Twenty-three research projects will be carried out in 15 Canadian institutions and eight research centres with the aim to promote the efficiency and sustainability of Canadian dairy farms, grow markets and supply high-quality, safe and nutritious dairy products to Canadians.

There are three main themes: sustainable milk production, human nutrition and health, and genetics and genomics. The following is a general overview of the research activities under each theme.

Theme 1: Sustainable milk production
The goal of this theme is to improve the competitiveness of the dairy sector and consumers’ perceptions of Canadian dairy products through the adoption of innovative practices and new knowledge that contribute to the economic sustainability of the sector and the strengthening of markets for dairy products.

Twelve projects will investigate areas like the development of new management practices and strategies for the efficient production of protein, better use of nitrogen from manure to fertilise forage and crops, develop improved feeding practices to reduce GHG emissions from enteric fermentation, conserve water and find ways for its more efficient use and create a self-assessment tool to help farmers manage GHGs from different farm practices.

Animal health- and welfare- related projects will target minimizing the effects of mastitis and improve milk quality and safety; extend the longevity of dairy cattle by developing better strategies for lactation persistency, reproduction and dairy cattle and calf welfare practices; and create a database to collect dairy cattle health information to keep track of the effectiveness of dairy cattle health initiatives.

Theme 2: Human nutrition and health
Under the human nutrition and health theme, the goal is to better understand the link between dairy foods, nutrition, health and wellness in order to improve the health of Canadians and reduce health care costs; to contribute to the economic development of the dairy sector through increased consumption; and the commercialization of new products and technologies.

Seven projects will focus on cardiovascular health, metabolic health such as type 2 diabetes, healthy weight and body composition including bone health and optimal nutrition and function.

Health Canada is in the process of finalizing a guidance document on health claims related to food and satiety. The role of milk products on satiety and food intake is an emerging area of research, and the role of food on satiety is a current topic of interest for the food industry in relation to health claims. Therefore, research is needed that will help to provide scientific substantiation in accordance with these guidelines.

Theme 3: Dairy genetics and genomics
Research activities in the area of dairy genetics and genomics will help advance and establish a national genetic evaluation system for traits of importance affecting dairy cattle productivity, profitability and competitiveness.

Four projects will concentrate on genetics and genomics research leading to genetic improvement for dairy cattle productivity and profitability with emphasis on health, and mobility genetic improvement of milk properties affecting human health; the effect of genetic improvement on GHG emissions; and the development and application of genetic, genomic and epigenomic methods to achieve those objectives.

Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) is the national policy, lobbying and promotional organization representing Canada’s farmers. DFC works to support sustainable dairy production; facilitate solutions to provincial/national challenges; provide credible research of dairy products on a national basis; and create innovative ways to grow the market.  PD