Vet varsity signs MoU with pvt firm to boost milk quality through feed supplement research

Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU) signed a memorandum of understanding with Novus Animal Nutrition (India) Pvt Ltd for a collaborative project on the study into the effects of MFP feed supplement on milk production and composition in dairy cows. MFP feed is a supplement that increases the supply of methionine, further helping increase milk fat and protein yield more efficiently.

The MoU was signed by Director of Research Dr PS Brar and Dr Manish Kumar Singh, Regional Director (South Central Asia), Novus Animal Nutrition (India) Pvt Ltd in the presence of Vice-Chancellor Dr JPS Gill.

Dr Gill congratulated both the teams and said, “Nutrition is crucial for dairy animals as it directly impacts milk yield, composition and the cow’s overall health and this MoU is an excellent example of industry-academia partnership to address practical challenges in animal nutrition through scientific innovation.”

Dr Manish Kumar Singh said Novus was committed to providing innovative and sustainable animal nutrition and health technologies rooted in scientific research to help animals reach their full potential.

Dr Jasmine Kaur, principal investigator, shared that this research aimed to evaluate 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio) butanoate (HMTBa molecule) in lactating cows’ diet. 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.

The project will be spearheaded by the Department of Animal Nutrition and supported by Novus Animal Nutrition with a funding of Rs 18.29 lakh, along with the provision of test material. Dr JS Hundal, HoD, Animal Nutrition, said the department would take up this research project and had full competency and facilities for this type of research projects.