Seán Wrenn

Project Title: Understanding the impact of protein profile of individual cows in the next generation dairy herd on the nutritional and functional quality of milk in a seasonal production system

Overview: The aim of this study is to assess the milk from individual cows relative to their unique protein profile and its impact on the nutritional and functional quality of the subsequent milk. This study will comprehensively define the variability between individual cows and seasonal factors relative to milk protein composition to greater understand the implications of protein traits from individual cows, which define the processing behaviour of milk during its conversion to high value dairy products. This study aims to provide unique insights into the effects of seasonality and cow level factors have on the protein profile of individual cow milk samples creating strategies for segregation and assembly of milk based on protein composition / functionality for maximum value at farm and processor level.

Seán has previous experience in the Biopharmaceutical industry working in QC Suport in areas, such as; compliance, data trending and stability, and external lab-coordinator. Experience gained whilst working in the Biopharmaceutical industry include GxP, Python programming, expansive knowledge of Excel, JMP, SmartSheets, Qliksense, etc.

Experience gained on instruments in previous roles include; Rheometer, Mastersizer, HPLC, Calcium-Ion, DSC, etc.

Programme Area: Food Chemistry and Technology

Supervisors: Jonathan Magan and Alan Kelly

Location: Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy

Funding Source: Teagasc