Factor affecting the quality (composition) and quality (yield) of milk

1. Breed: Friesians produce large amounts of milk but of low butter fat while the indigenous produce less milk of high butter fat.
2. Age: older cows produce more milk than the young. However, the butterfat of the milk produced by the older cows is lower than that of the young cows.
3. Period of lactation: milk yield increases until the 7^th week then it starts declining up to drying off.
4. Animal Health: sick animals give less milk which may also contain antibodies and drugs more especially after treatment.
5. Animal Temperament: quiet animals are the best milkers while nervous cows which kick about give less milk.
6. Water Supply: water is needed for the health of the cow and also in the manufacture of milk since it is 87% water. Provision of enough water increases milk yield
7. Food eaten: animals fed on concentrates will produce more milk which is of better quality than those feed on the ration full of roughages.
8. Season of the year: during the rainy season cows produce milk with high butter fat content.  The quantity of milk is also high due to the abundant pastures and water.
9. Heat Period: Oestrus causes a slight decline in milk production which may be due to the reduced feed intake. The butterfat content of the milk can also fluctuate by 1%  above / below
10. Temperature: high temperatures reduce milk yield due to the increased evaporation of water of water from the animal’s body.
11. Management: proper feeding of animal and better handling during milking will increase the quality and quantity of milk produced. Rough handling leads to the increase of adrenalin and hence milk hold up.
12. Milking Interval: the greater the number of milking times, the higher the amount of milk produced. However, morning milking produces milk with higher butter fat content.

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Dr. Bbosa Science