Relationships between feeding management, milk yield and composition and cheese characteristics in the northern Alps

Abstract

In 1985, a research development programme was undertaken in the northern Alps to respond to the specific demands posed by the dairy industry in that region. Part of the research involved characterising of both the animals and the dairy products involved. The data revealed that cows belonging to local breeds (Tarentaise, in particular) had particular characteristics (better reproductive performances, less sexual precocity, greater milking difficulties, better walking abilities) which were different from those of Holstein cows managed under the same conditions. It also revealed that their feeding requirements could be met according to the recommendations established for these breeds. A study of the relationships between the factors involved in milk production and the physio-chemical and sensorial characteristics of the cheese demonstrated that the genotype of the animals (variant C of beta-caseine), as well as the lactation stage and type of feed (in particular the nature of the alpine pasture) affected the cheese quality. The results provide valuable information for all those involved in the different aspects of the dairy industry, in order to best manage the animals with the objective of producing unique regional cheeses.