What is organic milk?

What is actually required in milk to make it organic? This indeed is a normal question when people contemplate the additional cost associated with the organic milk. As per the experts in the Department of Agriculture there are four basic requirements for milk to be labeled as organic milk.

The number one requirement for milk to be organic is that it should not be treated with any form of antibiotics. In the case of non-organic milk production if a cow requires antibiotics, it is treated with it. However, post that several tests are conducted and then the cow is allowed to return to the herd only after the tests confirm that the cow no longer has the effect of antibiotics in its body. In most cases, the antibiotic treated cow is kept away from the herd for a period of 12 months.

The cows should have the access to pastures. As per the current standards there is no specific duration for the cows to be allowed to have access to the pasture land.

In order to get country fresh milk, the cows must not be treated with BGH or the bovine growth hormone. This hormone is generally used to accentuate the milk production. Studies show that presence of the BGH hormones in milk might lead to higher levels of IGF or the insulin growth factor.  This might increase the risk of hormone related cancers. A diet rich in IGF can also lead to weight gain.

The fourth requirement is how the cow is fed. The organic cows must only be fed grass or grains that are not treated with pesticides. If all these four requirements are fulfilled then the milk can be labeled as organic milk.

Now, that we know how good and healthy the organic milk is its cost shouldn’t restrict you from buying it. The nutrients in milk of the cow are good for the health of both the adults and the kids consuming it. Some of the key nutrients in the cow milk are lactose, proteins, casein, whey proteins, milk fat, Phospholipids, Vitamins and minerals. Lactose or the milk sugar is the carbohydrate of the milk. The protein found in the milk is a major source of the essential amino acids. These might not be attained from the normal food diet. Casein is exclusive to the cow milk. Milk also contains milk fat that is easily digested by the body. Thus consumption of cow milk is a good idea for people of all age groups.  

A look through main nutrients in milk

Milk does lots of good to our bodies. But, are people aware of what nutrient does milk contain? It has calcium and phosphorus that our bodies need to build and maintain strong bones and teeth. It also facilitates proper contraction of muscles. It is also a valuable source of high quality protein. It also provides amount of vitamin A, B and D, which promote proper growth and development. Milk should be an integral part of our diet. It is very good to drink a glass of milk everyday to ensure your body strength. It can also provide defence against osteoporosis and other bone diseases for many years.

Apart from calcium, there are 8 other essential nutrients in milk. Potassium is one among the main nutrients in milk. It helps in regulating the fluid balance of the body. It also helps to maintain the normal blood pressure. Potassium is very good for muscle activity and contraction. Phosphorus in milk can generate energy in body’s cells. Protein is another major nutrient in milk. There are people who believe protein comes from meats alone. But protein in cheese and milk can build and repair muscle tissues. Vitamin D which is also known as sunshine vitamin is also a major nutrient of milk. It helps in promoting absorption of calcium and it can enhance the body strength. Vitamin A is helps in normal vision and skin. Milk contains vitamin A too. Vitamin B12 in blood helps to maintain healthy red blood cells and nerve cells. Niacin in milk helps in digesting fatty acids and sugars. Final component is vitamin B2, which helps to convert food into energy which can be used by body. This vitamin can improve your eyesight and protect your skin.   

Dairy industry in India plays a major role in the socio-economic development of India. This industry in India provides cheap food for vast population and creates many job opportunities too. If you take a list of top 10 milk brands in India, Amul and Mother Dairy is expected to come at the top. These 2 brands are one of the oldest brands in India. In India Dairy industry has huge potential when compared to other industries. The basic raw material, milk is available in abundance in India. There is no scarcity of technical labourers in this country. Technological infrastructure for dairy industry is available here and finally the open market system supports this industry. KMF, Kwality limited, Aavin, Milma, OMFED, Dudhsagar dairy, AP dairy and Dynamix dairy are the other major dairies in the country.   

There is a great opportunity for foreign investors to invest in dairy industry in India. They can gain profitable returns in a small period.