result in reproducible, powerful, and relevant results. Appropriate application of these tests enables specific product and consumer insights and interpretation of volatile compound analyses to flavor perception. Trained-panel results differ from dairy judging and grading and one objective of this review is to clearly address and demonstrate the differences. Information on available sensory tests, when and how to use them, and the powerful results that can be obtained is presented.     

ADSA Foundation Scholar Award. Critical issues affecting the future of dairy industry: individual contributions in the scope of a global approach.

Several constraints that have been affecting the dairy industry are identified in a critical fashion, and directions are given with an emphasis on food processing implemented at the postproduction level. The rationale for modifications aimed at enhancing the appeal of condensed dairy products should be consubstantiated in strengthening of organoleptic characteristics, improvement of nutraceutical impact, and reduction of polluting power. This enumeration follows an order of increasing time scale required for consumer perception and increasing size scale associated with expected impact. Pursuance of such streamlines should lead to manufacture of dairy products that resemble nature more closely in terms of milk coagulation, milk fat modification, milk fermentation, whey fermentation, and starter culture addition. Directions for research and development anticipated as useful and effective in this endeavor, and which have been previously and consistently adopted in the development of an individual research program, are characterization and development of alternative rennets from plant sources, development of starter and nonstarter cultures from adventitious microflora, utilization of probiotic strains as starter cultures, upgrading of whey via physical or fermentation routes, and modification of milk fat via lipase-mediated interesterification reactions.     

ADSA Foundation Scholar Award: Early-life exposure to hyperthermia: Productive and physiological outcomes,costs, and opportunities

Global rising temperature is a considerable threat to livestock production and an impediment to animal welfare. In fact, the 5 warmest years on record have occurred since 2016. Although the effect of heat stress on lactating cattle is well recognized and extensively studied, it is increasingly evident that rising temperatures will affect dairy cattle of all ages and lactation states. However, the extent and consequences of this effect are less understood and often overlooked in the literature and dairy industry. Early-life experiences, such as exposure to hyperthermia, can have life-long implications for health and productivity. This review highlights the body of work surrounding the effects of heat-stress exposure in young dairy cattle, including the prenatal fetus (in utero), postnatal calves (preweaning), and growing heifers, which are all categories that are typically not considered for heat-stress abatement on farm. Insights into the physiological and molecular mechanisms that might explain the adverse phenotypic outcomes of heat-stress exposure at different stages of development are also discussed. The estimated economic loss of in utero hyperthermia is addressed, and the ties between biological findings and opportunities for the application of cooling management interventions on farm are also presented. Our research highlights the importance of heat-stress abatement strategies for dry-pregnant cows to ensure optimal multigenerational productivity and showcases the benefits of cooling neonatal calves and growing heifers. Understanding the implications of heat stress at all life stages from a physiological, molecular, economic, and welfare perspective will lead to the development of novel and refined practices and interventions to help overcome the long-lasting effects of climate change in the dairy industry.     

ADSA Foundation Scholar Award--An integrated science-based approach to dairy food safety: Listeria monocytogenes as a model system

Transmission of food- and milkborne pathogens often involves complex interactions among the pathogen, the environment, and one or multiple host species. A complete understanding of these interactions is critical to allow the development of science-based, effective intervention strategies for foodborne infectious diseases. This article summarizes our studies on the transmission, ecology, pathogenesis and population genetics of Listeria monocytogenes, which we have used as model for a food- and milkborne pathogen that infects multiple hosts and also has considerable ability to survive and multiply in nonhost environments. Application of molecular subtyping tools in conjunction with phenotypic characterization of selected strains has allowed us to define distinct L. monocytogenes subtypes and clonal groups that appear to differ in relevant phenotypic characteristics that may affect their abilities to be transmitted through food systems. For example, a genetic group designated as lineage I has been shown to be not only more common among human listeriosis cases than among animal cases, but lineage I strains also appear to show an increased in vitro ability to spread intracellularly from host cell to host cell. These findings are consistent with the fact that while genetically diverse strains may be classified to one bacterial species, these strains often differ from one another in important genetic and phenotypic characteristics. I thus propose that evolutionary- and molecular subtyping-based definitions of bacterial subtypes and clonal groups will provide critical insight into the microbial ecology of dairy food systems, including not only foodborne pathogens, but also organisms important for dairy fermentation and spoilage.     

