Efficacy of near infrared spectroscopy to segregate raw milk from individual cows between herds for product innovation and traceability

Abstract

Cows with specialised characteristics and requirements can be aggregated into different herds for targeted nutritional management and to facilitate on-farm segregation of raw milk for the production of high-value niche dairy products, offering improved economic returns. Rapid methods for independent verification of product quality and origin are desirable to support validation and traceability of such products. This study examined the use of near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to segregate raw milk from individual cows of multiple breeds from different herds fed on the same or differing feeding regimes, and to correlate and evaluate the efficacy of the predictions for crude protein and the mil..