Dairy Research Bulletin
Selected Articles from MAY 2026

Environmental Management and Sustainability

Review: Farm-level incentive-driven genetic decisions are key to addressing value chain demand for beef and dairy product sustainability attributes. Cleveland MA. Animal. 2026:101829.

• Beef and dairy production systems have made dramatic productivity gains over the last century and, as a result, produce more meat and milk per animal than at any point in human history. Genetic improvement has played a key role in this progress and, due to the cumulative and permanent nature of its effect, remains a critical intervention to support more productive and sustainable food systems.
• An increasing focus on product sustainability attributes, particularly those related to environmental impact, is signaling the need for credible farm-level solutions that can be scaled up to address entire supply chains. Selective beef and dairy breeding programs can be designed to meet the needs of value chain stakeholders by targeting improvements in efficiency, product quality and overall system profitability, while, at the same time, addressing animal health, well-being and environmental footprint.
• Though genetic gain is the most visible metric used to determine the success of breeding program execution and is an important driver of ongoing performance improvement, optimization of mating decisions, herd structure and dissemination strategies are all critical factors that must be combined with genetic improvement to ensure maximum impact at the commercial level.
• Minimal integration in many beef and dairy supply chains has led to limited investment in genetic approaches that do not provide obvious near-term farmer benefits, even if the net benefit for all stakeholders is positive. Recent value chain commitments to reducing the environmental impact of beef and dairy production provide opportunities to incentivize farm-level decision makers to access and implement bespoke genetics and genetic strategies that improve long-term on-farm profitability and credibly reduce environmental impact per unit of product produced.
• Once the impact of genetics is quantified and verified, genetic interventions can be quickly scaled up to meet the sustainable sourcing requirements of a beef or dairy supply shed. This review describes current evidence for the influence of genetic improvement on livestock sustainability and outlines a novel framework for applying a genetic approach to advancing the environmental performance of beef and dairy systems.

Dairy manure reception pits as reservoirs of extracellular DNA-associated antibiotic resistance genes. Sakib N, Andersen D, Jarboe L, Howe A. Microbiol Spectr. 2026 May 22:e0368825.

• Dairy manure reception pits receive fresh manure and milkhouse wash water, and have short residence times, yet their role as reservoirs of extracellular antibiotic resistance genes (exARGs) remains poorly characterized.
• Here, researchers quantified six ARGs (tetG, tetM, tetX-tetracycline, sul1-sulfonamide, and ermB-macrolide) and three integron-associated mobile genetic elements (MGEs: intI1, intI2, and intI3) in intracellular DNA (iDNA) and extracellular DNA (exDNA) from fresh manure and from a dairy reception pit with an estimated residence time of <6 hours.
• While total DNA yields were lower in the pit relative to fresh manure samples, exDNA-to-iDNA ratios were significantly higher for all genes (P< 0.001), indicating rapid enrichment of exDNA after manure entered the pit and mixed with the wash water.
• Notably, tetMexhibited a higher free (unattached) to bound (surface-attached) exDNA ratio in pit samples, which suggested greater accessibility to this gene within the extracellular pool in the pit.
• Exploratory correlation analysis identified recurring ARG-MGE associations, whereas 16S rRNA gene profiling showed iDNA-associated taxonomic composition diverged between fresh and pit samples, while exDNA-associated taxonomic profiles remained more similar.
• This result could support that exDNA is relatively stable over time and in varying environments, and that iDNA is more reflective of selective pressures. Together, these results indicate that even short-term reception pits can act as reservoirs of exDNA-associated resistance determinants and justify further work on their persistence, mobility, and management in dairy systems.
• Overall, this study demonstrates that dairy manure pits concentrate exDNA during short-term storage and serve as reservoirs for ARGs, along with mobile genetic elements that can facilitate subsequent gene transfer. The results of this study are a strong rationale for further investigation and targeted management strategies of exDNA in manure pits.

Spatiotemporal variability of dairy manure temperature during storage in earthen pits: Associations with meteorological factors. Genedy RA, Ogejo JA. PLoS One. 2026 May 7;21(5):e0347665.

• Manure storage is a critical component of nutrient management in dairy systems, but it is also a major source of greenhouse gas emissions and nutrient losses. Temperature regulates microbial activity and associated emissions; however, its spatial and temporal dynamics within stored manure are not well characterized.
• This study characterized the temporal and spatial variability of manure temperature in a dairy manure storage pit and examined its relationships with meteorological factors and management practices.
• Temperature was monitored at multiple vertical locations within the manure column over seasonal cycles, and statistical and machine-learning analyses were used to identify key drivers.
• Manure temperature exhibited clear seasonal patterns and vertical stratification, with differences of up to 10°C observed between lower and upper manure layers. During colder periods, higher temperatures were consistently observed in lower manure layers, whereas during warmer periods, temperatures near the surface sometimes approached or exceeded ambient air temperature.
• Temperature gradients are periodically reversed, producing turnover events that redistribute heat within the manure column, even in the presence of a surface crust. Ambient air temperature was the dominant external driver, explaining a substantial proportion of variability in manure temperature (R² = 0.72-0.84), while manure volume moderated the influence of atmospheric variability on internal temperatures. Other meteorological variables had comparatively smaller effects.
• These findings demonstrate that stored manure behaves as a vertically stratified thermal system governed by the interaction of atmospheric forcing and internal heat generation. Incorporating spatially resolved manure temperature dynamics into emission models can improve predictions of environmental impacts and inform more effective manure management strategies.

Inoculation effects on microbial and methane dynamics in daily filled dairy manure storage. Song Z, Rawat A, Amon T, et al. Bioresour Technol. 2026;455:134831.

• Liquid manure storage is one of the major global sources of agricultural methane (CH₄) emissions, and storage tanks on livestock farms are rarely emptied completely. Although the effects of residual slurry acting as an inoculum on subsequent microbial activity and CH₄generation have been examined previously, most studies have used batch or static storage systems that do not reflect the continuously filled conditions typical of dairy farms.
• To address this, this study for the first time simulated farm-like daily continuous filling by incubating dairy cattle manure for 92 days in laboratory-scale storage tanks with inoculum (WI) and without inoculum (WOI).
• Microbial community dynamics were assessed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, while physicochemical properties and methane emissions were monitored simultaneously.
• Within this continuously fed system, inoculation reshaped microbial succession, leading to the early enrichment (day 8) of hydrolytic bacteria and methanogens in WI tanks. These shifts corresponded to distinct physicochemical trajectories: WI tanks maintained stable pH (7.0-7.6), accumulated fewer volatile fatty acids, reached peak daily CH₄emissions much earlier (day 31) than WOI tanks (day 79), and exhibited 17.9% higher cumulative CH₄
• Modeling showed that inoculation shortened the apparent methanogenic lag phase by 20.64 days, confirming its accelerating effect on system-level CH₄emission dynamics under continuous filling.
• This study provides the first investigation of inoculation effects in daily filled manure storage, linking microbial community dynamics with CH₄emission patterns and offering a framework for identifying CH₄ emission trajectories and key control windows.

