Fuenzalida’s main research goal is to understand the impact of an intramammary infection on fertility, milk production, milk quality, and animal health. The second goal that guides her research is to determine appropriate and effective strategies to prevent and control an intramammary infection. Her position is funded by the Dairy Innovation Hub.
Over the years, U.S. dairy farmers have significantly improved milk production and enhanced milkfat and protein levels, key components for high-quality dairy products like cheese. In Wisconsin, where dairy is a cornerstone industry, evolving consumer preferences, such as the renewed demand for whole milk, have prompted farmers to adjust their practices. While much research exists on milk quality, there is limited understanding of how specific management and housing strategies impact milkfat and protein concentrations. Wisconsin dairy farms vary widely in their feeding approaches, herd sizes, housing methods, and technological use, all of which influence milk composition. This project aims to identify and analyze the best practices that contribute to higher butterfat and protein levels, focusing not just on whether farmers adopt these strategies but on how they implement them. By bridging this knowledge gap, this project can help dairy farmers optimize production and develop research-based educational programs that support sustainability and profitability within Wisconsin’s dairy industry.