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 (THI_72-76), 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, as well as in the highest atherogenic and thrombogenic index values and the lowest essential amino acid content. Moreover, the lowest values of calcium, copper, and selenium contents were found in the milk of buffalo cows exposed to a THI over 72. Results confirm that Italian Mediterranean buffalo express a good level of thermo-tolerance, even though exposure to a daily THI over 76 has a deleterious effect on some nutritional and technological properties of milk.