Genomic predictions for greenhouse gases traits in Holstein cows. Oliveira GA Jr, Sanchez-Castro MA, Vukasinovic N, et al. J Dairy Sci. 2026 May 4:S0022-0302(26)01736-4.

• Genetic selection offers a sustainable approach to mitigating methane emissions from dairy cattle, a key contributor to agricultural greenhouse gases.
• This study evaluated 4 GHG-related traits, methane production (MetP, g/day), carbon dioxide production (CDP, g/day), methane intensity (MetI g/kg milk), and residual methane production (RMet, g/day) in Holstein cows.
• A total of 79,040 weekly averages of gas emission traits were available from 9,923 Holstein cows across 5 commercial herds in the US.
• Moderate heritability estimates (0.16-0.28) were observed for all traits, indicating meaningful genetic variation and potential for selection. When one herd was excluded for validation, significant statistical differences in mean adjusted phenotypes were observed across GEBV quartile groups.
• Methane production and CDP exhibited unfavorable positive genetic correlations with production traits, suggesting that selection to reduce these traits may impact productivity.
• Methane intensity, while offering a practical measure of environmental efficiency, presents challenges for genetic evaluation due to the inherent complexity of ratio traits.
• Residual methane production displayed weaker genetic associations with other analyzed traits, highlighting its utility for targeted methane reduction with minimal impact on economically important traits.
• Despite international progress in developing greenhouse gas selection indices, large-scale and precise methane phenotyping remains a major bottleneck for fully integrating these traits into breeding programs.
• These findings support the inclusion of GHG-related traits in genomic evaluations and highlight the need for continued research and collaboration to enhance the sustainability and productivity of dairy cattle.

Comparison of Volatile Organic Compounds in Wildfire Smoke on a Dairy Farm and Nearby Cities. Sia CKH, Johnston LC, Johnston NAC, et al. Atmos Pollut Res. 2026;17(6):102941.

• Wildfire seasons have become more prolonged and intense in the western US over recent decades due to climate change and other factors. Wildfire smoke contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and fine particulate matter (PM₅), which are associated with heart and lung diseases in humans and animals.
• The goal of this study was to assess VOCs and PM₅in ambient air and smoke during wildfire events on an Idaho dairy farm compared to two other Idaho cities.
• From 2019 to 2022, weekly passive ground-based sampling using Tenax TA sorbent tubes was conducted in three select cities of Idaho: Moscow (dairy farm), Lewiston and Boise.
• Twenty-one VOCs including benzene (a human carcinogen), toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes (BTEX) were quantified via thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS).
• Similar increases of BTEX and PM2.5 (obtained from local monitors) were observed at the three sites during the summer months. Moscow background samples were significantly lower in most VOCs than the other sites.
• In early September 2020, PM₅concentrations peaked at 313 μg/m³ and 282 μg/m³, accompanied by elevated levels of benzene at 1.81 ppb and 2.00 ppb in Lewiston and Moscow, respectively. These pollutants reflected large wildfire smoke exposures, which can impact both cattle and humans.
• The calculated human cancer risk due to benzene for chronic wildfire event exposure at the three sites were 4, 5 and 4 extra cancers per million people for Moscow, Lewiston and Boise, respectively. The non-carcinogenic VOCs were below the threshold reference concentrations, indicating low risk of noncancer health implications.

Physicochemical properties of agricultural biochar for the removal of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from aqueous solutions. Mainali K, Sharma BK, Garcia RA, et al. J Environ Manage. 2026 May 13;408:129926.

• Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are increasingly prevalent in aquatic ecosystems worldwide, with their concentration continuing to rise. Carbon-rich sorbents have attracted growing attention as promising materials for removing PFAS from contaminated water.
• In agricultural settings, PFAS present in irrigation water pose emerging risks to crops and may ultimately enter the human food supply.
• This study provides a systematic comparison of 12 pristine and activated biochars for PFAS removal using controlled laboratory batch experiments.
• The physicochemical properties of these biochars were comprehensively characterized using thermal analysis (TGA, DTG), elemental analysis, FTIR, BET surface area measurements, SEM-EDX imaging, and Zeta potential measurements.
• The activated biochars exhibited high specific surface areas (817-1372 m²/g) and substantial pore volumes. Notably, the fully activated biochars produced from switchgrass, willow, and soy straw achieved 98.0-99.5% removal of long-chain PFAS through adsorption.
• Enhanced PFAS removal was associated with materials possessing high surface area and optimized pore structures, which increase both the number and accessibility of active sites. Hydrophobic interactions between PFAS's fluorinated chains and nonpolar surfaces, together with hydrogen bonding and pore-filling, were identified as the dominant removal mechanisms.
• Overall, tailoring the physicochemical properties of biochar is a promising and sustainable strategy for the effective removal of long-chain PFAS from aqueous systems.

 

Animal Health and Food Safety

 

CDRF-Funded Research: Variations in cow milk and teat skin microbiota across the lactation cycle with intramammary cephalosporin use at dry-off. Van Beeck W, Lemos MLP, Niesen AM, Finnegan P, Shih TM, Ho A, Rossow HA, Marco ML. Appl Environ Microbiol. 2026 May 5:e0231225.

• The use of antibiotics in agriculture is under increasing scrutiny due to the rising spread of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. Cephalosporins and other broad-spectrum antibiotics are frequently administered prophylactically into the udder when dairy cows end their lactation cycle, termed dry-off, to reduce mastitis risk. However, the use of antibiotics on cows that do not have signs of infection may result in the selection of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms and negatively alter the udder microbiome.
• In this study, the effects of intramammary cephalosporin therapy with Cephapirin (CB) or Ceftiofur (CH) on milk and teat skin microbiota were examined for three dairies in California.
• Intramammary injections were given to healthy cows with high somatic cell counts (>200,000 cells/mL), indicative of infection. Samples were collected at dry-off (before treatment), 7 days later, and 55-75 days in milk (DIM) in the next lactation cycle.
• Dairy (milk: R²= 6.22, skin: R² = 7.56) and day of sampling (milk: R² = 4.74 and skin: R² = 3.77) had the highest impact on the milk and skin microbiota. CB or CH use was associated with a small but significant impact on milk microbiota beta-diversity (Bray-Curtis, P =0.003, R² = 1.4%), but no effect was observed on the skin.
• At one dairy (Dairy 3), milk from cows receiving CB and CH had reduced proportions of Staphylococcaceaeat 55-75 DIM compared to untreated cows. Overall, antibiotic use did not result in large significant (beneficial or harmful) changes in bacterial diversity in milk or on the teat skin; instead, the microbiota differences were mainly influenced by the time and location of sampling.
• Overall, this study showed that common preventative antibiotic intramammary treatment of cows with cephalosporins at the end of their lactation (dry-off) had minimal effects on the milk and teat skin microbiota of asymptomatic cows with high somatic cell counts.

