Low Milk Production of Indian Dairy Animals: Challenges and Mitigation Strategies

Low Milk Production of Indian Dairy Animals: Challenges and Mitigation Strategies

Dr. Alok Bharti

Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Aurangabad, Bihar

Correspondence: alokbharti18@gmail.com; +91-9006265406

 Introduction

India, often hailed as the “land of milk,” stands as the world’s largest producer of milk, accounting for over 22% of the global milk production (FAO, 2022). However, despite this impressive output, the average milk yield per cow in India remains significantly lower compared to global standards. This discrepancy underscores a critical issue: the low milk production of Indian dairy cattle. Understanding the underlying challenges and exploring viable mitigation strategies is essential for enhancing productivity and supporting the livelihoods of millions of dairy farmers in the country.

Challenges in Low Milk Production:

Several intertwined factors contribute to the low milk production in Indian dairy cattle. These include genetic limitations, inadequate nutrition, poor management practices, and disease prevalence.

Genetic Limitations:

A significant portion of India’s dairy cattle consists of indigenous breeds that are well-adapted to local conditions but typically produce less milk than exotic breeds like Holstein Friesians or Jerseys. Indigenous breeds, such as Gir, Sahiwal, and Red Sindhi, have average milk yields far below those of high-yielding exotic breeds (Kumar et al., 2021). Status of Indigenous and Crossbred Cattle in India: Latest Census Data

India’s cattle population is a crucial component of its agricultural economy, contributing significantly to milk production and rural livelihoods. The livestock sector in India has seen various changes over the years, influenced by policies, breeding programs, and shifts in agricultural practices. The latest livestock census provides detailed insights into the status of indigenous and crossbred cattle in the country.

Livestock Census Overview

The 20th Livestock Census, conducted in 2019, is the most recent comprehensive survey providing data on cattle populations across India. According to this census, the total cattle population in India stands at approximately 192.49 million, showing a slight increase from the previous census conducted in 2012.

Population Statistics

 Indigenous Cattle Population

The 2019 census reported that the indigenous cattle population is around 142.11 million. There has been a decline in the population of indigenous cattle from the previous census. This decline is attributed to several factors, including the preference for crossbred and exotic cattle that have higher milk yields.

Crossbred Cattle Population

Crossbred cattle are produced by crossing indigenous cattle with high-yielding exotic breeds such as Holstein Friesian, Jersey, and Brown Swiss. These crossbreeds are known for their higher milk production compared to pure indigenous breeds, making them popular among dairy farmers. The 2019 census reported the crossbred cattle population at approximately 50.42 million. There has been a significant increase in the crossbred cattle population compared to the 2012 census. This rise reflects the success of various breeding programs and the growing adoption of crossbreeding practices by farmers aiming to enhance milk production. The preference for crossbred cattle has led to a decline in the population of indigenous breeds, raising concerns about genetic diversity and sustainability. Crossbred cattle, though high-yielding, often face health and adaptability issues in local climatic conditions, requiring better management and healthcare.

Regional Distribution

The distribution of indigenous and crossbred cattle varies significantly across different states in India.

Indigenous Breeds: States like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan have higher populations of indigenous cattle. These states rely heavily on traditional farming systems where indigenous breeds are preferred for their hardiness and dual-purpose utility (milk and draught power).

Crossbred Breeds: States like Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala have a higher prevalence of crossbred cattle. These regions have more advanced dairy farming practices and infrastructure, making them conducive for rearing high-yielding crossbred cattle.

Inadequate Nutrition:

Proper nutrition is crucial for optimal milk production. However, many smallholder farmers in India lack access to quality feed and fodder. The dependency on crop residues and the unavailability of balanced diets lead to nutritional deficiencies, directly impacting milk yield (Patil et al., 2020).

Reasons of Nutritional Deficiencies:

Quality and Quantity of Feed: The diet of many Indian dairy cattle primarily consists of crop residues, which are often low in essential nutrients. These residues, such as straw and stover, are poor in protein and energy, leading to nutritional deficiencies. Proper lactation demands a balanced diet rich in energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Lack of Fodder Crops: The availability of green fodder is limited, and its cultivation is not prioritized. The FAO reports that the demand for green fodder exceeds supply by about 40-50%, causing a significant gap in the nutritional intake of dairy cattle (FAO, 2022).

