Linear Regression Models For Estimating The Effect Of Technological Factors On The Sensory Characteristics Of Goat Cheeses

Linear regression models were applied to predict the effect of the breed and technological factors on the sensory characteristic of cheeses. Seventy goat cheeses from forty local producers were analysed. They represented the totality of the Andalusian cheese-making sector (different goat breeds, type of coagulant, ripening time and heat treatment of milk). Sensory attributes of cheeses were influenced by all the factors studied. Ripening affects all sensory attributes while the breed and the heat treatment are the most influential factors on the flavour and the type of coagulant on the texture attributes of these cheeses. Linear regression models were found to be suitable for studying which factors had an independent influence on the sensory attributes of these cheeses. This work could help researchers and producers to a better sensory characterisation of their products.