Chairholders

Profile

Gisèle LaPointe

Food Science
University of Guelph

Chair title

NSERC/Dairy Farmers of Ontario Industrial Research Chair in Dairy Microbiology

Chair program

Industrial Research Chairs program

Role

Senior Chairholder since 2016

Summary

The research program of the NSERC/Dairy Farmers of Ontario Industrial Research Chair in Dairy Microbiology aims to improve our knowledge and control of microbial ecosystems in dairy production, and support the health functionality of dairy products. Farm management practices have impacts on the types of microbes that are transmitted to milk, which in turn influence processing and the shelf life of the products. Milk is an adaptable vehicle for delivering functional health components in the human diet. The dairy industry seeks to improve sustainability, so new strategies are required on the farm as well as to convert co-products into added value and reduce the burden on the environment. The NSERC/Dairy Farmers of Ontario Industrial Research Chair in Dairy Microbiology will thus integrate knowledge across the value chain, from producer to consumer health providing a systems approach to high quality dairy products. Bioingredients will be produced that will be able to modulate the gut microbiota or the immune system to promote health and reduce the incidence and severity of chronic or infectious diseases. The results will lead to means for controlling microbial ecosystems in the dairy environment, improving the value of dairy products and stimulating new innovations in using food to influence gut health. Canada needs to build capacity in studying the impact of food on health through transdisciplinary training and education.

The benefits include improving milk and dairy product quality through improved guidelines for silage and recycled bedding management practices, fermentation and bioingredients. This research will drive market growth for dairy products, as supporting value and safety increases consumer confidence by meeting consumer expectations in quality products with beneficial effects on health. Providing solutions for managing bedding as well as using co-products will improve the sustainability of dairy production and processing.

Canada’s capacity for innovation in the dairy industry will grow through knowledge translation and training highly qualified personnel. The NSERC/Dairy Farmers of Ontario Industrial Research Chair in Dairy Microbiology will contribute to the mission of the Dairy Farmers of Ontario: “To provide leadership and excellence in the production and marketing of Canadian milk”. Dairy microbiology can aid this process by concentrating on reinforcing milk quality management practices and providing scientific support for dairy as a delivery vehicle for health benefits to the Canadian consumer.

Partners

• Dairy Farmers of Ontario
• Parmalat Canada
• Lallemand Inc.

Contact information

Food Science
University of Guelph

Email: glapoint@uoguelph.ca

Website:
https://www.uoguelph.ca/foodscience/