Flavor Comparison of Natural Cheeses Manufactured in Different Countries

Abstract: The objective of this study was to determine the main flavor components of different natural aged cheese types from various countries and determine whether a unique sensory characteristic exists within specific countries for European cheeses. The flavor of 152 cheeses from Estonia, France, Italy, Germany, Holland, Austria, England, Greece, Ireland, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, Belgium, and Denmark were described during 4 independent studies. The sensory data from these studies were combined. The cheeses were sorted according to milk type and texture, and flavor characteristics of these groups were described. The main flavor characteristics of the cheeses tested were salty, sweet, sour, astringent, biting, pungent, sharp, nutty, musty/earthy, dairy fat, buttery, and dairy sweet. The cluster analysis divided the cheeses into 4 clusters: clusters 1 and 2 were sour, dairy sour, salty, astringent, biting, and varied in buttery (cluster 1) and sharp notes (cluster 2). Cluster 1 and 2 were mainly composed of French cheeses, while clusters 3 and 4 represented cheeses from various countries. Cluster 3 and 4 were sweet, with cooked milk and nutty characteristics and varied from buttery (cluster 3) to sharp notes (cluster 4). Cheeses from some countries, for example, France and Estonia, generally exhibited common sensory characteristics within the specific country, but cheeses from some other countries, such as Italy, varied widely, and seemed to have no common sensory theme. Most regional cheese standards are not specific about flavor profiles and these results suggest it may be possible to start a further characterization of cheeses in some countries. Practical Application: This research shows the main flavor characteristics of certain types of cheeses manufactured in various countries. The information may be useful to cheese manufacturers, product developers, food scientists, cheese connoisseurs, and government officials to better understand the flavor classification of cheeses from various countries.     

ADSA Foundation Scholar Award: Trends in culture-independent methods for assessing dairy food quality and safety: Emerging metagenomic tools

Enhancing the quality and safety of dairy food is critical to maintaining the competitiveness of dairy products in the food and beverage market and in reinforcing consumer confidence in the dairy industry. Raw milk quality has a significant effect on finished product quality. Several microbial groups found in raw milk have been shown to adversely affect the shelf life of pasteurized milk. Current microbiological criteria used to define milk quality are based primarily on culture-dependent methods, some of which are perceived to lack the desired sensitivity and specificity. To supplement traditional methods, culture-independent methods are increasingly being used to identify specific species or microbial groups, and to detect indicator genes or proteins in raw milk or dairy products. Some molecular subtyping techniques have been developed to track the transmission of microbes in dairy environments. The burgeoning “-omics” technologies offer new and exciting opportunities to enhance our understanding of food quality and safety in relation to microbes. Metagenomics has the potential to characterize microbial diversity, detect nonculturable microbes, and identify unique sequences or other factors associated with dairy product quality and safety. In this review, fluid milk will be used as the primary example to examine the adequacy and validity of conventional methods, the current trend of culture-independent methods, and the potential applications of metagenomics in dairy food research.     

基于HS-SPME-GC-MS分析茶叶提取物对奶酪挥发性风味的影响

采用顶空固相微萃取法结合气相色谱质谱联用技术(headspace-solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry,HS-SPME-GC-MS)对原奶酪、绿茶奶酪和茯砖茶奶酪挥发性风味物质提取测定,分析茶叶提取物对奶酪挥发性风味的影响。结果显示,原奶酪、绿茶奶酪和茯砖茶奶酪分别检出37、36、39种挥发性风味物质。2-壬酮、苯甲醛、苯甲醇和3-辛酮为原奶酪的特征挥发性风味物质,己酸、4-苯基-1-环己烯和芳樟醇为绿茶奶酪的特征风味物质。癸酸乙酯、十二烷酸乙酯、辛酸乙酯和9-癸烯酸乙酯为茯砖茶奶酪的特征风味物质。三种奶酪感官评定分析显示,绿茶与茯砖茶奶酪具有较高的感官评分。综上,茶叶提取物可有效改善奶酪风味,对奶酪品质具有积极地促进作用。     

