Effect of different seasons on cross-bred cow milk composition and paneer yield in sub-himalayan region

Abstract

The study was designed to evaluate the seasonal influences on cross-bred cow milk composition and paneer yield in Dhauladhar mountain range of sub-himalayan region. Fifty samples from each season were collected from a herd of Jersey×Red Sindhi ×Local cross-bred cows during summer (April-June), rainy (July-September) and winter (November-February) and analyzed for fat, total solids (TS) and solids not fat (SNF). Paneer was prepared by curdling milk at 85±2°C with 2.5 per cent citric acid solution. Overall mean for fat, TS and SNF content of milk and paneer yield were 4.528, 13.310, 8.754 and 15.218 per cent respectively. SNF and TS content varied among seasons being highest in winter (8.983% and 13.639%) followed by summer (8.835% and 13.403%) and lowest in rainy season (8.444% and 12.888%). Paneer yield was lowest (14.792%) in rainy season and highest (15.501%) in winter season.