Low productivity of Indian dairy animals: Challenges and Mitigation strategies

Low productivity of Indian dairy animals: Challenges and Mitigation strategies

Kaushik Satyaprakash

Assistant Professor, Department of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, RGSC, Banaras Hindu University, Barkachha, Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh-231001

e-mail id: kaushik_vph@bhu.ac.in

Mob: +91- 9439551291

Introduction

India’s dairy industry is a cornerstone of its rural economy, deeply embedded in the socio-economy of the country. Home to the world’s largest dairy animal population, India is the leading milk producer globally. According to the Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics (BAHS) 2023, Government of India, the total milk production of our country in the fiscal year 2022-23 was 230.58 million tonnes. This represents a 3.8% increase from the previous yar. The state of Uttar Pradesh contributed to the largest share, accounting for 15.7% of the total milk production, followed by Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujrat, and Andhra Pradesh.

As per the 20^th livestock census (2019), the total bovine (cattle, buffalo, yak and mithun) population in the county is 303.76 million, of which the total milch animals (in-milk and dry) in cows and buffaloes is 125.75 million. Despite this, the productivity of individual dairy animals in India is significantly lower than the global standards. As per the BAHS (2023), the average yield for exotic/crossbred cows is 8.55 kg/animal/day. For indigenous/ non-descript cows, the average yield is 3.44 kg/animal/day. The low productivity per animal hinders the potential growth and sustainability of Indian dairy sector.

This low productivity may be attributable to several factors including poor genetic potential, inadequate nutrition, prevalent diseases, and suboptimal management practices. Indigenous breeds, though resilient, generally produces less milk than exotic breeds. Nutritional deficiencies are rampant due to the reliance in low quality feed and fodder. Health issues are exacerbated by limited veterinary services and inadequate housing conditions. Additionally, socio-economic constraints, such as financial limitations and lack of access to modern farming techniques, hinder productivity improvements.

Mitigating these challenges requires a multifaceted approach. Strategies for enhancing genetic potential through crossbreeding and artificial insemination, improving nutrition with balanced feed and fodder development, strengthening veterinary services and disease management, and promoting better housing and hygiene can aid in mitigating the challenges behind the low productivity of dairy animals. Socio-economic interventions like co-operative models and farmer education are crucial, as is leveraging technological innovations such as, precision dairy farming and digital platforms. By adopting a comprehensive strategy that holistically address the multifaceted challenges of low productivity, India can unlock the full potential of its dairy sector, ensuring sustainable growth and improved livelihoods for millions of smallholder dairy sector. This holistic approach is vital for transforming India’s dairy industry into a model of productivity, sustainability, and resilience.

This article explores the myriad challenges contributing to this low productivity and proposes comprehensive strategies for its mitigation. Given below are some key points.

1. Genetic factors

Genetic potential is a fundamental determinant of dairy animal productivity. In India, a substantial portion of the dairy herd consists of indigenous breeds, such as the Gir, Sahiwal, and Red Sindhi, which are well-adapted to local conditions but generally produce less milk compared to exotic breeds like Holstein Friesians and Jerseys. These indigenous breeds possess traits such as disease resistance and the ability to thrive on low-quality fodder, yet their genetic ceiling for milk production remains lower.

• Poor breeding practices:Traditional and often unscientific breeding practices prevail among Indian dairy farmers. The lack of structured breeding programmes and the widespread use of unselected bulls for natural service lead to suboptimal genetic gains. Moreover, the absence of effective animal identification and performance recording systems hinders the selection of high-yielding animals.
• Inbreeding:This is a significant issue, particularly in isolated rural areas where the genetic pool is limited. This practice leads to inbreeding depression, reducing genetic diversity and causing hereditary health problems, which further diminish productivity.

Mitigation strategies:

1(a). Systemic breeding programme: Implementing structured breeding programme that focus on selective breeding and the use of genetically superior bulls can enhance genetic potential. Establishing and maintaining performance recording systems to tract the productivity and health of dairy animals will support will support these programmes.

