Short answer
Fat in milk depends mostly on fibre: an animal fed too little dry fodder and too much grain gives thin milk. SNF depends on energy, protein and minerals in the ration. To raise both, keep dry fodder in the ration, give balanced concentrate, a daily mineral mixture and calcium, and milk the animal out completely, because the last milk is the richest in fat.
Why fat and SNF matter
Dairies and milk societies pay by fat and SNF, so milk that tests a little lower earns less for the same litres. SNF means solids not fat: the protein, milk sugar and minerals in milk.
What lowers fat
- Too little dry fodder (straw, kadbi) compared with grain and concentrate.
- Feed that is chopped or ground too fine.
- Sudden changes in feed.
- Incomplete milking. The last milk out of the udder holds the most fat.
- Heat stress.
What lowers SNF
- Too little energy or protein in the ration.
- A shortage of minerals, especially calcium and phosphorus.
- Poor quality green fodder.
- Mastitis, including the hidden kind where the udder looks normal.
- The peak of lactation, when fat and SNF are naturally a little lower.
What to do
- Keep dry fodder in every meal.
- Split the concentrate into two or three feeds instead of one big one.
- Give a mineral mixture every day.
- Give calcium to animals giving a lot of milk.
- Milk at fixed times and milk out completely.
- Keep clean water in front of the animal all day.
- Keep the udder clean and check for mastitis.
HNC products that help
Maxfat Pro CalciumNatural liquid calcium. Raises fat and SNF in milk. Choose it when the animal is short of calcium.
Dohan Herbal Minerals100% herbal based mineral mixture. Raises fat and SNF and supports digestion.
Devarshi Herbal MineralsDaily herbal mineral mixture. Raises fat and SNF and adds minerals to the milk.When to call the vet
If fat or SNF falls suddenly together with lower appetite or milk that looks abnormal, have the animal checked. Mastitis and digestive upsets also lower fat and SNF.
Questions farmers ask
Why is the fat low in my buffalo’s milk?
The most common reason is too little dry fodder compared with grain, followed by incomplete milking and a mineral shortage. Check the ration first.
What is SNF in milk?
SNF means solids not fat: the protein, lactose (milk sugar) and minerals in milk. Dairies test it along with fat to set the price.
Which HNC product raises fat and SNF?
Maxfat Pro Calcium, Dohan Herbal Minerals and Devarshi Herbal Minerals all raise fat and SNF. Choose Maxfat Pro if the animal is short of calcium, and Dohan or Devarshi as the daily mineral.