功能性香精添加前后烟丝挥发性成分变化及对感官品质的影响

采用气相色谱-质谱联用法对2类功能性香精的挥发性成分进行分析,探讨了香精在烟叶中添加前后的香味成分变化及对感官品质的影响.结果表明:香精加入烟叶后,其主要的香气化学成分总体上叠加入烟叶中;香精加入后烟叶内在感官品质明显提升,总体变化方向与香精功效相吻合.研究结果对卷烟的加料设计具有一定的指导意义.     

不同稳定剂对凝固型牦牛酸奶在冷藏后熟过程中品质及风味的影响

为了探讨黄原胶、果胶和羧甲基纤维素钠(CMC-Na)对牦牛酸奶在后熟过程中品质及风味的变化,实验测定了添加不同稳定剂酸奶的感官、酸度、持水性、质构,并分析了不同后熟时间酸奶的挥发性风味成分。结果表明,不同稳定剂对牦牛酸奶的感官、理化性质及质构的影响不同。添加黄原胶、果胶及CMC-Na对牦牛酸奶的感官、酸度及持水性有显著影响(p<0.05),均在一定程度上提高了酸奶的硬度,但稳定剂添加量过大时会降低酸奶的粘聚性。通过正交实验确定稳定剂最佳复配组合为:果胶0.04%、黄原胶0.02%、CMC-Na 0.03%,此时牦牛酸奶的持水力为71.52%,感官评分为42。对牦牛酸奶中的挥发性风味物质检测发现,醇类是牦牛酸奶中含量最高的物质,其次为酮类、其他类(主要为芳香类),再次为醛类。随冷藏后熟时间的延长,空白组中检出的挥发性风味物质数量变化不大;在冷藏后熟2 d时,果胶组风味的稳定效果最好,其次为CMC-Na,复合稳定剂组效果最差;至冷藏后熟7 d时,与第2 d相比,复合稳定剂组风味的稳定效果最好。     

添加酿酒酵母的切达干酪风味研究

随着干酪市场的日益增长,开发新型风味干酪成为新的趋势.根据前期实验结果,研究选定了3种制作添加酿酒酵母的切达干酪(KY组、KH组、KC组)加工工艺,通过顶空固相微萃取和气相色谱-质谱联用技术、聚类分析及感官评价对干酪中挥发性风味化合物进行测定及分析,以此来评价酿酒酵母在切达干酪中的应用前景.干酪成熟过程中,3组干酪中挥...     

Diacetyl as a Flavor Component in Full Fat Cottage Cheese

Diacetyl was detected at about 0.2 ppm using a two alternative forced choice procedure. Consumer acceptance for cottage cheese showed a small effect of added diacetyl, peaking at 1.0 ppm for aroma acceptance and flavor acceptance. Patterns of acceptance across diacetyl levels were similar for both frequent and infrequent consumers. Consumer acceptance tests conducted in a campus-based sensory testing facility gave similar results to tests conducted in a shopping mall, although the mall data were more variable.     

不同发酵剂对切达干酪成熟期间品质的影响

应用乳酸乳球菌乳酸亚种LA、乳酸乳球菌乳脂亚种LC以及不同比例混合菌(LA∶LC=1∶1,LA∶LC=1∶2,LA∶LC=2∶1)制作切达干酪,研究这5种发酵剂在干酪成熟过程中对其质构、感官、风味物质形成及蛋白水解程度等方面的影响。结果表明:3种不同比例组合菌株发酵剂的蛋白水解能力适中,生产出的干酪口味清淡,其中按1∶1接种制作的干酪具有良好的成熟度、质地和风味,具有一定的商业应用价值,可将其用于切达干酪的生产。