Supplementation Practices: Many smallholder farmers lack access to or knowledge about feed supplements. Essential nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins are often deficient in the diets provided to livestock. This deficiency affects not only milk production but also the overall health and reproductive efficiency of the cattle (Patil et al., 2020).

Impact on Milk Production:

The correlation between inadequate nutrition and low milk yield is well-documented. Nutritional deficiencies lead to several adverse outcomes:

1. Reduced Lactation: Inadequate intake of protein and energy results in lower milk production as the cow’s body prioritizes maintenance over lactation.
2. Poor Reproductive Health: Nutrient deficiencies can lead to irregular estrus cycles, lower conception rates, and higher incidences of reproductive disorders, further impacting milk yield (Sharma et al., 2021).
3. Increased Susceptibility to Diseases: Poor nutrition weakens the immune system, making cattle more susceptible to diseases, which in turn affects milk production.
4. Poor Management Practices: Traditional and outdated dairy farming practices further exacerbate the problem. Limited knowledge about modern dairy farming techniques, poor animal housing, and inadequate milking practices contribute to low productivity (Sharma et al., 2021).

 Reasons of Poor Management Practices:

1. Inadequate Housing and Infrastructure: Many dairy farms in India lack proper housing facilities. Cows are often kept in overcrowded, poorly ventilated, and unhygienic conditions. These factors lead to stress and increased susceptibility to diseases, both of which negatively impact milk production (Patil et al., 2020).
2. Improper Milking Techniques: Traditional milking methods, such as hand milking, are still prevalent in many parts of India. Improper milking techniques can cause physical injury to the cow’s udder and lead to mastitis, a common and debilitating infection that reduces milk yield (Sharma et al., 2021).
3. Insufficient Veterinary Care: Access to veterinary services is limited in rural areas. Regular health check-ups, vaccinations, and timely treatment of diseases are often neglected. Common diseases such as mastitis, foot-and-mouth disease, and parasitic infections remain rampant, significantly affecting milk production (Chhabra et al., 2022).
4. Lack of Farmer Education and Training: Many farmers lack knowledge of modern dairy farming practices. This includes understanding the nutritional needs of cattle, the importance of hygiene, and the benefits of using advanced breeding techniques. Without proper education and training, farmers continue to use outdated and inefficient practices (Sharma et al., 2021).

Impact on Milk Production:

The correlation between poor management practices and low milk production is well-documented. These practices lead to several adverse outcomes:

1. Health Issues: Poor housing and inadequate veterinary care result in higher disease incidence, which directly reduces milk yield and overall productivity.
2. Stress and Discomfort: Substandard housing and improper handling cause stress and discomfort to the animals, negatively impacting their milk-producing capabilities.
3. Inefficient Production Cycles: Lack of knowledge on optimal feeding, breeding, and milking practices leads to inefficient production cycles and lower overall milk yield.
4. Disease and Health Issues: Disease management in Indian dairy cattle is often suboptimal. Common diseases like mastitis, foot-and-mouth disease, and parasitic infestations are prevalent and can significantly reduce milk yield. Additionally, inadequate veterinary services and preventive care exacerbate these health challenges (Chhabra et al., 2022).

Common Diseases Affecting Dairy Cattle:

Several diseases are prevalent among Indian dairy cattle, severely impacting milk production. These include:

1. Mastitis: An infection of the udder tissue, mastitis is one of the most common and costly diseases in dairy cattle, leading to reduced milk yield and altered milk quality (Patil et al., 2020).
2. Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD): FMD is highly contagious and affects milk production due to fever, lesions, and lameness in cattle (Chhabra et al., 2022).
3. Parasitic Infections: Internal and external parasites, such as worms and ticks, cause significant health issues, leading to decreased feed efficiency and milk production (Sharma et al., 2021).

