Enhancing Solids-Not-Fat (SNF) Percentage in Dairy Cows: A Strategy for Indian Dairy Farmers
Introduction
In India, the dairy industry is a significant contributor to the agricultural sector and plays a crucial role in providing livelihoods to millions of people. The quality of dairy products is a growing concern for both producers and consumers, with the Solids-Not-Fat (SNF) percentage being a vital component in determining the quality of milk. A higher SNF percentage indicates better milk quality, making it essential for Indian dairy farmers to focus on methods that can improve this aspect of milk production. This article explores strategies for increasing SNF percentage in dairy cows, enhancing the quality of milk and bolstering the Indian dairy industry.
Water, fat, solids, lactose, and proteins among other essential nutrients constitute an average composition of cow/buffalo milk. Apart from adding an element of richness to people’s diet and thus, their health, they provide a systematic boost to the income and living standard of farmers engaged in milch cattle rearing. Fats and Solids-Not-Fats (SNF) content plays a crucial role in determining the prices of milk received by dairy farmers. Milk prices tend to be directly proportional to the percentage content of fats and SNF present in the milk and thus, supply more money for the same quantity sold.
Many factors including cattle breed, fodder quality, milking period, etc. play a determinant role in affecting the measure of fat and SNF content in milk. However, certain easy-to-follow and feasible practices can be readily adopted by dairy farmers while rearing and milking their cattle to achieve the desired results.
Understanding Solids-Not-Fat (SNF) in Milk
Solids-Not-Fat (SNF) refers to the total content of non-fat solids in milk, including lactose, proteins, minerals, and other compounds. In contrast to fat, which is a significant component of milk, the SNF percentage provides a measure of the milk’s nutritional and compositional value. A higher SNF percentage in milk is associated with increased milk quality and better prospects in the dairy market.
Factors Influencing SNF Percentage
Several factors influence the SNF percentage in milk, including:
- Genetics: The breed and genetics of dairy cows play a substantial role in determining the SNF percentage. Certain breeds are known to produce milk with higher SNF content.
- Nutrition: The quality and composition of the cow’s diet have a direct impact on the SNF percentage in milk. A balanced diet with proper energy and protein levels is essential.
- Health: The overall health and well-being of dairy cows can affect the SNF percentage. Healthy cows are more likely to produce milk with higher SNF content.
- Lactation Stage: The stage of lactation can influence the SNF percentage. Typically, milk from the early and late lactation stages contains higher SNF content.
- Management Practices: Farm management practices, such as milking hygiene, cow comfort, and milking frequency, can also affect the SNF percentage in milk.
Strategies to Increase SNF Percentage in Dairy Cows
- Selective Breeding: Selecting and breeding cows from breeds known for higher SNF percentages can be a long-term strategy to improve milk quality.
- Balanced Nutrition: Ensuring that dairy cows receive a well-balanced diet rich in energy and protein is essential. Consulting with a nutritionist to formulate appropriate diets can help achieve this.
- Pasture Management: Providing cows with access to high-quality pastures and forage can enhance their diet and, consequently, the SNF percentage in milk.
- Healthcare: Maintaining the health of dairy cows is crucial. Regular veterinary care, vaccination, and disease prevention measures can ensure that cows are in optimal health for milk production.
- Proper Milking Practices: Hygiene during milking is paramount. Proper cleaning of udders, milking equipment, and handling of milk is vital to avoid contamination and maintain SNF quality.
- Record Keeping: Keeping detailed records of each cow’s milk production, nutrition, and health can help in identifying and addressing issues that may impact the SNF percentage.
- Lactation Staging: Monitoring the stage of lactation and appropriately managing cows during this period can maximize SNF content. Early and late lactation stages tend to yield milk with higher SNF percentages.
- Technology Adoption: Embracing technological advancements, such as automated milking systems, can improve milking efficiency and reduce stress on dairy cows, potentially contributing to higher SNF percentages.
- Educational Initiatives: Dairy farmers can benefit from educational programs and workshops that provide insights into modern dairy farming practices, nutrition, and management strategies for increasing SNF.
- Initial milk streaks for domestic use
Fat, being light-weight, rises to upper levels in the cattle’s udders and thus, lowers the fat content in the first few milk streaks while milking. Hence, it is a good practice to keep the first 25% of milk for domestic household usage and the rest for dairy sales. Dairy farmers should also ensure to not mix them as it would bring down the overall average percentage amount of fat in the milk and thus, lower milk prices and income for the farmer.
11.Peaceful and Calm Milking environment
Shouting at and beating the cattle to make the milking process fast and hassle-free are common practices among many dairy farmers. This not only creates an environment of fear and pain for the cattle but also adversely affects both the quality and quantity of its milk. Similarly, loud, and disturbing noises in the cattle’s surrounding especially during festivals like Diwali bears an impact on their mental well-being and evidently, decrease the fat and SNF content of the milk. To avoid these consequences, many dairy farmers play slow and soothing music including Vedic chants in their dairy farms, to relax and calm the cattle while milking. This increases both the quantity as well as fat and SNF content of the milk.
12.Prevent cattle’s water consumption 2 hours prior to milking
Although it is conventional to keep the cattle supplied with water 24 x 7 for its hydration, yet it should not be given water 2 hours prior to milking. The logic follows from the fact that water given during this time dilutes milk and its nutrients and ultimately reduces milk’s fat and SNF content. Similarly, green fodder also contains 75% to 85% water and thus, yields the same undesirable result in the milking process. Hence, the consumption of drinking water and green fodder should be restricted at least 2 hours before the milking process.
13. 12-hour gap between 2 milking cycles
A disciplined routine for cattle milking should be established and any variation should be strictly avoided. Moreover, a gap of 12 hours must exist between the morning and evening milking cycle. All these factors play a big role in enhancing the nutrient percentage of milk.
14.Fixed person for milking
Cows tend to develop a sense of comfort with a particular person who does their milking regularly and hence, frequently changing the person can make the cattle restless, affecting both the milk’s quality and quantity. Thus, in order to achieve the desired fat and SNF content in the milk, only one person should be fixed for cattle’s everyday milking.
Conclusion
Hence, inculcating the above-mentioned simple, feasible, and easy steps into the everyday functioning of the dairy farm can make a visible change in the quantity along with the nutrient composition of the cattle’s milk and thus, providing a hike to the farmer’s income from the same source.
In India, where the dairy industry is a cornerstone of agriculture and livelihoods, improving the quality of milk is of utmost importance. Enhancing the Solids-Not-Fat (SNF) percentage in milk not only benefits dairy farmers but also satisfies the increasing demand for high-quality dairy products. By focusing on selective breeding, balanced nutrition, proper healthcare, and effective management practices, Indian dairy farmers can increase SNF percentages and ensure the sustainability and growth of the dairy industry. Ultimately, these efforts can lead to better returns for farmers and improved dairy products for consumers, contributing to a healthier and more prosperous dairy sector in India.
Compiled & Shared by- This paper is a compilation of groupwork provided by the
Team, LITD (Livestock Institute of Training & Development)
Image-Courtesy-Google
Reference-On Request.
