The Indian dairy industry has been growing rapidly over the years, and technology has played a crucial role in transforming the industry. With advancements in technology, the Indian dairy industry has become more efficient, and productive, and has improved the quality and safety of dairy products.
Health Tracking Devices for Cattle
The productivity, longevity, and reproductivity of cattle are all impacted by health issues. Farmers spend a fortune annually on the health and welfare of their livestock. But, farmers can now measure, monitor, and regulate cattle’s health, nutrition, behavior, pregnancy, milking frequency, milk output anomaly, and activity level in real-time owing to wearable animal gadgets that are similar to human fitness monitors. The cattle’s ears, tail, legs, neck, or any other portion of their bodies can be implanted with these sophisticated animal trackers.
Robotics in Milking Process
Cows have typically always been physically milked by hand. This procedure is not only time-consuming, but it also costs money to labor, which raises the cost of milk. Farmers may reduce the need for physical labor, maintain a hygienic milking procedure, milk the cows whenever they choose throughout the day rather than adhering to a set timetable, and increase milk production thanks to robotic milking devices.
Cattle Monitoring Drones
Every time the livestock leaves the farm to graze, farmers have to maintain manual surveillance. The likelihood of the livestock being stolen, lost, or attacked by other animals is very high. The cattle can be herded back from fields to barns using drones that monitor cattle. Some drones come with thermal detecting technology, which makes it easier to find the animals by their body heat. In order to convey information about whether a pasture is suitable for cattle grazing, drones can also take images of pasture regions.
Ease in Product Traceability for Consumers
Customers nowadays want to know how their dairy products get from the farm to the table. To increase customer trust, the entire supply chain must be transparent. The use of blockchain technology is increasing among dairy producers, suppliers, and other stakeholders to provide customers with real-time information about their goods. Via this technology, customers can obtain the following information:
- The Origin of the Milk
- Age of the Milk
- Type of transportation
- Cold Milk Chain facilities applicable
Consumers can access all this information by scanning a QR code on the packaging of the dairy product with their mobile devices.
Increase shelf-life without adding Preservatives
Milk is a product that spoils quickly. It has the propensity to lose freshness even after implementing pasteurization, freezing, and preservation methods. Before its consumption, millions of tonnes of milk spoil and are wasted. Also, ongoing efforts are ongoing to extend milk’s shelf life without using preservatives or additives. The ability to gauge milk’s freshness and keep it for a longer duration is now possible through technology.
Automated Cattle Traffic Management
Managing and moving animals to milking stalls and back to barns may be a very tiresome process. The animals also run the risk of becoming hurt. This cattle traffic management system includes automatic closing and opening of electronic gates permitting entry and exit of cattle and having a count of them. Additionally, these gates can identify the animals on the basis of their milking potential. As the other animals are either placed in the waiting area or brought back to the barns, the livestock that is ready to be milked is taken to the milking area.
Feed Management
The weather and the health of the cattle determine how much feed they need. A sick or pregnant cow, for instance, might require additional nutrients. Cattle need extra glucose in their feed during hot and humid weather. To sustain maximum milk production throughout the year, a number of feed technologies create formulated feed additives, supplements, premixes, and base mixes. For instance, to make specially processed protein supplements that may be fed to calves to boost milk yield and quality, the National Dairy Research Board (NDDB) developed bypass protein technology.
Supply Chain Technology
Due to its reliance on a number of variables, including storage temperature, cold chain accessibility, weather, perishability/shelf life, first and last-mile distance, packaging, etc., the supply chain for the dairy business in India is complex. Furthermore, the lack of planning and organization in the Indian dairy industry escalates this problem to a higher level. Yet, India’s dairy supply chain is undergoing a variety of technological advancements.
Farm Management Technology
A dairy farm must make sure that all of its operations function well, from accounting, finance, and labor management to animal and supply chain management. Proper farm management software helps in the digitization and automation of end-to-end production and operational activities. It may provide a comprehensive overview of all farm activities, keep track of records, produce reports, and find inefficiencies.
Developments in Biotechnology
In the dairy sector, biotechnology is a relatively new field. Yet, it is one of the dairy industry’s most revolutionary new developments. Dairy biotechnology has the potential to improve disease resistance in livestock, feed cows scientifically, use embryo transfer technology, perform artificial insemination, develop new molecules and vaccines for disease management and prevention in animals, produce dairy enzymes, proteins, and probiotics, and more.
The Bottomline
Here are some of the key ways in which technology has impacted the Indian dairy industry:
- Milk quality testing: With the help of technology, milk quality testing is turning out to be faster and more accurate. This ensures that the milk produced meets the required standards along with the safety of dairy product consumption.
- Milk processing and packaging: Modern milk processing plants use technology to pasteurize, homogenize, and package milk. This ensures that the milk is free from harmful bacteria and other contaminants. Additionally, it assures that milk remains fresh for a longer time.
- Cold chain management: Technology has enabled the establishment of a cold chain that ensures that dairy products remain at the required temperature throughout the supply chain. This prevents spoilage and contamination of dairy products.
- Dairy farm management: Technology has made it easier to manage dairy farms efficiently. Automated systems for feeding, milking, and waste management have made dairy farming more productive and less labor-intensive.
- Traceability: Technology has enabled the tracking of dairy products from farm to table. This means that the source of the milk and the processes are traceable. Additionally, technology makes this possible at every stage of the supply chain, ensuring the safety and quality of the product.
- Quality control: Technology has made it possible to monitor the quality of dairy products throughout the supply chain. This includes testing for contaminants, such as antibiotics, and ensuring that the products meet the required standards.
In conclusion, technology has had a significant impact on the Indian dairy industry, improving the quality and safety of dairy products. With the use of technology, the industry has become more efficient, productive, and sustainable. Furthermore, this ensures that safe and high-quality products address the growing demand for dairy products in India.
