research

Lir Analytical partner with Athlone Bioscience Research Institute

Thermoduric bacteria analysis Lir Analytical, have collaborated with Athlone Institute of Technology’s (AIT) Bioscience Research Institute to determine the most efficient substances at destroying thermoduric bacteria. The spore forming bacteria has the potential to cause considerable damage to the Irish dairy industry if levels on farms are not maintained. In the future, elevated counts of thermodurics in milk will also result in penalties for farmers.

Dr. Mary Garvey who is leading the research in AIT’s Bioscience Research Institute said, “Athlone Institute of Technology are delighted to be working with Lir Analytical in this area. We think it is very promising research and we are looking forward to generating the data and getting our results. The most worrying issue with thermoduric bacteria is its ability to form a spore. They are very resistant but it is important we retain the quality of our dairy products.

Our research study with Lir Analytical we will be looking at eradicating the bacteria at source” Lir Analytical hopes this research will provide better information on managing this type of bacteria on dairy farms and result in better decision making at a quality control level. This in turn will allow farmers to manage bacterial counts in their milk more effectively. In an unfavourable environment, thermoduric bacteria create spores to protect themselves. This is a major cause of concern as these spores are resistant to heat and cannot be destroyed by pasteurisation. Spores carry over into products, like milk powders, resulting in serious quality defects. This puts the spotlight on the primary stage of the milk process.

Lir Analytical believes it is imperative to carry out research on areas of operation that could damage Ireland’s expanding dairy industry. This information must then be used to develop more innovative and targeted solutions. Micheal Savage, managing director of Lir Analytical said, “We have teamed up with Athlone Bioscience Research Institute because they have such excellent research facilities and very dedicated personnel. At Lir Analytical, we are constantly monitoring trends in industry to make sure we continue to be leaders in bio-security development.