Western Canadian dairy farmers' perspectives on the provision of outdoor access for dairy cows and on the perceptions of other stakeholders.

The provision of pasture and outdoor access for dairy cattle differs around the globe. For example, in Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia, dairy farms are largely pasture based, whereas dairy farms in the United States and Canada are largely confinement based. There is a high level of public support for pasture and outdoor access for dairy cows, and the available evidence shows that dairy cattle are highly motivated to access pasture, especially at night.

Perspectives of Western Canadian dairy farmers on providing outdoor access for dairy cows.

Dairy cows are highly motivated to access pasture, especially at night in summer. When pasture is not available, dairy cows show a partial preference for alternative types of outdoor access, spending half the night outside in summer on an outdoor sand or wood chip pack. However, many dairy farms do not provide cows outside access.

Lubrication properties of protein aggregate dispersions in a soft contact.

The lubrication, rheological, and molecular properties of two different protein aggregate dispersions were compared: globular aggregates of whey protein isolate (WPI) and fibrillar aggregates of ovalbumin from egg white. These dispersions are models for the lubricating fluid that is present between the tongue and the palate when consuming liquid or gelled products. To simulate oral conditions, a commercial tribometer was modified so that soft rubber surfaces could be used.