Tracking Phenotypic and Genotypic Characteristics of Fecal Escherichia coli Isolates: A Comparative Study between Dairy Cows and Dairy Farm Workers. Naziri Z, Abrari A, Gilanipour F. Microb Pathog. 2026 May 28:108599.

• The emergence of antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli) in humans and animals poses a major public health concern. Biofilm formation enhances bacterial survival and facilitates the dissemination of resistance and virulence determinants.
• This study characterized 157 fecal E. coli isolates (105 from cows, 42 from farm workers, and 10 from human controls) with respect to antibiotic resistance using cefotaxime, ceftazidime, meropenem, aztreonam, ciprofloxacin, fosfomycin, gentamicin, doxycycline, and nitrofurantoin disks, as well as extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production, biofilm formation, integron carriage, and virulence genes (fimH, csgA, papC, sfa/focDE, crl, afa, bcsA).
• Doxycycline resistance was most common across all groups. Multidrug resistance (MDR) was detected in 1% of cow isolates, 19% of farm worker isolates, and none of the controls. ESBL-producing isolates were found in 4.8% of cows, 28.6% of workers, and 30% of controls. Biofilm formation was observed in 17.1% of cow isolates, 23.8% of farm worker isolates, and 60% of controls, although most were weak producers.
• Class 1 and 2 integrons were present in 12.4% and 6.7% of cow isolates, 35.7% and 14.3% of farm worker isolates, and 40% and 20% of controls, respectively. Virulence genes were widespread, except sfa/focDE and afa.
• Compared with cow isolates, farm worker isolates exhibited significantly higher resistance but showed broadly similar biofilm and virulence traits. These findings highlight stronger selective antibiotic pressure in humans. The phenotypic and genotypic similarities between cow and farm worker isolates within the same farms underscore the need for further investigations.

CDRF-Funded Research: Surveillance on California dairy farms reveals multiple possible sources of H5N1 influenza virus transmission. Campbell AJ, Shephard M, Lombard J, Lakdawala SS, et al. PLoS Biol. 2026 May 5;24(5):e3003761.

• Transmission routes of highly pathogenic H5N1 between cows or to humans remain unclear due to limited data from affected dairy farms.
• Researchers performed air, farm wastewater, and milk sampling on 14 H5N1-positive dairy farms across two different California regions.
• Infectious virus was detected in the air in milking parlors and in wastewater streams, while viral RNA was found in exhaled breath of cows. Sequence analysis of infectious H5N1 virus from air and wastewater samples on one farm revealed viral variants relevant for potential human susceptibility.
• Longitudinal analysis of milk from the individual quarters of cows revealed a high prevalence of subclinical H5N1-positive cows. Additionally, a heterogeneous distribution of infected quarters that maintained a consistent pattern over time was observed, inconsistent with shared milking equipment serving as the sole transmission mode.
• The presence of subclinically infected cows was further supported by detection of antibodies in the milk of animals that exhibited no clinical signs during the H5N1 outbreak on one farm. This data highlight additional sources and potential modes of H5N1 transmission on dairy farms.

A longitudinal study of influenza A viral detection in bulk tank and pen-level milk collected from dairy farms in California affected by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1.

Stenkamp-Strahm C, Melody B, Lombard J, et al. J Dairy Sci. 2026 May 4:S0022-0302(26)01737-6.

• Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 has been infecting dairy herds in the US since its initial incursion into cows in early 2024. Although national strategies have aimed to detect affected herds during this outbreak, information regarding longitudinal herd-level viral detection has not been formally studied.
• To help understand viral shedding of H5N1 in milk from H5N1-affected dairy herds over time, an outbreak investigation was conducted on dairy farms in California in the Fall and Winter of 2024.
• The primary objective of this observational investigation was to identify initial H5N1 infection in these CA herds and then evaluate viral distribution via longitudinal bulk tank milk (BTM) testing. A secondary objective was to evaluate viral movement via longitudinal pen-level milk (PLM) sampling in a subset of affected herds.
• Daily BTM samples were submitted from 19 originally non-infected herds that were clients of a single veterinary clinic and volunteered to participate in this study. Samples were tested for influenza A (IAV) via rRT-PCR.
• In a subset of 5 herds, daily PLM IAV testing was completed soon after initial BTM IAV detection. Overall, a total of 4,749 BTM and 2,922 PLM samples were submitted for testing, and all herds eventually became infected with IAV.
• After initial detection, daily detections of IAV occurred in BTM for a minimum of 33 d, with some herds continuing to have detection at the end of the sampling period (>75 d). BTM Ct nadirs were seen 1-3 weeks after initial detection. In PLM-tested herds, virus was detected in samples from all pens of cattle soon after BTM detection, and in some cases was seen in all pens on the first day of PLM sampling.
• Overall, these results support BTM testing as an effective early detection tool for dairy H5N1 outbreaks but suggest that surveillance strategies that do not test aggregate milk from all lactating cows on an operation, or have a long interval between BTM testing days, may fail to identify all affected herds.
• Future investigations should study farm-level factors associated with long-term viral detection in some herds and assess detection sensitivities of the IAV rRT-PCR assay used on aggregate milk samples.

Dairy cows infected with influenza A(H5N1) reveals low infectious dose and transmission barriers.

Lee C, Tarbuck NN, Bowman AS, et al. Nat Commun. 2026 May 24.

• Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus exhibits a strong tropism for the bovine mammary gland, challenging our understanding of influenza A virus host range and tissue specificity.
• Researchers performed experimental studies with an influenza A(H5N1) B3.13 genotype virus in female lactating dairy cattle to define the infectious dose, routes of exposure, and factors linked to morbidity and mortality.
• Here, the researchers demonstrate that intramammary inoculation with as few as 10 TCID₅₀establishes a robust infection and shedding of high-titer virus in milk. Despite this low infectious dose, H5N1 does not readily transmit via contaminated milking equipment and close contact with infected animals.
• High-dose intramammary exposure results in severe disease and mortality, while respiratory and oral exposures are less likely to establish productive infection and associated morbidity.
• This study challenges current hypotheses of H5N1 transmission on dairy farms, raising important questions about potential agent, host, or environmental cofactors contributing to viral spread.

Seasonal and spatial dynamics of Enterococcus and antimicrobial resistance in a one health dairy ecosystem in Western Canada. Hoogstra S, Klaas C, Wallace RL, et aL. One Health. 2026 May 12;22:101440.

• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Enterococcusposes an emerging One Health concern due to its capacity for environmental persistence and cross-sector transmission.
• This two-year longitudinal study investigated the spatial and seasonal distribution of Enterococcusacross interconnected animal, environmental, and human wastewater compartments in a peri-urban region of western Canada.
• The researchers aimed to i.) characterize Enterococcusspecies across varying stages of dairy cow maturity, farm environments and nearby municipal wastewater systems and ii.) determine the AMR profiles and genomic relationships of  faecalis and E. faecium.
• Among the 1133 Enterococcusisolates collected, over 24 species were identified, with  hirae (n = 319) being the most prevalent followed by E. faecium (n = 256) and E. faecalis (n = 223).
• Species distributions varied significantly by season across most sample types. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of  faecalis(n = 58) and E. faecium (n = 61) isolates revealed four, multi-drug resistance E. faecalis isolates, with resistance to tetracycline (18%) and quinupristin-dalfopristin (18%) most common.
• Genomic analysis of  faecalis(n = 158) and E. faecium (n = 171) isolates revealed 36 resistance determinants, with aac(6')-Ii, lsa(A), msr(C), tet(M) and tet(L) being the predominant resistance genes.
• Phylogenomic analysis revealed high diversity within both species, comprising 88 sequence types (STs) for  faecalisand 100 for E. faecium, including 46 novel STs.
• Most of the closely related isolates (≤10 SNPs) originated from the same sample type and site (>74%), reflecting localized transmission dynamics. Evidence of cross-domain exchange and seasonal persistence was confined to organic dairy farms, while no genomic relatedness was observed between livestock-associated isolates and those from wastewater.
• These findings show that dairy-associated Enterococcuspopulations are diverse yet spatially contained, with limited connectivity to the human wastewater domain. Targeted One Health surveillance can help identify localized points to guide AMR mitigation in regions of intensive dairy production.

Meta-analysis of the effects of dietary interventions to alleviate heat stress in lactating dairy cows.

Irawan A, Azmi AFM, Ates S, et al. J Dairy Sci. 2026 May 4:S0022-0302(26)01734-0.

• This meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of various dietary interventions in alleviating the adverse effects of heat stress in lactating dairy cows.
• A total of 53 studies were included, representing a wide range of geographical locations, lactation stages, and treatment periods.
• Various feed additives and/or supplements have been considered, including live yeast (mainly Saccharomyces cerevisiae or SC) and their yeast-derived products, phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals, betaine, amino acid, and lipids.
• Analysis of subgroups and covariables (parity, breed, DIM or lactation phases, duration of the interventions, and climatic regions) were performed on the main response variables such as milk yield, DMI, ECM, and milk yield/DMI.
• The overall estimate showed that dietary interventions improved milk yield (+3.41%), DMI (+2.51%), FCM (+4.75%), and ECM (+5.19%) of lactating dairy cows exposed to heat stress, but feed efficiency metrics (milk yield/DMI and ECM/DMI) were unaffected.
• Notably, the types of feed additives and supplements (Treatment group) were significant moderators (P < 0.001) for milk yield, DMI, FCM, and ECM, whereas other factors, such as region and trial length, did not affect the performance metrics.
• Yeast & derived products and phytochemical products were the most tested products, each exhibited higher lactation milk yield (+3.61% [n = 24] and +3.75% [n = 20], respectively) and DMI (+4.25% [n = 21] and +2.0% [n = 14], respectively) than untreated cows.
• Further subgroup analysis revealed divergence effects of yeast products in which live yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and postbiotic improved milk yield by +5.70% [n = 15] and +3.42% [n = 7], respectively but A. oryzae did not show an effect.
• Overall, yeast did not affect milk composition but increased CP digestibility (+3.70%) and total antioxidant capacity (+25.1%) while decreased MUN (-27.3%), plasma haptoglobin (-7.85%), and respiration rate (-2.85%).
• Treatment with minerals + vitamins supplementation improved milk yield (+4.32%; n = 8), DMI (2.52%; n = 8), and ECM (+8.39%; n = 12) but did not affect feed efficiency.
• The consistent direction of effects across performance and metabolic indicators suggests that dietary strategies, especially with yeast, phytochemicals, and mineral-vitamin supplements, can be used as effective tools to mitigate heat stress in dairy cows, although the effect was not directly on lowering body temperature in most cases.

 

Nutrition and Health

 

CDRF co-authored and NDC Supported Article - Dairy Foods Support Public Health Among Hispanic/Latino Americans. Comerford KB, Saint Jean A, Vargas J, Avila Edwards K. JHNMA. 2026 May 26. Vol 4, Issue 1: 27-38.

• A healthy eating pattern is fundamental for early life development and for reducing the risk of future diseases. Hispanic/Latino households are more likely to experience food insecurity and nutrient imbalances compared to their white peers.
• Hispanic/Latino American (HLA) populations also disproportionately experience numerous diet-related health conditions across the lifespan and live with higher rates and more severe forms of cardiometabolic diseases like obesity and type 2 diabetes.
• According to dietary guidelines, nutrient-dense dairy foods such as milk, yogurt, and cheese, across a range of fat levels and within the context of a ≤10% saturated fat dietary pattern, are part of a balanced approach to healthy eating that includes fruits, vegetables, whole-grains, protein foods, and healthy fats. Dairy foods are also important contributors to food security in the U.S., and to least-cost nutritionally adequate dietary patterns.
• Dairy foods are a critical component of many healthy eating patterns as they are key sources of several important nutrients like calcium, vitamin B12, vitamin D, iodine, magnesium, and potassium that are required for health and wellbeing.
• In addition to nutrient contributions, emerging research indicates that dairy foods are dietary sources of several bioactive compounds that may benefit human health, including prebiotic oligosaccharides, bioactive proteins and peptides, unique fatty acids, polar lipids, milk fat globule membrane, and live and active cultures.
• Notably, most HLA populations do not meet the daily recommended servings of dairy foods or the recommended amounts of essential micronutrients they supply. Strategies to help HLA populations meet daily dairy food recommendations could help reduce major public health risks across the lifespan, including stunting, obesity, cardiometabolic disease, osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and cognitive impairment.
• Future evidence-based dairy food recommendations for HLA populations may benefit from more data-driven and personalized recommendations based on factors such as personal preferences, health status, and specific dairy food types (e.g., milk, yogurt, cheese) and subtypes (e.g., whole, low-fat, lactose-free, fermented).

US Adolescent Dairy Consumption and Mental and Physical Health Outcomes in Diverse Populations: A Systematic Review. Radtke MD, George GL, Jahns L, Loofbourrow BM, Crosby RH, Zidenberg Cherr S, Scherr RE. Nutr Rev. 2026 May 5:nuag060.

• Adolescent dairy intake supports physical and mental development accompanying this transitional life stage; however, research exploring the role of dairy on adolescent health outcomes provides inconsistent findings across studies.
• Therefore, a comprehensive systematic review was performed (April 2024) to identify literature published within the past 25 years that investigated the association between dairy products and health outcomes among adolescents in the United States.
• Using the PubMed, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases, eligible articles for inclusion had a primary exposure of bovine dairy or dairy-based products and 1 or more health outcomes critically important to adolescent development, defined a priori.
• Eligible articles (n = 97) examined the association of dairy with body composition (n = 41), bone (n = 31), metabolism (n = 26), skin (n = 4), mental/cognitive health (n = 5), and athletic performance, muscle strength, and recovery (n = 3). Most of the studies were observational (n = 80), included male and female participants (n = 55), and diverse populations (n = 30).
• Among adolescents in the United States (ages 9-18 years) who consumed dairy products including fluid milk, yogurt, and cheese, among others, the associations with body composition, metabolic outcomes, athletic performance, muscle strength, and recovery, and mental or cognitive health were inconclusive, with multiple studies reporting positive, negative, and nonsignificant findings. Overall, there were positive associations reported between dairy intake and bone health, and negative associations with skin health.
• The findings presented in this review are the impetus for future research to expand on existing evidence to examine dairy and health outcomes in diverse adolescent populations. Emerging biomarkers associated with health-related components of dairy posit the opportunity to explore understudied health outcomes in adolescents. Additional research should seek to understand the influences of dairy intake to inform interventions aimed at improving the nutritional quality of adolescents' diets.

