Full explanation
Butterfat is measured by the Roese-Gottlieb, Gerber, or IR-scanning methods (Bentley / MilkoScan). It is determined on each raw-milk delivery. Ukraine uses component pricing: milk price per kg = (fat% / 3.4) × fat price + (protein% / 3.0) × protein price − transport. April 2026 rates: ~UAH 180–220/kg fat, ~UAH 120–160/kg protein. Typical values: Holstein 3.6–4.2%, Jersey 4.8–5.5%, Simmental 3.8–4.2%, Ukrainian Black-and-White 3.4–3.8%, Ukrainian Red 3.6–4.0%. Drivers: (1) genetics; (2) diet (low NDF <28% cuts fat, high-starch rations +0.2–0.4%); (3) lactation stage; (4) season (summer heat stress −0.1–0.3%); (5) udder disease (SCC >400k cuts fat 0.2–0.5%). High-margin producers (Agromol, Mlybor) target BF 3.8–4.2% for premiums.