
ExtraMIR
(Extra value from- smart used of-MIR spectra)
ExtraMIR is an IDF/ICAR joint project with the overall goal to offer a more complete and deeper understanding of the activities related to the use of Mid Infrared (MIR) spectra in the dairy sector.
MIR-spectra have been used to analyze milk components since the 1980s. Today, advanced analytical techniques and powerful data processing tools allow additional value to be derived from the MIR spectral information. As of today, a broad variety of equations exists allowing the prediction of traits related to the chemical composition of milk, the nutritional quality of milk, the ration quality of the cows´ feed, animal health and welfare indicators, the environmental fingerprint of milk production, the technological properties of milk as well as the detection of “abnormal milk”. However, many of those equations are not applied in field yet. So, the question arises: “Why is there such a huge gap between results of research and application in the field?”.

IDF/ISO and ICAR joint structure
As research and applied projects are dynamically evolving, it is clear that there is a strong need for harmonization and standardization of terminology, analytical procedures, and tools for quality assurance. As almost all parts and stakeholders of the dairy food chain are affected by these technological developments, IDF/ISO and ICAR are joining to structure the current activity, to offer a forum for exchange and cooperation as well as to harmonize and standardize definitions, methods, and procedures for the dairy sector globally.
IDF and ICAR have decided to join their efforts by creating the joint Action Team ExtraMIR to work on this issue. The objective of ExtraMIR can be summarized as follows:
Improve the communication about the prediction equations available and their potentialities in practical use;
Offer a platform to compare the predictions given by different equations predicting the same trait;
Offer a platform to validate models;
Propose guidelines to standardize the spectral data;
Propose guidelines to communicate the performances of an equation.
Events
This work was presented during:
- IDF/ISO Analytical Week – Constance, Germany on 27 April, 11.00 to 12.30 (CET), chaired by Dr. Christian Baumgartner
- ICAR Annual Conference -Montreal, Canada on 31 May, 17:30 – 17:00 (EDT), chaired by Dr. Christian Baumgartner, PureMilk Analytical GmbH and Hélène Soyeurt, Univ. Liege
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