Low productivity of Indian Dairy Animals, challenges & Mitigation Strategies.
Dr. Aditya Marotrao Mohite
Subject- Mvsc in Veterinary Pharmacology and toxicology.
University- Mafsu, Nagpur.
Introduction-
The majority of livestock producers in India are small-scale, household farmers who use customary methods. The fascinating sociocultural background of the evolution of dairying in India. Nearly about five decades ago when the white revolution began and the dairy sector in India took leap forward to put the country on top of the world in terms of milk production.
Over the past three decades, India’s dairy production has advanced significantly. The 1950s and 1960s saw a stagnation of milk output of about 20 million tonnes; but, in the 1970s, there were signals of growth. At an annual rate of almost 59%, it grew from 37 million tonnes in 1980–1981 to 91 million tonnes in 2003–2004. With a contribution of over 18% in the country’s agricultural GDP, milk is the most important agricultural product in India, which is currently the world’s largest producer of the dairy product.
About 40% of the gain was attributed to increased production, with the remaining 60% coming from an increase in the number of milch animals. But still. Due to restrictions on the amount of land that may be used for feed and fodder, the quantitative and qualitative degradation of common grazing resources, and mounting strain on animal health and breeding services, number-driven growth currently appears unrealistic.
Improvements in productivity, which is still low, are necessary for milk output to grow. For example, the milk yield of an Indian cow is approximately 900 kg, or 20% of the global average. A multitude of interrelated factors pertaining to breeding, feeding, health, and management might contribute to low production. By removing these obstacles, it is possible to increase milk yield, at least temporarily, given the quality of the current milch stock. It is also essential to identify significant livestock restrictions and quantify the resulting losses in order to raise milk output.
The average milk yield per cow in India is around 1,500 litre per lactation, which is substantially lower than the yields in countries like the United States, where cows can produce up to 10,000 litre per lactation.
Challenges –
The primary barriers to the expansion of the dairy business are the high population densities and low productivity of the two dairy animal species, buffaloes and cows. Nearly 80% of cattle and 60% of buffaloes are unimpressive, with relatively low labor and milk yields. Nondescript animals are not productive since they don’t generate much and use over 90% of the limited feed supplies. Consequently, a feed scarcity can also exist. However, the percentage of draught animals in farming operations has been steadily declining since 1991—it was 72% in that year.
The characteristics of buffalo’s teats, udder, and milk letdown differ greatly from those of cattle. It was not until recently that these animals were milked by machines with complete evacuation of udder also. Therefore, anatomical and physiological research aids in the development of customized milking machines that are suitable for animal udders.
India’s livestock industry is severely hampered by the ongoing devastation caused by outbreaks of every species. Production losses as a result are more than Rs. 50 billion annually. Also, because of India’s various agroclimatic zones, inadequate infrastructure, and a shortage of veterinarians and veterinary assistants for the animals, the state government’s veterinary services are unable to deliver their full potential. This has a negative effect on livestock growth and productivity.
Additionally, because of inadequate communication between the State government and the veterinarian, the majority of animals do not receive insurance from the farmers, which directly results in the loss of the animal rearer. Veterinarians should therefore concentrate on educating the public and fostering greater communication so that people are aware of animal insurance.
Furthermore, 80% of the country’s breedable family stock is not protected by clear breeding guidelines appropriate for each of the nation’s 14 agroclimatic zones. Less than 20% of the breedable female cattle and 10% of the buffalo are covered by state governments.
Even though it is evident that extension assistance is necessary to boost agricultural output, the State Departments’ performance in providing services to the livestock industry has not improved much. In this nation, social and religious pressures have hindered the elimination of animals that are not productive. Additionally, initiatives to improve the national milch herd’s genetic makeup have been severely hampered by a lack of high-quality semen and artificial insemination coverage. This could directly impede the increase of animal output as well as the creation of animals with higher genetic merits.
Also, animals may develop antibiotic resistance as a result of heavy antibiotic use, which has a direct impact on both the health of the animals and the financial stability of farmers. In food-producing animals, the World Health Organization (WHO) advises minimizing the use of all types of medically significant antibiotics, including totally prohibiting their use for growth promotion and disease prevention without a diagnosis.
Mitigation strategies to increase the milk production in India-
A cattle and buffalo breeding policy needs to be framed, keeping in view the production traits, economic performance and draft ability of breeds of animals in context with the agro-climatic factors, existing infrastructure and support systems.
1- Also, we have to focus on the genetic upgradation of livestock animals by
a- Genetic improvement and conservation of nationally important indigenous breeds of cattle through selective breeding in their home tracts to increase milk production potential and draught ability.
b- Cross-breeding of low producing non-descript cattle with exotic dairy breeds.
c- Inter-se-mating among cross bred cattle/buffalo using proven/pedigreed cross bred bulls.
3- In order to lessen the effects of climate change, promote innovation and research in cattle breeding and management techniques.
4. Encourage the use of renewable energy sources in dairy operations and sustainable farming methods.
5. Push for laws that take the welfare of cows—male and female—into account.
6. Examine your options for the ethical care of female cattle that aren’t producing.
7- Since climate change is a problem that affects everyone, the dairy industry needs to develop mitigation methods in addition to adaptation ones by lowering its share of greenhouse gas emissions.
8- Animal Health and Nutrition
Veterinary Services: Improve access to veterinary services to ensure timely treatment of diseases and preventive care.
Balanced Diet: Provide balanced and nutritious feed, including fodder, silage, and concentrates, to meet the dietary needs of dairy animals.
Supplementation: Introduce mineral and vitamin supplements to address deficiencies that can impair milk production.
9- Farm Management Practices
Housing: Improve housing conditions to provide clean and comfortable environments, which can reduce stress and increase productivity.
Milking Practices: Adopt hygienic and efficient milking practices, such as machine milking, to improve milk quality and yield.
10- use antibiotics when there is an emergency or necessary to use it to avoid the Antibiotic resistance in animals.
11 – Appropriate R&D interventions and newer developments in dairy processing area will focus on novel aspects of emerging technologies, which could be utilised for upgrading processes for the production of traditional milking animals.
