The BCMMB have been reporting Free Fatty Acid (FFA) to producers since August 1, 2019. Currently, we are reporting FFA in mmol/10kg of milk. In order to provide better information and benchmarks to producers we are aligning and standardizing the units of measure with other jurisdictions. Effective January 1, 2021, the units of measure of FFA test results will change to mmol/100g of fat for all producers.

With this updated unit of measurement for FFA, a “normal” range will be between 0.5 – 1.2mmol/100g of fat. Levels that exceed 1.2mmol/100g fat may have some impact on the sensory properties of milk, up to and including non-foaming milk.

All producers and industry are invited and encouraged to read the following Information Sheet on Elevated Free Fatty Acids (FFAs) In Bulk Tank Milk, prepared by the University of Guelph. This Information Sheet was put together in collaboration with the Dairy Farmers of Ontario and the BC Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Fisheries, among others. The Information Sheet represents a continuation of work that received funding support from BCDA DIREC (Dairy Industry Research Education Committee). The ‘FFA Information Sheet’ includes several valuable considerations to control FFA for producers and industry to follow and consider.

Information Sheet on Elevated Free Fatty Acids (FFAs) In Bulk Tank Milk, prepared by the University of Guelph  (Hyperlinked) can also be found on the BCMMB website under Milk Quality.

If you have any further questions, please contact:

BCMMB

Ministry of Agriculture, Provincial Dairy Technologist

Category: Producer Notices (Conv. & Org.)