Studies on the heat stability of milk protein: III. Effect of heat-induced acidity in milk

Summary An examination was made of the effect of varying the protein, lactose and total serum ion content of milk on the rate of production of heat-induced acidity (as measured by pH decrease), on heat stability (as measured by coagulation time), on the relationship between coagulation time and initial pH of milk (as measured by coagulation time-pH curves) and on the interrelationship of these parameters. In addition, the effect on these parameters and their interrelationship of varying the composition and volume of the headspace atmosphere in contact with the milk was investigated. Explanations are proposed for the observed effects on heat stability of varying the composition of milk and the heating conditions, with special reference to the influence of heat-induced acidity.