Glossary of Dairy Terms

Updated 8 July 2026

Plain-language definitions for words you will see in the app every day.

Overview

Use this page as a quick reference when you see an unfamiliar term on screen or in a report.

How It Works

Terms are listed alphabetically. Each explains what the word means in everyday dairy work and where you see it in the app.

Step-by-Step Guide

No steps for this reference page – bookmark it and return when needed.

Fields Table

Field Explanations

Below is a detailed explanation of each field listed in the table above.

Fat %

Percentage of milk fat (butterfat). Higher fat = more payment in fat-based pricing. Measured by milk analyser. For example: 4.2%.

SNF %

Solid Not Fat – protein, lactose, minerals in milk (not water or fat). Key quality measure. For example: 8.6%.

CLR

Corrected Lactometer Reading – quick density test related to milk solids. For example: 28.5.

MBRT

Methylene Blue Reduction Test – how long milk stays blue; indicates bacterial count. For example: Excellent (> 5 hrs).

Lactation

One milking cycle from calving to dry-off. Lactation No. counts completed cycles. For example: Lactation 3.

Dry Period

When a pregnant cow stops being milked before calving – usually 60 days. For example: Dry status.

Dry-Off

The date milking stops before calving. For example: 01/05/2026.

Withdrawal Period

Days milk must not be used after antibiotic treatment. For example: 7 days.

HTST

High Temperature Short Time pasteurization – typically 72°C for 15 seconds. For example: Pasteurization.

Yield %

How much finished product came from raw milk input in a processing batch. For example: 95%.

Lot Number

Batch code printed on packaging for traceability. For example: LOT-2026-0610.

Grade A/B/C

Quality grades – A is premium, C is average, Rejected failed testing. For example: Grade A.

Tips

Common Mistakes

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Glossary of Dairy Terms