An Examination of the Effect of Yogurt Consumption on Nutrient Quality of the Diets of Canadians Across the Ages. Fabek H, Ahmed M, Leung Yinko SSL, Drouillet-Pinard P, Anderson GH. Nutrients. 2026 May 15;18(10):1581.

• Dairy yogurts are a source of protein and micronutrients in the Canadian diet. However, Canada's Food Guide emphasizes the consumption of plant-based foods, which is facilitated by a greater availability of dairy alternatives on the market. The nutritional composition of these products varies and can differ from dairy foods such as yogurt, which contain high-quality protein and micronutrients.
• The objective of this study was to examine the effect of dairy yogurt consumption as part of a diet on any given day on nutrient intakes in Canadians across ages.
• The 2015 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS)-Nutrition first day 24 h recalls of males and females > 1 years of age (n = 17,308) and of yogurt consumers (n = 3788) were examined to estimate nutrient intakes arising from yogurt consumption. Respondents were allocated into four groups defined by their daily yogurt intake in grams (i.e., Group I/non-yogurt consumers: <1 g; Group II: 1-90 g; Group III: 90-115 g; Group IV: >115 g).
• The results of this study provide timely data on Canadian yogurt consumption across the ages and show that those consuming yogurt have higher intakes of essential nutrients, such as protein, calcium, potassium, vitamin D, and dietary fiber.
• The data from this study emphasize the importance of yogurt in the context of a healthy eating pattern and emphasize the need to encourage consumption of yogurt within Canada's Healthy Eating Strategy.

Full-fat dairy milk vs. isolated free nutrient blend on postprandial protein metabolism and inflammatory markers in adults with overweight and obesity. Barnes TM, Zupančič Ž, Burd NA, et al. Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2026 May 26:103358.

• Excess adiposity is linked to anabolic resistance by blunting the postprandial myofibrillar protein synthetic response to protein ingestion. Full-fat dairy milk may overcome this resistance via a matrix combining high-quality protein with anti-inflammatory lipids.
• Therefore, researchers compared the effects of ingesting full-fat dairy milk versus a non-dairy macronutrient match isolated blend on the regulation of postprandial myofibrillar and mitochondrial protein synthesis rates and markers of systemic (i.e., IL-6 and TNF-α) and muscle-related inflammation (i.e., NF-κB, NLRP3, TLR4, and MyD88).
• Twenty-two obese and overweight adult males and females (BMI=31.1 ± 3.7 kg∙m^-2; aged 35.3 ± 13.2 y) were block-randomized to consume 16-oz of full-fat dairy milk (MILK; n = 12) or a non-dairy macronutrient match isolated blend (ISO; n =10).
• Blood, breath, and muscle biopsies were collected at rest and after treatment ingestion during primed constant infusions of L-[ring-²H₅]phenylalanine and L-[1-¹³C]leucine. Myofibrillar protein synthesis was elevated above baseline during the 0-300 min postprandial periods for both ISO (P < 0.001) and MILK (P = 0.05), with a more significant increase in ISO compared to MILK (P = 0.011).
• There was no change in postprandial mitochondrial protein synthesis from baseline regardless of condition (P>0.05). Acute intramuscular NF-κB phosphorylation was elevated at 300 min postprandially in MILK (P = 0.002), with no other changes in systemic or muscle inflammatory markers in either group (all, P < 0.05).
• Full-fat dairy stimulated postprandial myofibrillar protein synthesis less effectively than a matched isolated blend and increased intramuscular NF-κB phosphorylation without modulating other markers of systemic inflammation.

Protein yogurt and whey protein produce comparable muscle gains, but divergent microbiome shifts during strength training in older adults. Monsalves-Álvarez M, Calderón-Romero P, Valladares-Ide D, et al. Sci Rep. 2026 May 18.

• Sarcopenia, the age-related decline in muscle mass and strength, affects the functional capacity of older adults. Strength training (ST) combined with adequate protein intake is a key element in reversing and improving functional capacity.
• Protein, especially Whey Protein isolates (WPI), is widely used to improve muscle mass. In contrast, high-protein products, such as protein yogurt (PY), may offer similar benefits for muscle health and drive additional effects on gut health, which is altered in older adults.
• For this, researchers aim to compare WP and PY supplementation during ST on body composition, strength, and gut microbiome in untrained older adults.
• Seventeen untrained adults (60-70 years) were randomized to either consume WP (25 g) or PY (24.5 g) along with an 8-week supervised ST program (3 sessions/week). Initial and final assessments included body composition (BIA), strength (10RM, isokinetic torque, handgrip), gait speed, resting metabolic rate, and gut microbiome (16 S rRNA sequencing).
• Both groups increased skeletal muscle mass (WP: +0.47 kg; PY: +0.50 kg) and improved strength and gait speed (p < 0.01), with no between-group differences. Fat mass decreased only in WP (p = 0.02), while resting metabolic rate increased in PY (p = 0.03).
• Microbiome analysis revealed distinct shifts: WP increased the Firmicutes/Bacteroidota ratio and enriched Subdoligranulum, whereas PY enhanced alpha diversity and increased the abundance of Coprococcus. Functional pathway predictions indicated differential enrichment in metabolic and signaling processes.
• Overall, high-protein yogurt and whey protein similarly improve muscle mass, strength, and functional capacity during ST, while exerting distinct effects on gut microbiome composition. Yogurt represents a cost-effective alternative to whey protein and may confer additional gut health benefits.

Associations between Yogurt Consumption, Gut Microbiota Composition, and Glucose Dynamics: A Single-Arm 84-Day Intervention Study Using Continuous Glucose Monitoring. Sugimoto H, Chida K, Kawakami E, et al. J Nutr. 2026 May 19:101572.

