Pig blood, chicken poop, and cat meat: The things US cows eat are why India doesn't want to import 'non-veg' milk
Donald Trump
. However, a major sticking point in the trade deal is India's reluctance to allow American dairy imports due to concerns over the feed practices used in the US, specifically the use of animal-based products.
What is 'Non-Veg Milk'?
The term 'non-veg milk' is being used in India to describe milk from cows that are fed animal-derived products. These include meat meal, blood meal, and fats from rendered animal parts — practices that are allowed under US regulations.
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For India, where vegetarianism is deeply rooted in both culture and religion, this is a red line. According to the 2023 World Atlas, about 38% of Indians follow a vegetarian diet, and dairy — especially milk and ghee — is used widely in Hindu religious rituals.
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'Imagine eating butter made from the milk of a cow that was fed meat and blood from another cow. India may never allow that,' said Ajay Srivastava of the Global Trade Research Institute (GTRI), speaking to PTI.
India's Demand: Strict Certification
India has insisted that any imported dairy products must be accompanied by certifications ensuring that the animals were never fed with animal-based feeds.
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The required certification must guarantee that: 'The source animals have never been fed with feeds produced from meat or bone meal including internal organs, blood meal, and tissues of ruminant or porcine origin — except milk and milk products.'
What Are US Cows Fed?
Multiple reports suggest that American dairy cows may be fed a controversial mix including:
Meat meal from pigs, chickens, horses, or even dogs and cats
Blood from pigs and horses
Tallow (rendered fat from cattle)
Chicken feathers, bedding material, and droppings
While there are safety regulations in place to prevent disease transmission, these feed practices remain a serious concern for India.
The Economic Angle: Protecting Small Dairy Farmers
Apart from cultural issues, the stakes are also economic. India's dairy sector is dominated by millions of small-scale farmers, many of whom rely on just 1–3 cows for their livelihoods.
A
State Bank of India
(SBI) report warned that opening up the sector to US imports could cause Indian milk prices to fall by at least 15%, potentially inflicting annual losses of up to Rs 1.03 lakh crore to domestic dairy farmers.
Currently, the dairy sector contributes around 2.5–3% to India's Gross Value Added (GVA), amounting to Rs 7.5–9 lakh crore. Any disruption is thus expected to severely impact rural income and livelihoods.
With state elections approaching, the Indian government is also not expected to soften its stance on dairy imports.
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