IDF is bringing together the global dairy community to focus on “Sheep, Goat and other non-Cow milk” in Brussels, Belgium.

Sheep, goats and other non-cow milk producing animals are widely distributed throughout the world. They contribute to sustainable livelihoods through support of the economy, rural and peri-urban livelihoods, the empowerment of women, and food security.

The purpose of the Symposium is to present the latest scientific advances about milk originating from other ruminants than cows on the fields of human nutrition and science and technology, as well as advances on animal health.  The conference is an opportunity to inform stakeholders (governments, IGOs, academia, production, processing, consumers and civil society) of the latest developments in dairy products, animal health, and sustainability originating from those animals. The Symposium will be a platform for exchange of knowledge and information among international experts in the field.

5 reasons to attend

This IDF Symposium is a one-of-a-kind dairy event, with plenty of chances to network with other producers, advisors, develop business contacts, as well as engaging with scientists. A few reasons to attend:

1. Expert insights on the nutritious role nutrition for specific population groups: Both sheep and goat milk are increasingly being used to manufacture products with specific health benefits for adults and children
2. Learn why milk from sheep, goats, camels and other animals can add to overall health, gut microbiota and immune system, and easy ways to add them to diets
3. Learn about new consumer trends and product development: Meeting individual consumer needs and wishes
4. Get advice on improved, successful, profitable and sustainable farm and food production systems
5. Help highlight the important role of milk and milk producers on global food security and a sustainable food system

Speakers

The following scientific lectures of the 8th IDF International Symposium on sheep, goat and other non-cow milk will be presented on May 4 and 5, 2020

The program includes the following keynote speakers:

• Dr Nicoline de Haan, Senior researcher | International Livestock Research Institute, Kenya. Topic: Socio-economic sustainability, policies and social aspects of non-cow milk production.

• Ms Anna-Maria Baka, Chargée de mission at Status Department | World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). Topic: Global strategy for the control and eradication of Peste des Petits Ruminants

• Dr Haim Leibovich, Independent consultant | Sheep and goat dairy systems, Israel. Topic: Improving animal production

• Dr Sophie Gallier, Clinical Research Manager | Dairy Goat Co-operative, New Zealand. Topic: The role of goat milk for early life nutrition and other life stages.

• Assoc Prof Mutamed Ayyash, College of Food and Agriculture | UAE University, United Arab Emirates. Topic: Camel milk and its products, novelties and challenges

• Prof Thom Huppertz, Dairy Science & Technology | Wageningen University & Research, The Netherlands. Topic: Processing technologies for non-bovine milk: opportunities and challenges.

• Assist Prof Nurit Argov, Department of Animal Science| Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel. Topic: Improving value and quality of non-bovine milk by lactation physiology.

• Prof Rachel Rupp| Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, France. Topic: Genetics and breeding for udder health in dairy sheep and goat.

The Scientific Programme topics are as follows:
1. Sustainability: socio-economic and environmental aspects
2. Animal health, udder health and milking efficiency
3. Milk production strategies
4. Novel milk products & health impact
5. Processing technologies
6. Quality & safety “Farm to Table”

Venue

Autoworld, Parc du Cinquantenaire 11, 1000 Brussels, Belgium

Arriving to the venue:

Both Merode and Schuman metro stations are less than 10 minutes away on foot.

Travel to Brussels:

• Brussels Airport A smooth system of trains and buses greets you at Brussels Airport; the quickest option is the Airport City Express train (to Bruxelles-Central €10, 20 minutes).
• Charleroi Airport Coaches wait right outside the terminal to take visitors into the centre (€14.20/28.40 one way/return; 1½ hours).
• Trains Eurostar, TGV and Thalys high-speed trains arrive at Bruxelles-Central, from where you can walk or take the metro to your destination.
• Bruxelles-Nord Eurolines buses arrive at Bruxelles-Nord, linked by metro to the rest of the city.

About Brussels

The cosmopolitan city of Brussels, is a pivotal centre in life sciences, not least the great food. The city has also preserved its local culture, so you’ll find street life, traditional markets and folklore, all in a colourful ambience full of good humour. We look forward to welcoming you to Brussels on 4th and 5th May 2020!

For further information, please contact Apolina Fos at: afos[at]fil-idf.org

Key Dates

Dec 20, 2019 Deadline for abstracts

Jan 10, 2020 EXTENDED deadline

Feb 1, 2020 Notification abstracts

Mar 1, 2020 Deadline early bird

Scientific Committee

María Sánchez Mainar, IDF
Thom Huppertz, FrieslandCampina
Paula Menzies, Univ. of Guelph
Photis Papademas, Cyprus Univ. Tech.
Yvette Soustre, CNIEL
Olav Østerås, TINE SA
Nurit Argov, Hebrew Univ. of Jerusalem
Gerrit Koop, Univ. of Utrecht
Hen Honing, Volcani Center