• Although yogurt consumption has been associated with favorable metabolic outcomes, its effect on continuous glucose dynamics and gut microbiota composition remains unclear.
• This study aims to evaluate the effects of daily yogurt intake on glucose dynamics and gut microbiota composition in healthy adults, and to examine baseline host factors associated with interindividual variability in glycemic response.
• This single-arm, 84-d intervention study involved 303 Japanese adults without a prior diabetes diagnosis consuming 200 g of plain yogurt daily at breakfast. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) was used to assess mean glucose levels, standard deviation (SD, and an autocorrelation-based index (AC_Var).
• Fecal samples were collected at baseline and postintervention for 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Associations between baseline clinical, microbial, and genetic characteristics and changes in the CGM-derived measures were evaluated. Differential abundance analysis was used to identify microbial taxa altered by the intervention.
• Mean glucose levels decreased progressively, with a reduction of 4.06 mg/dL by the final period. Significant decreases were also observed in SD (-0.86 mg/dL) and AC_Var (-0.0059).
• Several baseline gut bacterial genera, including Gemmiger, Veillonella, Alistipes, and Butyricicoccus, were significantly associated with changes in the CGM-derived measures. After the intervention, increases were observed in the genera Blautia, Faecalibacterium, and Coprococcus, as well as in the phylum Firmicutes, whereas decreases were noted in Prevotella, Oscillospira, and the phylum Bacteroidetes.
• In conclusion, daily yogurt consumption was associated with improvements in glucose dynamics and significant remodeling of the gut microbiota. Baseline microbiota profiles were linked to interindividual differences in glycemic response. These findings suggest the potential role of the gut microbiome in modulating the metabolic effects of yogurt and underscore the value of personalized dietary strategies.

Fermented Dairy Products as Modulators of the Gut Microbiome: Greek Yogurt as a Model System. Dichter J. Food Sci Nutr. 2026 May 11;14:e71872.

• Greek yogurt, characterized by its thick texture and higher protein content, contains reduced lactose levels while still preserving large colonies of active bacteria when compared to conventional (or "traditional") yogurt. The starter cultures listed on its label do more than just ferment milk; they actively reshape the gut microbiome and adjust host physiology.
• This review examines currently available observations about distinct bacterial types within this product, especially regarding its effects on intestinal balance.
• The ability to produce short-chain fatty acids is a property linked to these strains, along with the potential to stabilize gut lining function, adjust immunity patterns, aid blood sugar regulation, and even offer possible cardiovascular benefits.
• Greek yogurt's properties and potential differ from other fermented food items. Findings from experimental and clinical research suggest the lactic acid and Bifidobacterium species found in Greek yogurt contribute to increased microbiota variety, encourage growth of butyrate-producing bacteria, and strengthen the intestinal lining.
• Inflammation levels are reduced by these microbes, leading to greater lactose tolerance, smoother digestion, and balanced metabolic activity.
• Still, much of the available data is limited because most studies do not distinguish Greek yogurt from conventional yogurt in their analyses, even though differences exist in live cultures, survival through digestion, and manufacturing.
• Future investigations should focus on Greek yogurt and prioritize direct comparisons to other fermented foods. To credibly refine dietary recommendations, improved microbial methodologies and expanded trials among diverse populations are warranted.

Mechanisms of Bifidobacterium animalis J12 in reshaping yogurt flavor homeostasis and alleviating constipation via the "metabolite-nerve-endocrine" framework. Zhang Y, Deng Y, Jin J, et al. Curr Res Food Sci. 2026 May 9;12:101428.

• The application of bifidobacteria in fermented dairy products is often limited by insufficient storage stability and unclear mechanistic links between microbial metabolism and host benefits.
• Here, researchers investigated the technological performance, aroma homeostasis, and constipation-alleviating mechanism of Bifidobacterium animalisJ12 co-fermented yogurt (J12-Y).
• J12 co-fermentation maintained excellent physicochemical stability during 28 days of refrigeration, with viable counts remaining above 7.0 log CFU/mL and preserving the classical buttery-creamy aroma backbone, as evidenced by stable 2,3-butanedione (OAV ≈ 41-42).
• In a loperamide-induced constipation mouse model, J12-Y improved bowel function by shortening the time to first black stool (approximately 110 vs. 131 min), increasing fecal water content (approximately 56% vs. 28%), and enhancing intestinal transport rate (approximately 67% vs. 45%) relative to the model group.
• Mechanistically, J12-Y was associated with a coordinated cascade of metabolic and neuroendocrine events. Fecal metabolomics revealed robust enrichment of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), particularly acetate, propionate, and butyrate, alongside modulation of indole derivatives and bile acid-related metabolites.
• These metabolic shifts were accompanied by a pro-motility neuroendocrine profile, characterized by elevated excitatory neurotransmitters and hormones (5-HT, ACh, SP, GAS, MTL) and reduced inhibitory signaling (SS, VIP).
• Spearman correlation analysis further revealed critical functional links: butyric acid showed strong positive correlations with 5-HT (r = 0.62) and intestinal transport rate (r = 0.80); acetic acid was positively correlated with fecal water content (r = 0.67); and deoxycholic acid exhibited negative correlations with intestinal transport rate (r = -0.82) and 5-HT (r = -0.74).
• Collectively, these findings support a proposed "metabolite-nerve-endocrine" framework in which animalisJ12-Y mediates relief of constipation through integrated microbial metabolic and neuroendocrine modulation.

Meta-Analysis of Bioaccessibility of Hydrophobic Compounds in Buttermilk Matrices: A Systematic Review and Quantitative Synthesis. Sagandyk A, Tultabayeva T, Dairova K, et al. Molecules. 2026 May 4;31(9):1526.

• Hydrophobic bioactive compounds, such as curcuminoids, β-carotene and long-chain lipids, as well as amphiphilic structural lipids (milk fat globule membrane (MFGM)-associated phospholipids), often exhibit low bioaccessibility due to poor aqueous solubility and/or susceptibility to degradation, which limits their effective use in functional foods.
• Buttermilk, a dairy byproduct enriched with proteins, lipids and MFGM components, provides a structurally complex, amphiphilic matrix that can enhance micellar solubilization, protect hydrophobic and amphiphilic compounds during digestion and thereby modulate their potential bioavailability.
• This systematic review and meta-analysis, conducted and reported in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, synthesizes quantitative data from in vitro gastrointestinal digestion studies to evaluate the impact of buttermilk and related matrices (e.g., buttermilk yogurt, ultrafiltered buttermilk, and composite nanosystems) on the bioaccessibility of hydrophobic compounds and MFGM phospholipids compared with aqueous or non-buttermilk controls.
• Researchers identified a limited but growing body of in vitro evidence indicating that buttermilk-based matrices generally increase the intestinal bioaccessibility of curcuminoids, β-carotene, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin and MFGM phospholipids relative to non-buttermilk systems, with particularly pronounced effects in structured emulsions, yogurts, ultrafiltered buttermilk and MFGM-enriched nanosystems.
• Rather than a single effect size, the data point to a compound- and matrix-dependent spectrum of improvements, influenced by both the chemical nature of the bioactive and the supramolecular organization of the dairy matrix.
• Mechanistically, the available findings support a plausible hypothesis that buttermilk enhances bioaccessibility via MFGM-mediated micellar solubilization, interfacial protection against pH- and enzyme-driven degradation and favorable lipid partitioning.
• Overall, the review supports buttermilk and MFGM-rich ingredients as sustainable, food-grade carriers for lipophilic nutraceuticals and highlights the importance of dairy matrix structure in the design of functional delivery systems.