Inadequate Veterinary Services: Limited access to veterinary services in rural areas exacerbates the impact of these diseases. Many smallholder farmers do not have the resources or knowledge to manage these health issues effectively, resulting in high morbidity and mortality rates among livestock (Chhabra et al., 2022).

Poor Preventive Health Practices: Preventive measures, such as vaccinations and regular health check-ups, are often neglected. This negligence leads to frequent outbreaks of diseases that could otherwise be controlled or prevented, significantly affecting milk yield (Sharma et al., 2021).

Impact on Milk Production:

The correlation between disease prevalence and low milk production is well-documented. Health issues lead to several adverse outcomes:

1. Reduced Lactation Period: Diseases like mastitis and FMD directly impact the cow’s ability to produce milk, reducing the lactation period and overall yield.
2. Nutritional Deficiencies: Parasitic infections impair the absorption of nutrients, leading to poor body condition and lower milk production.
3. Increased Mortality: High mortality rates due to diseases decrease the number of productive animals, reducing overall milk supply (Patil et al., 2020).

II. Mitigation Strategies:

Addressing the low milk production of Indian dairy cattle requires a multi-faceted approach that includes genetic improvement, nutritional enhancement, better management practices, and robust disease control measures.

 Genetic Improvement:

One of the most promising strategies is crossbreeding indigenous cattle with high-yielding exotic breeds. Programs like the National Dairy Plan aim to enhance milk production through genetic improvement. Furthermore, implementing advanced reproductive technologies such as artificial insemination and embryo transfer can accelerate genetic progress (NDDB, 2023).

To balance the conservation of indigenous breeds with the need for higher milk production, the Indian government and various organizations have implemented several initiatives:

1. National Gokul Mission:This program aims to develop and conserve indigenous breeds through selective breeding and genetic improvement initiatives.
2. Rashtriya Gokul Mission: Launched under the National Programme for Bovine Breeding and Dairy Development, this mission focuses on enhancing milk production and productivity of indigenous breeds.
3. Crossbreeding Programs:Various state and central schemes promote crossbreeding of indigenous cattle with exotic breeds to improve milk yield and overall productivity.

Apart from these initiatives, other mitigation strategies could be:

1. Sustainable Breeding Practices: Combining the resilience of indigenous breeds with the high productivity of exotic breeds through sustainable crossbreeding practices can optimize milk production while preserving genetic diversity.
2. Technological Advancements: Leveraging advancements in genetic research, artificial insemination, and embryo transfer technology can accelerate the improvement of both indigenous and crossbred cattle populations.

Nutritional Enhancement:

Providing balanced and fortified feed is crucial. Initiatives to promote the cultivation of high-quality fodder crops and the use of feed supplements can address nutritional gaps. Training farmers on the importance of balanced diets and proper feeding regimes can significantly boost milk yields (Rao et al., 2021).

To address these nutritional challenges, several strategies have been proposed and implemented with varying degrees of success:

1. Promotion of Balanced Diets:Government and non-governmental organizations are working to educate farmers about the importance of balanced diets. Initiatives to promote the use of concentrated feeds, minerals, and vitamin supplements are crucial.
2. Fodder Development Programs: Programs aimed at increasing the cultivation of high-quality fodder crops, such as legumes and grasses, can help bridge the gap between demand and supply (Rao et al., 2021).
3. Feed and Fodder Banks: Establishing feed and fodder banks can ensure the availability of quality feed during lean periods, mitigating the impact of seasonal variations on milk production.
4. Technology and Extension Services:Leveraging technology to improve feed formulations and providing extension services to farmers can enhance their knowledge and practices related to cattle nutrition (Sharma et al., 2021).

Improved Management Practices:

Modernizing dairy farming practices through education and extension services is vital. Farmers need training on optimal milking techniques, proper animal housing, and efficient farm management practices. Government and non-governmental organizations can play a crucial role in disseminating this knowledge (Sharma et al., 2021).

