K. de Koning

Papers

Total Citations

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About

K. de Koning is a leading researcher in dairy science, with a primary focus on the impact of automatic milking systems on milk quality. Their work is foundational in understanding how the shift from conventional to robotic milking technology affects key milk parameters. De Koning’s most influential study, with 49 citations, provided a comprehensive analysis of changes in bacterial counts, somatic cell counts, freezing point, and free fatty acids (FFA) across farms in the Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark. This research revealed a small but significant decline in milk quality following the introduction of robotic systems, establishing a critical benchmark for the industry. A subsequent study (13 citations) delved deeper into the specific problem of elevated FFA levels, which can cause off-flavours in dairy products. By investigating the factors contributing to this rise, de Koning helped identify practical challenges in robotic milking, such as milking frequency and system design. Their work remains essential reading for dairy scientists and engineers seeking to optimize milk quality in the era of precision livestock farming.