1(b). Artificial insemination (AI): Expanding AI services and ensuring the availability of high-quality semen from superior bulls can significantly improve the genetic quality of dairy herds. Training farmers in AI techniques and providing incentives for its adoption can accelerate genetic improvements.

1(c). Crossbreeding programmes: Promoting crossbreeding between high yielding exotic breeds and resilient indigenous breeds can produce animals that combine the best traits of both, enhancing productivity while maintaining adaptability to local conditions.

2. Nutritional deficiencies

Nutrition is a critical factor influencing milk production. Dairy animals require a balanced diet rich in energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals to achieve optimal productivity. However, nutritional deficiencies are widespread in Indian dairy farming due to several reasons.

• Inadequate feed and fodder:Many farmers rely on low-nutrient crop residues like straw and stover, which are insufficient to meet the nutritional needs of high-yielding dairy animals. Seasonal fluctuations in fodder availability exacerbate this issue, leading to acute shortage during lean periods.
• Imbalanced diets: The lack of knowledge about the nutritional requirements of dairy animals and the absence of affordable feed supplements results in imbalanced diets. This malnutrition affects not only milk yield but also the overall health and reproductive efficiency of the animals.

Mitigation strategies:

2(a). Fodder development programmes: Investing in fodder development projects, including the cultivation of high yield, nutritious fodder crops such as maize, sorghum, and alfalfa, can enhance fodder availability (fig.1). Promoting the adoption of silage and haymaking techniques will help ensure a steady supply of quality feed throughout the year.

2(b). Balanced feed formulation: Developing region-specific balanced feed formulations and making them available at subsidized rates can improve animal nutrition. Extension services should focus on educating farmers about the importance of balanced diets and how to prepare and use these formulations.

2(c). Feed supplements: Providing subsidies or financial support for mineral and vitamin supplements can address nutritional deficiencies. Encouraging the use of feed additives like probiotics and enzymes can further enhance nutrient utilization and improve productivity.

Fig.1 Perennial Fodder cultivation

3. Health and management challenges

Health and management practices are pivotal in determining the productivity of dairy animals. In India, these aspects often fall short due to various constraints.

• Disease occurrence: High incidence of diseases such as mastitis, foot-and-mouth disease, and brucellosis adversely affect milk yield. Limited access to veterinary services and inadequate disease management practices contribute to the high occurrence of these diseases.
• Poor housing and hygiene: Substandard housing conditions, inadequate ventilation, poor sanitation, and lack of access to clean water contribute to stress and health issues in dairy animals. These factors increase susceptibility to disease and reduce productivity (Fig.2).
• Lack of infrastructure:There is a need for better housing, dairy machinery and farm equipment to support dairy farming.

Fig. Poor hygiene of the dairy cow

Mitigation strategies:

3(a). Strengthening veterinary services: Expanding veterinary infrastructure and improving access to veterinary services are essential. Establishing mobile veterinary units and telemedicine services can provide timely health interventions, especially in remote areas.

3(b). Disease management programme: Implementing comprehensive disease management programmes that include regular vaccination, deworming, and preventive health checks can reduce disease incidence. Training of livestock farmers about basic animal health management and biosecurity measures is crucial.

3(c). Improved housing and hygiene: Promoting better housing designs that ensure adequate ventilation, proper drainage, and comfortable resting areas can reduce stress and improve health. Educating farmers about the importance of hygiene and providing support for constructing or upgrading housing facilities are necessary steps.

3(d). Strengthening infrastructure: Strengthening infrastructure related to housing, dairy machinery and farm equipment to support dairy farming can definitely aid in boosting per animal productivity of dairy animals.

4. Socio-economic constraints

The socio-economic landscape of Indian dairy farming presents significant challenges that impact productivity. The sector is predominantly characterized by smallholder farmers who operate with limited resources.

