Impact of TANUVAS Mineral Mixture Supplementation on Milk Fat and SNF Content in Milch Animals under Smallholder Farming Conditions in Krishnagiri District, Tamil Nadu

Abstract

The livestock sector, particularly dairy farming, plays a vital role in India’s rural economy, yet milk productivity and quality often remain suboptimal due to nutritional deficiencies, especially mineral imbalances. This field-level study assessed the impact of supplementation with TANUVAS mineral mixture on milk fat and solids-not-fat (SNF) content in crossbred dairy cows under smallholder farming conditions in Krishnagiri district, Tamil Nadu. Ten motivated farmers with lactating cows participated following a farmer awareness workshop on mineral nutrition. Over 30 days, cows were supplemented with 50 grams of the mineral mixture daily. Milk quality parameters—fat and SNF percentages—were monitored via cooperative society records every day. Results showed statistically significant increases in milk yield (9.66%), fat content (11.91%), and SNF content (7.08%) after supplementation. The intervention also improved farmer knowledge and willingness to adopt mineral supplementation practices. These findings highlight the critical role of balanced mineral nutrition in enhancing milk quality and productivity in unorganized smallholder dairy systems, offering a practical approach for sustainable dairy development in regions like Tamil Nadu.