LPT 311: Milk and Milk Products Technology (1+1)

GENETIC FACTOR

Breed and individual cow

• Milk composition varies considerably among breeds of dairy cattle: Jersey and Guernsey breeds give milk of higher fat and protein content than Shorthorns and Friesians. Zebu cows can give milk containing up to 7% fat.

Variability among cows within a breed

• The potential fat content of milk from an individual cow is determined genetically, as are protein and lactose levels. Thus, selective breeding can be used to upgrade milk quality.
• Heredity also determines the potential milk production of the animal. However, environment and various physiological factors greatly influence the amount and composition of milk that is actually produced.
• Herd recording of total milk yields and fat and SNF percentages will indicate the most productive cows, and replacement stock should be bred from these.