Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (CVASU) has introduced a milk analyser that can examine at least 10 parameters of milk within a couple of minutes.
This machine can identify adulteration in milk, such as the presence of water, infection, and protein.
Cattle farmers have called it “a milestone development” as it will enable them to monitor their farms and ensure the quality of their milk.
The machine, named ‘Ekomilk Horizon Unlimited’ has been set up at the UHB (Udder Health Bangladesh) Laboratory at CVASU.
It was inaugurated by the Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Mohammad Lutfur Rahman today (5 December) as a new addition for analysing milk quality in Chattogram region.
The machine can identify various parameters, including fat, non-fat solids, protein, lactose, electrical conductivity, added water (adulteration), density, freezing point, somatic cell count, and total solids.
Researchers say the machine will help them rapidly identify germs and bacterial contamination. Based on the analysis, farmers will be able to take corrective actions for their cattle. Previously, doctors and researchers had to use different analyzers to obtain these results, but now they can get everything from one machine at a minimal cost.
After the inauguration, a roundtable discussion moderated by Professor Dr. Md Ahasanul Hoque was held, where researchers, experts, farmers, livestock officers, and representatives from medicine companies were present.
Dr. Shuvo Singha, in a PowerPoint presentation, shared that over the last seven years, they have conducted research on 20 farms. After analyzing the milk, they identified mastitis-causing pathogens and antimicrobial resistance. However, they also found that 50% of the farmers are producing high-quality milk. To help farmers produce better milk, they have trained 150 field veterinary doctors and 500 dairy farmers.
During the roundtable discussion, the participants warned against the excessive use of antibiotics in animals, which can affect both the environment and human health. They also urged the government to ensure that services and technologies reach farmers’ doorsteps. Farmers called for the establishment of a fixed price for milk to ensure fair prices nationwide.
CVASU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Mohammad Lutfur Rahman urged the farmers to make use of the machine to ensure the health of their animals and the quality of their milk.
He said, “We brought this machine here after a long effort. If you do not use it, there will be no benefit. We want its highest use. There is a tendency in Bangladesh to deceive people. This machine can identify adulteration in milk, the presence of germs, and proteins, which will ultimately benefit the real farmers. It will also help curb fraudulence in the milk industry.”
Professor Dr Md Mizanur Rahman, from the Department of Medicine and Surgery at CVASU and Udder Health Bangladesh, announced that farmers can avail free milk sample testing for the next six months. The university’s research team will collect samples from the farmers’ doorsteps to provide this service.
A. Bakar Siddique, proprietor of Madina Dairy in Noakhali, said, “Though it is very difficult to send milk from Noakhali to Chattogram, we did it to ensure the health of our cattle and the quality of our milk. This technology and research are truly a great help for us.”
In the panel discussion, Dr Md Farhad Hossain, Director of the Center for Veterinary Care Research and Training, Chattogram, Dr Atiar Rahman, Director of the Divisional Livestock Office, Chattogram Division, Dr Md Alamgir, District Livestock Officer (DLO), Chattogram, Professor Dr Bhajan Chandra Das, Director of Veterinary Clinics, Professor Dr Pankaj Chakraborty, Head of the Department of Medicine and Surgery, Professor Dr SKM Azizul Islam, Director of the Directorate of Research and Extension at CVASU, Shamsuddin Illius, Bureau Chief of The Business Standard in Chattogram, Mohammad Iqbal Hossain, President, and Malik Mohammad Omar, Vice President of the Bangladesh Dairy and Fattening Farmers’ Association, also spoke.
The programme began with a welcome speech by Dr Unusing Marma, Research Assistant at Udder Health Bangladesh (UHB). A presentation on dairy products was also given by Dr AS Himel Chakma, Group Product Manager at Renata PLC.
