The Dairy International Joint Research Center, affiliated with the Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, is a collaborative effort involving leading dairy organizations from countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, Ireland, Brazil, and Argentina. Established in September 2013 and certified by the Ministry of Science and Technology, the center focuses on national demands and the forefront of discipline development. It addresses significant industry challenges in dairy production, processing, and consumption, particularly related to outdated dairy farming techniques and inadequate production of high-quality milk in China.
Through independent research and international cooperation, the Dairy International Joint Research Center integrates multidisciplinary fields such as dairy nutrition, systems biology, food safety, and analytical chemistry. It collaborates with renowned global experts in three key areas: dairy cow health and milk quality regulation, dairy products quality and safety testing techniques, and risk assessment of dairy product quality and safety. The ultimate goal is to enhance dairy products quality and ensure safety.
By leading projects such as the National Basic Research Program (973 Program), public welfare industry (agricultural) scientific research special projects, major national projects for risk assessment of agricultural product quality and safety, and the National Dairy Technology Innovation Alliance, the center has established the "National Dairy Innovation Team." This team comprises over 70 leading dairy units, including higher education institutions, research institutes, breeding enterprises, dairy product companies, and industry organizations. It covers the entire dairy chain from farming to production, processing, and consumption. The center conducts fundamental research, applied research, demonstration and promotion, and consumer guidance in the dairy industry.
Through initiatives such as the National Natural Science Foundation international cooperation projects, the 948 Program, and agricultural international cooperation and exchange projects, the center has established extensive collaborations with leading international dairy organizations from the United States, Canada, Ireland, and other countries. It has signed agreements to establish international cooperation centers such as the "Sino-Irish Dairy Science and Technology Center" and exports research achievements overseas. It has actively supported the dairy industry development in countries such as Brazil and Argentina, contributing to the advancement of dairy industry in developing nations.
The Dairy International Joint Research Center has facilitated advancements in dairy cattle efficient feeding, milk quality enhancement, and milk quality and safety technologies. It has pioneered the development of disciplines such as dairy cattle systems nutrition and risk assessment of dairy product quality and safety. The research outcomes have gained recognition not only in the field of dairy and animal sciences but also in molecular biology and other interdisciplinary areas. The center's six consecutive "International Symposium on Dairy Nutrition and Milk Quality" conferences have attracted over 100 renowned international experts and more than 3,000 domestic dairy industry professionals, establishing a stable and effective platform for international cooperation and exchange in the dairy sector. This platform has laid the foundation for the internationalization of dairy science and technology.