• Financial constraints:Smallholder farmers often face financial limitations that restrict their ability to invest in improved breeding stock, high quality feed, and modern dairy farming technologies. Access to credit is limited, and interest rates are often prohibitively high.
• Lack of education and training:Many dairy farmers lack access to education and training on modern dairy farming techniques. Tradition practices, which may not align with optimal productivity strategies, continue to dominate due to lack of awareness and training.
• Market inefficiencies:The fragmented nature of the dairy sector leads to inefficiencies in production and marketing. Smallholder farmers often face challenges in accessing markets, getting fair prices for their milk, and dealing with middleman.

Mitigation strategies:

4(a). Cooperative models and financial support: Encouraging cooperative models can provide smallholders with better access to resources, markets, and financial services. Cooperatives can help in bulk purchasing of inputs, collective marketing, and bargaining for better prices. Providing microfinance, livestock insurance and subsidies can enable farmers to invest in productivity-enhancing technologies and practices.

4(b). Education and training programmes: Implementing extensive education and training programmes on modern dairy farming techniques, health management, and nutrition can empower farmers with the knowledge to improve productivity. These programmes should be tailored to local contexts and delivered through extensive services, farmer field schools, and digital platforms.

4(c). Market linkages and infrastructure: Strengthening market linkages by establishing milk collection centres, cold storage facilities, and efficient transportation networks can help farmers access broader markets and receive fair prices. Facilitating direct linkages with dairy processors and retailers can reduce the reliance on middlemen.

5. Policy and institutional support

Effective policy and institutional support are crucial for addressing the challenges of low productivity in the dairy sector. Government policies and programmes play a vital role in shaping the dairy industry’s landscape. The lack of focus on consumer demands such as ‘pure’, ‘unprocessed’, ‘organic’, and ‘A2’ milk in policy-making affects the industry’s growth.

• Lack of robust policy framework:A robust policy framework that addresses the multifaceted challenges of the dairy sector is essential. This includes policies on breeding, nutrition, health management, financial support, and market access. A robust policy framework on these aspects is lacking in India.
• Inadequate institutional mechanisms:Strong institutional mechanisms are required to implement and monitor policies effectively. This includes the establishment of dedicated dairy development boards, research institutions, and extension services. Inadequate institutional mechanism in dairy sector is a major challenge behind low productivity.

Mitigation strategies:

5(a). Comprehensive dairy development policies: Formulating and implementing comprehensive dairy development policies that integrate genetic improvement, nutrition enhancement, health management, and socio-economic interventions can provide a holistic approach to addressing low productivity. These policies should be based on thorough research and stakeholder consultation.

5(b). Strengthening research and development: Investing in research and development to develop region-specific solutions for improving dairy productivity is crucial. Research institutions should focus on breeding programmes, feed formulations, disease management practices, and sustainable farming techniques. Collaboration with international research organizations can bring in global best practices and innovations.

5(c). Effective extension services: Strengthening extension services to bridge the gap between research and farmers is essential. Extension workers should be trained to disseminate the latest knowledge and technologies to farmers, provide hands-on support, and facilitate the adoption of best practices.

6. Lack of technological innovations

Lack of technological innovations to transform the dairy sector by improving productivity and efficiency in India poses as a major challenge behind productivity of dairy animals. Many dairy farms in India have not adopted modernization and are still flowing traditional practices, which affects productivity.

• Lack of precision dairy farming:The lack of precision dairy farming technologies, such as automated milking systems, precision feeding systems, and health monitoring devices, can’t optimize resource utilization and can’t enhance productivity.
• Limited use of digital platforms and mobile applications: The limited use of digital platforms and mobile applications by dairy farmers to access information, services, markets, weather forecasts, market prices, veterinary advice, and training resources is also a reason with low productivity of dairy animals.
• Limited investment in biotechnology:Biotechnology offers innovative solutions for genetic improvement, and feed optimization. Techniques such as genetic engineering, marker-assisted selection, and embryo transfer can accelerate genetic gains. Biotechnological advancements in vaccines and diagnostic tools can improve disease management, while microbial fermentation technologies can enhance feed quality.

