GADVASU, Novus partner on methionine supplement study to improve milk fat

INDIA – Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU) has entered into a research collaboration with Novus Animal Nutrition (India) Pvt Ltd to 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.

The research will evaluate the performance of 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio) butanoate (HMTBa)—a methionine precursor—when included in the diets of lactating cows.

HMTBa is a methionine precursor and it is known to improve milk production, milk fat and protein yields and reduce milk fat depression in dairy cows.

Milk fat depression is a serious issue for dairy farmers in India, as reduced fat content in milk directly lowers the price they receive, decreasing their income and profitability.

This advanced feed supplement supports: increased milk fat and protein yields, improved overall milk production, reduction of milk fat depression (MFD) and 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.

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.

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.”

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.

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