Dairy Technology focuses on the processing, production, and distribution of dairy products. Here’s an overview of the key aspects and a syllabus typically followed in India:
Key Aspects:
- Milk Production and Procurement: Understanding the principles of milk production, animal husbandry practices, and procurement techniques. Dairy technologists study dairy animal management, breeding, nutrition, and milk quality control.
- Milk Processing and Unit Operations: Knowledge of various unit operations and processing techniques used in dairy industry such as milk reception, pasteurization, homogenization, separation, clarification, sterilization, and evaporation. Dairy technologists learn about equipment design, operation, and maintenance in dairy processing plants.
- Dairy Product Technology: Study of the processing technologies and manufacturing processes for various dairy products including milk, yogurt, cheese, butter, ice cream, ghee, and condensed milk. Dairy technologists explore product formulation, standardization, packaging, and quality assurance techniques for dairy products.
- Quality Assurance and Food Safety: Ensuring the safety, quality, and hygiene of dairy products through adherence to food safety standards and regulatory requirements. Dairy technologists conduct quality control tests, microbial analysis, and sensory evaluation to maintain product quality and safety.
- Dairy Engineering and Plant Design: Designing and planning dairy processing plants, layout optimization, equipment selection, and installation. Dairy technologists develop engineering drawings, process flow diagrams, and perform cost estimation for dairy plant projects.
- Dairy Microbiology and Fermentation: Understanding the role of microorganisms in dairy processing, microbial spoilage, and fermentation processes. Dairy technologists study starter cultures, microbial enzymes, probiotics, and fermentation technology for dairy product development.
- Dairy Chemistry and Biochemistry: Knowledge of chemical composition, properties, and reactions of milk constituents such as proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Dairy technologists investigate biochemical changes during processing, storage, and shelf-life of dairy products.
- Dairy Packaging and Distribution: Packaging design, materials selection, and packaging technologies for dairy products to ensure product safety, freshness, and shelf-life. Dairy technologists study packaging regulations, labeling requirements, and distribution logistics for dairy products.
- Dairy Plant Management and Operations: Management principles, supply chain management, and operations planning for efficient and sustainable operation of dairy processing plants. Dairy technologists oversee production schedules, inventory management, and workforce supervision in dairy industry.
Syllabus (Typically Followed in India):
- Dairy Science:
- Milk Production and Animal Husbandry
- Dairy Animal Nutrition
- Dairy Cattle Breeding and Management
- Milk Quality Assurance
- Dairy Engineering:
- Dairy Plant Layout and Design
- Dairy Process Engineering
- Dairy Equipment Design and Operation
- Energy Management in Dairy Industry
- Milk Processing Technology:
- Milk Reception and Standardization
- Pasteurization and Homogenization
- Milk Separation and Clarification
- Dairy Product Manufacturing Processes
- Dairy Microbiology and Fermentation:
- Dairy Microorganisms and Their Role
- Fermented Dairy Products
- Probiotics and Functional Foods
- Microbial Safety in Dairy Industry
- Dairy Chemistry and Biochemistry:
- Chemical Composition of Milk
- Milk Proteins and Lipids
- Milk Carbohydrates and Minerals
- Biochemical Changes in Dairy Processing
- Dairy Product Technology:
- Yogurt and Fermented Milk Products
- Cheese Technology
- Butter and Ghee Manufacturing
- Ice Cream and Frozen Desserts
- Quality Assurance and Food Safety:
- Food Safety Regulations
- Quality Control Tests in Dairy Industry
- Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP)
- Sensory Evaluation of Dairy Products
- Dairy Packaging and Distribution:
- Dairy Packaging Materials and Technologies
- Packaging Design and Labeling Requirements
- Distribution Logistics in Dairy Industry
- Cold Chain Management
- Dairy Plant Management and Operations:
- Dairy Plant Organization and Management
- Production Planning and Scheduling
- Supply Chain Management
- Maintenance and Troubleshooting in Dairy Plants
- Project Work and Industrial Training:
- Students typically undertake a project related to dairy technology in their final year, where they apply their knowledge and skills to solve a real-world problem or develop a dairy product or process. They may also undergo industrial training or internships in dairy processing plants or research institutions to gain practical experience in dairy technology applications.
This syllabus equips students with the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to pursue careers in dairy processing, food industry, research and development, quality assurance, and entrepreneurship in dairy technology. Graduates in dairy technology play a vital role in ensuring the production of safe, nutritious, and high-quality dairy products to meet consumer demand and contribute to the growth of dairy industry.