Dairy Technology : Introduction
Dairy industry is one of the industries which plays a dynamic role in
India's agro-based economy. Dairy farming includes breeding and care of
milk yielding cattle, procuring milk and processing of milk into a variety
of dairy products. Dairy products is a major exporting industry and earns
considerable foreign exchange for the country. In 1946, the foundation
of Anand Milk Union Ltd (AMUL), led to the development of a better
organised dairy industry and gave momentum to education in dairying in
India.
Dairy industry, now a highly specialised field today involves production,
procurement, storage, processing and distribution of dairy products. The
main jobs are in production and processing.
Production process includes the collection of milk, breeding of
high yielding cattle and taking care of the animals. Dairy Scientists
are employed to cover the production aspect of the industry. They conduct
experiments to determine the effects of different kinds of feeds and environmental
conditions on the quantity, quality and nutritive value of milk produced.
They also research breeding to improve dairy breeds, feeding and management
of dairy cattle.
Processing involves handling of milk for distribution or its conversion
into dairy products. After the milk has reached the plant, processing
work begins and it is converted into a variety of dairy products. Dairy
Technologists mainly deal with the technical and quality control aspect
of the processing industry and also work to develop improved methods in
processing, production preservation and utilisation of milk and milk products.
Other professionals required in this area include Dairy engineers, who
are responsible for dairy maintenance and related activities; and Marketing
personnel who handle the marketing and sales of milk and milk products.
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