Industry-academia collaboration aims to tackle milk fat depression in India’s dairy sector using cutting-edge feed technology.
Ludhiana, Punjab – In a significant step towards enhancing milk quality and improving farmer profitability, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU) has entered into a research collaboration with Novus Animal Nutrition (India) Pvt Ltd. The partnership will study the effects of MFP feed supplement, a methionine-enhancing additive, on milk yield and composition in dairy cows.
The project, backed with Rs 18.29 lakh funding and test material support from Novus, aims to address the critical challenge of milk fat depression, a widespread issue affecting the income of dairy farmers in India.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Dr P.S. Brar, Director of Research at GADVASU, and Dr Manish Kumar Singh, Regional Director (South Central Asia) of Novus Animal Nutrition, in the presence of Vice-Chancellor Dr J.P.S. Gill.
đź’ˇ The Focus: Methionine for Higher Milk Fat and Protein
The research will evaluate the performance of 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio) butanoate (HMTBa)—a methionine precursor—when included in the diets of lactating cows. This advanced feed supplement supports:
- Increased milk fat and protein yields
- Improved overall milk production
- Reduction of milk fat depression (MFD)
- Better nutrient utilisation
“Milk fat depression directly affects the price farmers receive. This study is crucial to helping dairy producers improve product quality and profitability,” said Dr Jasmine Kaur, principal investigator of the project.
🧬 Strategic Collaboration Between Science and Industry
Vice-Chancellor Dr J.P.S. Gill emphasised the significance of the partnership:
“Nutrition is central to dairy productivity. This MoU reflects a meaningful synergy between academia and industry to solve real-world challenges through research.”
Dr Manish Kumar Singh of Novus echoed the sentiment, adding that the company is committed to innovative, sustainable, and science-driven solutions to improve animal nutrition outcomes.
The project will be conducted by the Department of Animal Nutrition at GADVASU, under the leadership of Dr J.S. Hundal, Head of Department. GADVASU’s facilities and technical expertise in animal nutrition and dairy science research will ensure robust scientific outcomes.
🔍 Why This Matters for India’s Dairy Sector
With India being the largest milk producer globally, optimising feed efficiency and boosting milk composition is crucial to sustaining growth. As milk procurement prices are closely tied to fat and protein content, even minor improvements in nutritional management can significantly impact farmer income.
This project aligns with national goals on:
- Dairy market growth
- Value-added dairy products
- Dairy production efficiency
- Dairy sector innovation in India