Common mitigation strategies suggested are:

1. Improving Housing and Infrastructure: Investing in proper housing facilities that ensure adequate space, ventilation, and hygiene can significantly improve animal health and milk production. Government schemes and subsidies can support farmers in upgrading their farm infrastructure.
2. Training in Proper Milking Techniques: Implementing training programs on proper milking techniques can reduce the incidence of udder infections and improve milk quality and quantity. Mechanized milking solutions can also be introduced where feasible (Rao et al., 2021).
3. Enhanced Veterinary Services: Expanding access to veterinary care through mobile clinics, regular health camps, and telemedicine can ensure timely treatment of diseases and preventive care. Government and non-governmental organizations can collaborate to strengthen veterinary infrastructure in rural areas.
4. Farmer Education Programs: Comprehensive education programs focusing on modern dairy farming practices, nutrition, disease management, and reproductive health are crucial. Extension services and farmer field schools can play a vital role in disseminating this knowledge (Sharma et al., 2021).

Disease Control and Veterinary Services:

Strengthening veterinary infrastructure and services is essential. Regular health check-ups, vaccination drives, and awareness campaigns about disease prevention can reduce the incidence of diseases. Additionally, promoting the use of herbal and organic remedies for common ailments can offer sustainable solutions (Chhabra et al., 2022).

Common mitigation strategies suggested are:

1. Strengthening Veterinary Services: Expanding access to veterinary care through mobile veterinary units, regular health camps, and telemedicine services can ensure timely diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Government and non-governmental organizations can collaborate to improve veterinary infrastructure in rural areas (Chhabra et al., 2022).
2. Effective Disease Prevention Programs: Implementing vaccination programs and regular deworming schedules can significantly reduce the incidence of common diseases. These programs should be supported by awareness campaigns to educate farmers about the importance of preventive health measures (Sharma et al., 2021).
3. Improving Farm Hygiene and Management Practices: Promoting good farm hygiene and management practices, such as proper milking techniques and regular cleaning of animal housing, can reduce the risk of infections like mastitis and parasitic infestations. Training programs and extension services can help farmers adopt these practices (Rao et al., 2021).
4. Research and Development: Investing in research to develop more effective vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments for prevalent diseases can provide long-term solutions to health challenges in dairy farming.

 Conclusion

The low milk production of Indian dairy cattle presents a multifaceted challenge that requires concerted efforts from various stakeholders, including farmers, researchers, and policymakers. By addressing genetic limitations, enhancing nutrition, modernizing management practices, and improving disease control, India can significantly boost its milk yield. Such improvements will not only enhance the country’s dairy sector but also improve the livelihoods of millions of smallholder dairy farmers, contributing to rural development and food security.

References:

Sure, here are the APA style references for the sources cited in the previous responses:

1. FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations). (2022). FAO Dairy Market Review. Retrieved from [http://www.fao.org/dairy-production-markets](http://www.fao.org/dairy-production-markets).
2. Kumar, R., Gupta, J., & Singh, J. (2021). Genetic improvement of indigenous cattle: Challenges and opportunities. Indian Journal of Animal Sciences, 91(12), 1054-1060.
3. Patil, V. K., Sharma, M. C., & Singh, N. P. (2020). Nutritional management for improving dairy cattle productivity. Indian Journal of Animal Nutrition, 37(1), 1-12.
4. Sharma, V. K., Singh, S., & Verma, H. K. (2021). Dairy farming practices in India: An overview of management practices and their impact on productivity. Journal of Dairy Research, 88(4), 567-580.
5. Chhabra, R., Bhardwaj, R. K., & Malik, P. (2022). Prevalence and control of common livestock diseases in India: An epidemiological study. Veterinary World, 15(3), 461-470.
6. Rao, S. S., Reddy, B. S., & Kumar, A. (2021). Fodder development initiatives for enhancing dairy productivity in India. Agricultural Reviews, 42(2), 124-132.
7. NDDB (National Dairy Development Board). (2023). National Dairy Plan. Retrieved from [https://www.nddb.coop/services/national-dairy-plan](https://www.nddb.coop/services/national-dairy-plan).