 

Innovation, Social Science, and Dairy Alternatives

 

A survey of US Dairy farmer perception and adoption of precision dairy technologies. Mazon G, Dorea JRR, Cabrera VE.J Dairy Sci. 2026 May 30:S0022-0302(26)02885-7.

• Precision livestock farming (PLF) is defined as a data-driven approach that leverages technologies such as sensors, data analytical tools, and automation to monitor animals and the environment to optimize production. The adoption of these technologies allows the development of data-driven management practices such as individual nutritional, breeding, and disease prevention strategies.
• The objective of this study was to evaluate the current perceptions and adoption practices of precision dairy technologies (PDT) by dairy farmers in the United States.
• A web-based survey was created and distributed to US dairy farmers via email, QR codes, and printed materials. Respondents disclosed herd size, farm characteristics, and if PDT were adopted. Furthermore, respondents used a 5-point Likert scale to assess PDT perceptions (1 = strong disagreement and 5 = strong agreement) and a 101-point visual analog scale to weigh between routine flexibility (0) and return on investment (100; ROI) when adopting a PDT.
• A total of 81 respondents representing 48,289 dairy cows across 17 US states completed the survey, and 81.5% of survey respondents representing 47,208 cows indicated the adoption of at least one PDT.
• Among the PDT adopted by survey respondents, wearable technologies were the most common, with a 64.2% adoption rate. Non-adopters indicated that the cost of purchasing PDT was their main barrier to adoption.
• Furthermore, survey respondents agreed (median Likert score = 4) that PDT adoption can improve on-farm decision making and the services provided by consultants but requires significant time to analyze data.
• Lastly, respondents indicated a preference for technologies that maximize ROI over routine flexibility (median visual analog scale score = 67).
• These findings suggest that adoption of PDT among US dairy farmers increased in comparison to previous surveys. In addition, both adoption and non-adoption of PDT seem to be mostly driven by economic factors. Hence, highlighting the need for future research and analytic tools to evaluate the economic benefits and ROI of PDT adoption.

INVITED REVIEW: A review of dairy quality assurance programs: What do we know and where are we headed? Saraceni J, Lawlis PC, Roche SM, et al. J Dairy Sci. 2026 May 18:S0022-0302(26)02852-3.

• In response to growing public concern, many dairy organizations, from farmer-led organizations to processors and retailer based, have developed quality assurance (QA) programs focused on food safety, product quality, animal welfare, biosecurity, and environmental sustainability.
• Among these, dairy cattle welfare has emerged as a key priority and is now a central pillar of many QA programs. An international review of QA programs for dairy cattle welfare was conducted to understand: (1) the current QA landscape and compare prominent programs, (2) how QA programs are addressing priority welfare issues, and (3) the challenges and opportunities facing dairy QA programs today.
• An environmental scan was used to identify prominent dairy QA programs in Canada, the United States, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. An evaluation framework was developed to systematically review each program's structure, standards, evaluation process, enforcement, and adoption.
• Thirty-one programs, policies, and frameworks were identified and informal personal communication with program representatives from 11 programs added further context to the evaluation.
• While many programs shared similar goals, their auditing approaches (e.g., second party vs. third party) and program structures (e.g., voluntary vs. mandatory, audit frequency) varied considerably.
• Quality assurance (QA) programs for dairy cattle focus primarily on high-priority welfare issues identified by the industry and dairy scientists, such as animal-based observations (e.g., body condition, locomotion), fitness to transport, and calf care. However, it is noteworthy that these programs are designed to assure the public that their concerns are being addressed.
• For consumers, concerns align more with areas representing "naturalness" for dairy cattle, such as freedom of movement, outdoor access, and cow calf contact. The extent to which QA programs succeed at addressing both program and consumer priority areas varies.
• As the QA landscape continues to evolve, programs will need to adjust to meet changing industry and public expectations. Five key areas were identified as both challenges and opportunities for QA programs in the future: impact, measurement and technology, transparency, standards and scope, and producer engagement.

Artificial intelligence for animal science: from applications to integrated knowledge systems. Niu M, Guo C, Cabrera VE. Anim Front. 2026;16(2):26-33.

• AI is shifting from discrete tools to a system-level integrator, requiring a holistic approach to manage farm ecosystems rather than isolated disciplines.
• Advanced AI transforms farms into real-time living laboratories, accelerating knowledge creation and positioning AI as a co-producer of scientific discovery.
• The next frontier is a multiscale vision for AI, integrating data across molecular, animal, herd, and environmental levels to sustainably manage agricultural ecosystems.
• Responsible AI deployment requires co-developed frameworks for ethics, data governance, and equity to protect animal welfare, ensure farmer agency, and build trust.
• Practitioners should view integrated AI as a long-term investment. Emerging evidence shows measurable productivity and environmental gains over 3–5 year periods, but return of investment timelines will vary by farm.

Strategies for Advanced Production: A Review of the Use of AI in the Dairy Industry. Pérez Núñez I, Quiñones J, Díaz R, et al. Animals (Basel). 2026;16(9):1363.

• Artificial intelligence (AI) in the dairy industry is helping to enhance efficiency and sustainability across various key areas, such as animal health, milk quality, milk production analysis, and the monitoring and improvement of dairy products, such as cheese, yogurt, and butter.
• Beyond productivity, AI-based tools enable companies to measure their environmental impact and forecast the demand for dairy products-factors that are equally critical to this industry.
• This review aims to address the use of AI from the animal to the final product, within the context of its environmental impact, and to identify areas that require further attention due to their vulnerability in terms of robustness and effectiveness.
• Artificial intelligence is changing the way milk and dairy products are produced. By using computer systems that can learn and make decisions, dairy farms can better monitor animal health, predict milk production, and maintain higher quality in products such as cheese, yogurt, and butter.
• These tools also help farmers and companies reduce waste, save energy, and measure their environmental footprint. This article reviews how artificial intelligence is being used from the care of dairy animals to the final processing of milk and its products.
• This highlights the benefits of these technologies, such as improving efficiency and sustainability, but also points out the need for stronger systems to ensure reliable results.
• Understanding how artificial intelligence supports the dairy industry can help farmers, scientists, and consumers make better decisions that benefit both food production and the environment.

Sustainable Probiotic Whey Protein Edible Films for Soft Cheese Quality and Shelf-Life Enhancement. Tsanasidou C, Giannouli A, Kontogianni VG, et al. Foods. 2026 May 2;15(9):1570.

