DETERMINATION OF FAT DEPRESSION IN MILK FROM MECHANICAL MILKING IN WINTER AND SUMMER SEASON

This research was aimed to investigate the fat depression in milk from mechanical milking in winter and summer period. The data was collected from Mega Agricultural Enterprise by DIMES Company during winter and summer months. The milk fat levels in this study are consistent with normal values for cows. In summer months (July and August), the milk fat rates were lower than test value (3.2%). Therefore, it was concluded that low levels of milk fat (<3.2%) in July and August was closely associated with milk fat depression. Low fat levels in milk from machine milking for summer period can cause to economical loss since the milk price depends on milk fat levels. The cheese producers must be careful about fat depression in milk from machine milking in summer period for achieving maximum benefit. Further studies are needed to investigate on fat depression in milk from machine milking.