
DSD 7.5 | Impact of A2 milk on cheese production
From Dairy Science Digest by reaganbluel
May 19, 2026 · 30 min · Episode 72
About this episode
The episode discusses the impact of A2 milk on cheese production and its implications for cheese quality and human health.
The A2 protein variant was identified back in the 60s as a genetic difference among cattle. Recent consumer interest has driven a demand for A2/A2 milk, resulting in increased prevalence in the dairy industry. Acknowledging the importance of protein in cheese production, food scientists have worked with cheese makers to both identify and reduce the impact of A2 on cheese yield. Beyond yield impacts, Dr. Ibanez and his team of researchers at the Center for Dairy Research wanted to better understand specifically how proteolysis differs when casein proteins change and if this knowledge can ultimately be used to improve the human health impacts of cheese. Listen in to better understand how one slight change in amino acid sequence can transform the ripening process and ultimately the nutrients in your cheese. Topics of discussion 1:26 Introduction of Dr. Rodrigo Ibanez 2:32 Different proteins present in milk, based on genetics 4:00 How A2 milk impacts cheese making efficiency 5:52 Description of 4 types of casein in milk protein8:07 Cheese yield losses with A2 milk ameliorated with skill of cheese makers. 9:46 Art of stirring the curd 10:30 Sire selection for A2, is it moving the…
People in this episode
Guest: Dr. Rodrigo Ibanez
Topics covered
- A2 milk
- cheese production
- proteolysis
- casein proteins
- human health impacts
- cheese yield
- milk proteins
Keywords
- A2 protein
- cheese yield
- casein
- proteolysis
- milk genetics
- cheese making
- β-casomorphin peptides
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Center for Dairy Research
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