• Soft spread cheese is highly perishable, and conventional packaging offers limited protection against surface spoilage. Here, researchers present a sustainable, multifunctional solution: edible films made from whey protein concentrate (WPC), a valuable by-product of the cheese industry, incorporated with the probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilusLA5 (LA5).
• The objective of this study was to evaluate these films as active coatings for soft cheese, specifically assessing their physicochemical properties, probiotic viability during storage and simulated gastric transit, and their impact on cheese microbial stability and sensory quality over 60 days.
• Applied as active coatings on soft cheese stored at 4 °C for 60 days, these films were evaluated for their physicochemical properties, probiotic viability, microbial stability, and sensory acceptance.
• The incorporation of LA5 did not significantly alter film thickness, moisture content, or water solubility (p> 0.05). However, mechanical properties were markedly modified: tensile strength decreased from 35.42 ± 5.38 MPa (control) to 6.04 ± 0.55 MPa (test), while elongation at break increased from 4.87 ± 0.93% to 68.23 ± 3.46% (p < 0.05), indicating a transition from rigidity to flexibility upon probiotic incorporation.
• The probiotic strain exhibited exceptional resilience, retaining 100% viability during simulated gastric exposure at both day 0 and day 30 of storage. During cheese storage, LA5 counts in test film-coated samples remained above the recommended therapeutic threshold (10⁶cfu/g), starting at 7.44 ± 0.15 log(cfu/g) on day 0 and maintaining 6.56 ± 0.20 log(cfu/g) after 60 days.
• Critically, yeast and mold spoilage were delayed in probiotic-coated cheese, with detectable growth appearing only at day 60 (1.64 ± 1.34 log(cfu/g)), whereas uncoated cheese showed spoilage as early as day 28 (1.33 ± 1.62 log(cfu/g)).
• Sensory evaluation revealed no significant differences (p> 0.05) between the coated and uncoated samples for color, appearance, texture, flavor, or overall acceptability.
• By valorizing a dairy by-product into an active, probiotic-loaded edible film, this approach offers a sustainable, waste-reducing strategy that enhances cheese preservation while delivering added functional value-bridging the gap between food packaging and nutrition.
• Sensory evaluation (n = 8, preliminary) indicated no significant differences between coated and uncoated samples, but these results require confirmation with a larger, validated panel.

Development and characterization of lactose-hydrolyzed whey candy. Raval H, Sindhav R, Adil S, et al. Sci Rep. 2026 May 7.

• Whey represents one of the largest dairy by-product streams worldwide, retaining 55-60% of the nutrients originally present in milk, yet its high lactose content, limited solubility, and environmental disposal challenges restrict its utilization; enzymatic lactose hydrolysis using β-galactosidase improves sweetness, reduces the risk of lactose crystallization, enhances digestibility, and broadens its applicability in frozen confections.
• This study aimed to develop, optimize, and characterize a reduced-sugar, lactose-hydrolyzed whey-based frozen candy by determining the optimal enzyme concentration for lactose hydrolysis, evaluating the combined effects of sugar and CMC stabilizer on compositional, physico-chemical, and sensory attributes, and assessing the suitability of four flavour emulsions, orange, pineapple, kalakhatta, and jaljira.
• Sweet whey was hydrolyzed using Maxilact L5000 (0.2-0.4 mL/L), with 0.3 mL/L selected based on achieving ~ 85% lactose conversion; candies were formulated with four sugar levels (18-24%) and three CMC levels (0.2-0.4%) and evaluated for composition, pH, acidity, melting resistance, and sensory assessment.
• Lactose hydrolysis increased considerably with enzyme concentration, plateauing at 0.3 mL/L. Sugar level significantly influenced total solids, carbohydrates, acidity, melting resistance, and flavour scores, while CMC level significantly affected body, texture, and melting quality due to its water-binding and cryo-stabilizing effects.
• The optimized formulation, 22% sugar and 0.4% CMC, exhibited desirable composition (TS 30.75%, fat 0.15%, protein 0.75%), physico-chemical characteristics (pH 3.91; acidity 0.53% citric acid; melting resistance 82.62%), and good sensory acceptability.
• Among the flavours tested, orange achieved the highest consumer preference (8.70), followed by jaljira (8.40), while pineapple and kalakhatta showed comparatively lower acceptability.
• These findings demonstrate that reduced-sugar frozen candy can be formulated using lactose-hydrolyzed whey, enabling 35% relative reduction in sucrose without influencing sensory quality.

Comprehensive Flavor Profiling of Dairy Products Using Electronic Tongue: Discrimination Based on Processing Parameters and Formulations. Huang J, Zhong JW, Liu DM, et al. Food Sci Nutr. 2026 May 13;14(5):e71781.

• Flavor is a critical determinant of consumer acceptance for dairy products. However, objectively deconvoluting the contributions of multifactor interactions-such as processing conditions, formulations, and raw material properties-remains challenging.
• This study employed the INSENT TS-5000Z electronic tongue (E-tongue), supplemented by sensory evaluation and chemical analysis, to profile eight fresh milk and six plain yoghurt samples from five leading brands.
• Key variables included sterilization methods, milk sources, and sugar content. Nine taste indices were quantified. Principal component analysis (PCA) effectively discriminated samples based on these parameters, with cumulative variances of 81.2% for milk and 92.5% for yoghurt.
• Organic milk (SY-JZ-ORG) exhibited significantly higher bitterness and astringency, which correlated with elevated levels of α-linolenic acid, hydrophobic peptides, and the creamy lactone δ-decalactone.
• Full-sugar yoghurt (MN-Y) showed pronounced astringency, consistent with its highest sensory scores for "thickness" and "astringency."
• This study demonstrates that the E-tongue can objectively decode complex flavor differences arising from multifactor interactions, offering a robust framework for dairy quality control and product development.

Attitudes and behaviors of consumers towards plant-based yogurt alternatives: a cross-cultural study. Gupta MK, Cottrell JJ, Lei J, et al. J Sci Food Agric. 2026 May 19.

• Increased awareness of sustainable food production and vegan, vegetarian and flexitarian diets are driving the growth in dairy substitutes, particularly plant-based yogurts.
• To understand consumer perception or mind-set and facilitate adoption of plant-based yogurt products, a multi-phase study using both qualitative and quantitative research methods was conducted to understand the differences between perceptions (cognitive, affective, and social responses) of consumers, belonging to Western and Asian cultural groups, to plant-based yogurts compared with traditional dairy yoghurts.
• The study involved a qualitative focus group (n = 37, four sessions), a quantitative survey (n = 433) and a quantitative blind-tasting sensory experiment (n = 117), examining consumers perceptions and overall liking of the plant and dairy products. The focus groups produced terms used for further experiments.
• The quantitative survey showed that dairy yogurts were preferred with higher overall liking scores compared to plant-based yogurt alternatives, and displaying differential cognitive, affective, and social responses. However, these perceptions contrasted with blind consumer tasting panel results, which showed that both types of yogurts were similarly liked by respondents producing similar overall liking scores.
• Furthermore, the studies found that consumers' negative responses towards plant-based yogurt alternatives are primarily responsible for their lower popularity. Association towards emotion and health factors were common for both dairy and plant-based yogurts as shown by linear models. However, dairy yogurts were additionally associated with ingredient and cultural factors, and plant-based yogurts were affected by social factors.