Parmigiano Reggiano PDO cheese has a new genetic index. The announcement was made by the president of the protection Consortium, Nicola Bertinelli. It is the result of a cooperation between the Consortium and ANAFI – (Italian association of Friesian cow stockbreeders), and has been defined in collaboration with the Universities of Bologna, Parma and Padua. The genetic index will enhance the value of the cows and the territory where the fodder for their diet is produced. They are indeed fundamental for obtaining an excellent cheese such as Parmigiano Reggiano PDO. All this taking into account environmental sustainability, the protection of the territory and the improvement of the economic conditions of the companies involved in the production of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.
GENETIC INDEX: WHAT IT IS AND WHAT IT IS FOR
Moreover, the genetic index will be a valid ally in the selection of cows that are functional to cheese production. Starting with the ones with the best protein values, which are more resistant to mastitis disease. This will help to limit the use of antibiotics; a strategic choice that underlines the Consortium’s commitment to guarantee consumers the complete naturalness of the product. The genetic index will facilitate the identification of the most efficient animals in optimizing fodder and transforming it into high-quality cheese.
THE FIRST TIME FOR AN ITALIAN PDO CHEESE
As the president of the Consortium Nicola Bertinelli explains, “for the first time a genetic index is used for the selection of breeding stock to make a PDO cheese. This index strengthens the link between Parmigiano Reggiano PDO and its territory of origin, In addition to the quantity and quality of milk produced, cows can be selected for their ability to efficiently metabolize what is produced by the PDO regulation’s territory”.
