Effects of Load Shedding on Physicochemical Properties and D-Lactic Acid Concentration in Raw and HTST Pasteurised Milk

This dataset was generated through a controlled experimental study designed to evaluate the effects of load shedding on milk quality. Raw milk samples were collected from two dairy farms (Farm A and Farm B) and subjected to laboratory-based processing and analysis. One portion of each sample was pasteurised using the High-Temperature Short-Time (HTST) method, while the remaining portion was retained as raw milk. Samples were then exposed to simulated load shedding conditions under controlled (continuous refrigeration) and non-controlled (no temperature regulation) storage environments. Measurements were taken at three sampling points: before, during, and after load shedding events. Data were recorded in triplicate and averaged prior to analysis.The dataset covers a single experimental period conducted in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Load shedding stages (Stage 1, Stage 5, and Stage 8) represent increasing severity of power interruptions. Temporal resolution corresponds to discrete sampling events (before, during, and after each load shedding stage), rather than continuous monitoring.The dataset is provided as a tabular CSV file containing multiple observations. Each row represents a single milk sample measurement under a specific combination of farm, milk type, load shedding stage, storage condition, and sampling point. Columns represent physicochemical and compositional variables, including pH, protein (%), lactose (%), fat (%), solids-not-fat (SNF, %), salt (%), added water (%), density, freezing point (°C), temperature (°C), and D-lactic acid concentration.Missing data are minimal. Where applicable, missing categorical values (e.g., load shedding stage under no load shedding conditions) are recorded as “None” to maintain dataset consistency. No numerical values were intentionally omitted.Potential sources of error include instrument precision limitations, sample handling variability, and environmental influences during simulated load shedding. Some extreme values (e.g., elevated fat or added water percentages) may reflect biological variability, measurement uncertainty, or sample contamination. These values have been retained to preserve data integrity and transparency.The dataset consists of the following files:dataset.csv: Main dataset containing all observations in comma-separated values (CSV) format (UTF-8 encoded).data_dictionary.csv: Description of all variables, including definitions and units.README.txt: General description of the dataset, experimental design, and usage notes.All files are provided in widely accessible formats and can be opened using standard software such as Microsoft Excel, LibreOffice Calc, or any text editor supporting CSV files.