Affiliation:
1. Animal Science Institute, Brazil
2. São Paulo University, Brazil
Abstract
Milk is a complete feed, composed of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals of great importance for human nutrition, in addition to playing a representative role in aspect economy. However, milk production is very affected by market variations, such as production costs, influences of exportation activities of the product and international market. To avoid these challenges, every component in the production chain must focus mainly on the sustainability and profitability of dairy farming, especially the producer, the first link in the chain. In this chapter, the relationship between indexes and different areas of the milk production chain is presented, that could generate information able to aid the sustainability and profitability of dairy farms. Also, it will discuss each of these components and its relation to obtaining the maximum amount of information possible to contribute to the dairy industry.