Milk quality of Italian Mediterranean buffalo as affected by temperature-humidity index during late spring and summer

A total of 18 Italian Mediterranean buffalo cows were subjected to fortnightly milk sampling from May to July 2022. Air temperature and relative humidity were monitored throughout the trial. Temperature-humidity index (THI) was calculated and ranged from 69 to 79, so that 3 classes were set to study the effect of different THI on milk quality: THI less than 72 (THI<72), THI ranging from 72 to 76 (THI72-76), and THI over 76 (THI>76). Individual milk samples from buffalo cows were analyzed for milk composition and coagulation traits, fatty acid and amino acid composition, and enzymatic and mineral profiles. The THI>76 class registered higher lactose content and poorer milk clot characteristics in comparison with THI<72. Exposure to a THI over 76 resulted in increased SFA and short-chain fatty acid contents in milk, index values and the lowest essential amino acid content. lenium contents were found in the milk of buffalo cows exposed to a THI over 72. Results confirm that Italian tolerance, even though exposure to a daily THI over 76 has a deleterious effect on some nutritional and technological properties of milk.