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This file contains information on individual cow milk records and animal information.
The animal information includes the breed and the parity number. The milk information includes
the date of milk sampling, time of milking,  milk proteins, milk colour, milk technological traits,
and the relative mid-infrared spectral information


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## Title
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Milk quality traits and mid-infrared spectral data


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## Methods and Materials
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This project aims to study the feasibilty of predicting milk proteins and milk coagulation traits using the 
milk mid-infrared spectral data. Different prediction models were tested as well as different combinations
of prediction features. 

Measurements:

+  The protein content was quantified using the HPLC. The colour was quantified using a Chroma Meter CR400, 
while the milk coagulation properties were quantified using a Formograph.

More information can be found in these papers:
+ Effectiveness of mid-infrared spectroscopy to predict the color of bovine milk and the relationship between 
milk color and traditional milk quality traits; https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022030216001612
+ Prediction of bovine milk technological traits from mid-infrared spectroscopy analysis in dairy cows; 
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022030215004932




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## Software, and Code
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Software Required:

+ R 4.20
+ Rstudio 2022.07.1 Build 554


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## FileFormats
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+ .csv


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## CodeBook
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Please view codebook.csv (where this readme file is also found) for documentation of abbreviations, 
column names, datapoints, etc. The file codebook.csv uses the columns:

+ index = a number used to distinguish the different entries.
+ code = the abbreviation, variable / data / column name used.
+ used = location where the code is used. (filename, foldername, columnname, datapoint, protocol, etc.).
+ meaning = the literal meaning of the code. (e.g., fully written out abbreviation)
+ represents = what the code represents in terms of data or usage. (e.g., units of measurements, 
coding used,more in depth explanation)

Note that this file is ';' delimited. To avoid possible confusion and inconsistencies, sentences within 
cells do not contain reading symbols as comma's or semicolons. When required, separation within sections of
a sentence is made possible using the hashtag symbol (#). Example: The sex of an animal is described as
"m = male pig (boar) # f = female pig (sow)" where the hashtag separates the element in a sentence.


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## Other
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Licenses/restrictions placed on the data: 
The data is licenced for reuse under a Creative Commons 4.0 licence CC-BY-NC (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/). 

# DISCLAIMER 
Teagasc makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy,completeness, or fitness for purpose of the information contained in this
dataset and accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising from its use or reuse.

# COPYRIGHT
© 2026 Teagasc (Agriculture and Food Development Authority of Ireland)

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