Milk Quality

Milk is paid for on the basis of compositional and hygienic quality, assessed according to the fat, protein, lactose, total bacterial count (TBC), somatic cell count (SCC) content of milk. Improving milk compositonal quality will generate additional income.

The Quality Assurance Division (QAD) is responsible for the implementation of agri-food legislation and the promotion, maintenance and improvement of quality standards in the agri-food sector.

Low levels of protein in the Northern Ireland milk supply have long been recognised as a major limiting factor in competitiveness of this major sector of the agricultural industry.

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for Northern Ireland has made available information on the quality of raw milk produced in Northern Ireland.