SBIR-STTR Award

A Value Added Dairy Product Can Revitalize Farms an Rural Communities
Award last edited on: 5/9/2023

Sponsored Program
SBIR
Awarding Agency
USDA
Total Award Amount
$37,210
Award Phase
1
Solicitation Topic Code
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Principal Investigator
Willard De Golyer

Company Information

Table Rock Farm Inc

5554 De Golyer Road
Castile, NY 14427
   (585) 493-5770
   N/A
   N/A
Location: Single
Congr. District: 24
County: Wyoming

Phase I

Contract Number: 2002-33610-11867
Start Date: 00/00/00    Completed: 00/00/00
Phase I year
2002
Phase I Amount
$37,210
Milk income has fluctuated erratically in recent years, and the effect is felt by farmers and by agriculturally reliant communities. To combat price uncertainty, we propose the creation of a conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) enhanced dairy product. Lab animal tests reveal that CLA is a potent anti-carcinogen. Dairy products are the major CLA source for humans, but a typical diet does not supply sufficient CLA to produce substantial health benefits. Small scale bovine studies reveal CLA levels in milk fat can be increased five-fold. This enhanced milk could be used to manufacture dairy products that meet hypothesized CLA effectiveness levels. Heightened consumer interest in nutrraceuticals makes this an ideal time to produce a naturally enhanced version of "natures most perfect food", and thereby bolster faltering rural economies through stabilized farmer income, new industry, tax revenue and job creation. In this study, lactating, silage-fed Holstein cows in a commercial, confinement-housed herd will be fed an unsaturated fat supplement of plant oil, fish oil and Vitamin E to increase CLA production while maintaining milk fat yield. Milk will be tested weekly for CLA content and component production. Concurrently, a feasibility study will investigate risks and rewards associated with producing a CLA-enhanced product.

Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications of Research:
Data on supplementation rates and costs, changes in milk components, and CLA yield will combine to render a reproducible CLA enhancement formula. This information, matched with feasibility study results, will encourage farmer participation in a Phase Two prototype where multiple dairy producers in an economically depressed rural area implement study findings and produce enough CLA enhanced milk to attract a niche processing plant. The result? Improved income for self-sustaining farms, increased tax revenue and jobs for surrounding communities, better consumer health and an enhanced regional economic situation.

Phase II

Contract Number: ----------
Start Date: 00/00/00    Completed: 00/00/00
Phase II year
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Phase II Amount
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