Mitigation strategies:

6(a). Promoting adoption of technologies: Encouraging the adoption of precision dairy farming technologies through subsidies, training programmes, and demonstration projects can help farmers realize the benefits of these innovation. Collaborations with technology providers and financial institutions can facilitate access to affordable technologies.

6(b). Developing digital ecosystems: Building robust digital ecosystems that integrate various stakeholders, including farmers, input suppliers, service providers, and markets, can enhance the efficiency and productivity of the dairy sector. Government and private sector initiatives should focus on developing user-friendly digital platforms and ensuring widespread access to digital tools.

6(c). Investing in biotechnology research: Supporting research in biotechnology and facilitating its application in dairy farming can lead to significant productivity gains. Public private partnerships and collaborations with international research organizations can driver innovation and ensure the availability of cutting-edge biotechnological solutions.

7. Climate change and sustainability

Climate change possesses a significant threat to the dairy sector, affecting feed availability, water resources, and animal health. Sustainable dairy farming practices are essential to mitigate the impacts of climate change and ensure long-term productivity.

• Feed and fodder security:Climate change-induced variability in weather patterns affects the availability and quality of feed and fodder. Droughts, floods, and extreme temperatures can reduce crop yields and degrade pasturelands, leading to feed shortages and nutritional stress for dairy animals.
• Water scarcity:Dairy farming is water-intensive, and water scarcity exacerbated by climate change poses a major a major challenge. Insufficient water availability affects both animal hydration and the cultivation of fodder crops.
• Heat stress:Rising temperatures and increased frequency of heatwaves can cause heat stress in dairy animals, leading to reduced feed intake, lower milk production, and increased susceptibility to diseases.

Mitigation strategies:

7(a). Climate-resilient fodder production: Promoting climate-resilient fodder crops and practices, such as drought-tolerant varieties, agroforestry, and integrated crop-livestock systems, can enhance feed and fodder security. Encouraging the use of crop residues and by-products as feed can also reduce the dependence on traditional fodder sources.

7(b). Water management: Implementing efficient water management practices, such as rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation, and water recycling can alleviate water scarcity. Developing water-efficient fodder cultivation techniques and promoting the use of hydroponics can optimize water use.

7(c). Heat stress management: Providing adequate shade, ventilation, and cooling systems in animal housing can mitigate the effects of heat stress. Selecting heat-tolerant breeds and improving nutritional management during hot periods can help maintain productivity.

7(d). Sustainable farming practices: Promoting sustainable dairy farming practices, such as organic farming, conservation agriculture, and waste management, can enhance environmental sustainability and resilience to climate change. Training farmers in these practices and providing incentives for their adoption are crucial steps.

Conclusion

The low productivity of Indian dairy animals is a multifaceted issue linked with genetic, nutritional, health, management, socio-economic, and environmental challenges. Addressing these challenges requires a holistic and integrated approach that encompasses genetic improvement, nutrition enhancement, health management, technological innovation, policy support, and climate resilience.

Genetic improvement programmes, including crossbreeding and artificial insemination, can enhance the genetic potential of dairy animals. Nutritional strategies focused on balanced feed formulation and fodder development can address nutritional deficiencies. Strengthening veterinary services, improving housing and hygiene, and implementing disease management programmes are essential for improving animal health and productivity. Socio-economic interventions, such as cooperative models, financial support, education, and training, can empower smallholder farmers and enhance their capacity to adopt best practices. Policy and institutional support, along with investments in research and development, are crucial for driving long-term improvement in the dairy sector.

Technological innovations, including precision dairy farming, digital platforms, and biotechnology, offer significant potential to transform dairy farming and improve productivity. Addressing the impacts of climate change through sustainable farming practices and efficient resource management is essential for ensuring the resilience and sustainability of the dairy sector. By adopting a comprehensive strategy that addresses these multifaceted issues, India can enhance the productivity of its dairy sector, ensuring sustainable growth and improved livelihoods for millions of dairy farmers. This holistic approach is essential for transforming the potential of India’s dairy industry into tangible gains for the nation’s economy and its rural population.