Steps in wonder of milk production ensures purity, safety & good to drink milk. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Dairy Farming
Good Cow Management: dairy cows are breeded in a clean and humane way. They are nourished with a balanced diet (grass, silage, grains) and given proper veterinary attention.
Milking Routine: The cows are milked with automated or manual equipment 2–3 times a day to keep them comfortable and assure adequate milk volume.
Milking Process
Preparation:
The udder is washed with warm water and disinfectants.
Some initial milk is drawn and discarded in order to test for impurities or infections.
Automated milking machines are frequently used to extract milk efficiently and hygienically
Storage; Milk is stored immediately in stainless steel containers at a temperature of 3–4°C to inhibit bacterial growth.
Transportation
To keep the milk fresh and safe from contamination, insulated, sterilized tankers transport the milk from farms to processing plants.
Quality Control
At the time of its arrival, milk goes through the following stringent quality checks:
Keeping it Pure: Verifying it free of adulteration
Fat Content — Tested to determine the type of milk (such as full cream or skimmed).
Bacterial Counts: Pathogen and spoilage screening.
Processing
Pasteurization: The milk is heated up to 72°C for 15 seconds and quickly chilled to eliminate harmful bacteria while maintaining nutrients.
Homogenization Milk fat is broken into minuscule portions so the cream doesn’t separate (and also to achieve uniformity)
Composition adjustment: depending on the fat content different kinds of milk(whole, skimmed, semi-skimmed)
Additives: Protein (e.g., additional protein), vitamins (e.g., vitamin D, A) for nutritional enhancement
Packaging
Under hygienic conditions, milk is packaged in sterilized bottles, cartons, and pouches.
Packaging is a hermetic that prevents spoilage and extends shelf life.
Distribution
Packaged milk is kept in refrigerated warehouses and transported to retailers in temperature-controlled trucks to avoid spoilage.
Consumption
Consumers buy milk, refrigerate it, and consume it before it expires for best quality and safety.
