LOW PRODUCTIVITY OF INDIAN DAIRY ANIMALS: CHALLENGES AND MITIGATION STRATEGIES
NEELAM KALASUA
M.V.Sc. Student, Animal Reproduction Division, ICAR-IVRI, Izatnagar, Bareilly, UP
Abstract
India is ranked first in milk production contributing 24.64% of global milk production. Milk production is growing at the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.85% over the past 9 years from 146.31 million tonnes during 2014-15 to 230.58 million tonnes during 2022-23. Livestock sector contributes 4.1% in of total GDP. India has highest livestock population in the world, which is 535.78 million. Even though, production is inadequate to fulfill the nutritional demands of population of the country. In India, the major issue is very low average milk production of the dairy animals. The average annual milk production in India is is 1777 Kg/animal/year as against the world average of 2699 Kg/animal/year during 2019. The major constraints in achieving optimum livestock production are non-availability of adequate quality feed and fodder, low genetic production potential of indigenous breeds, high morbidity and mortality due to existing, emerging, re-emerging infectious diseases, poor availability of high producing germplasm, more number of non-descript animal, poor animal husbandry practices, issues on culling of unproductive animals, thermal stress, reproductive and other health problems among several other problems are responsible for this low production. The approaches to increase the production potential of indian dairy animals can be improved through genetic improvement with widespread use of artificial insemination, The implementation of advanced assisted reproductive techniques, precision livestock farming results in enhanced milk production and quality, as well as better udder health, appropriate body composition, and reproductive outcomes for dairy animals. Our Indian government also trying to conservation and improvement of indigenous breeds through running programmes such as Rastriya gokul mission, National livestock mission, Dairy infrastrure development fund. Still there is a need to build the necessary infrastructure for diagnostic and treatment purposes and also need to improve our fodder production through enhancing seed quality.
- Introduction
The livestock sector in India plays a key role in providing livelihoods to more than 80 million rural households and contributes sizably to the national economy. Dairy is the single largest agricultural commodity contributing 5% of the national economy and employing more than 8 crore farmers directly. India is ranked first in milk production contributing 24.64% of global milk production. Milk production is growing at the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.85% over the past 9 years from 146.31 million tonnes during 2014-15 to 230.58 million tonnes during 2022-23. World milk production has grown by 0.51% during 2022 in-comparison to the year 2021 (Food Outlook, 2023). The per capita availability of milk is 459 grams per day in India during 2022-23 as against the world average of 322 grams per day in 2022 (Food Outlook, 2023). It is a well-known fact that, India is a global leader amongst dairying nations, not just in terms of milk production but also consumption. India has highest livestock population in the world having total Livestock population is 535.78 million in the country. Major drivers of dairy industry in India are Buffalo and Cattle contributing 49% and 48% respectively. It has over 300 million bovines, producing 198.48 million tonnes of milk per year, valued at more than INR 8.32 lakh crore. In the current scenario, the world’s leading producer of milk is India, which is followed by the United States, China, Pakistan, and Brazil (Gurtu et al., 2023). Dairy production in India has boosted many folds as shown by increased livestock population and production scenario in the country. This increase in milk production has primarily been attributed to an increase in the cattle population, as the productivity of our livestock has remained extremely low among major milk producing countries. While the average milk yield of cattle around the world and in Europe is about 2238 and 4250 kg per lactation, respectively; the average yield of Indian cattle is only about 1538 kg per lactation (Indian Grassland and forest research institute (IGFRI) Vision, 2050). The low average productivity in India may be due to the fact that, out of 46.95 million Exotic/CB female cows only 25.67 million (55%) are in-milk, of 98.17 million of non-descript (ND) female cows only 51.17 million (52%) are in-milk, of 101 million buffaloes only 38.1 million (38%) are in-milk and The overall artificial insemination coverage of India stands at 30% (20th livestock census, 2019).
It has been estimated that, the demand for milk and milk products in 2030 will be 266.50 million tonnes (NDDB, 2019). As per the 19th Livestock census, there are 88 million ‘In-Milk’ animals whose records are unavailable on an annual basis. However, under Indian conditions, for enhancing the income from dairy farming certain constraints have to be layout and correspondingly firm solutions have to be made. Constraints such as poor availability of high producing germplasm, rapidly decreasing availability of feed and fodder resources, poor husbandry practices, reproductive and other health problems among several other problems hinder the income obtained from dairy farming to the farmers. In addition to the much needed solutions of such constraints, there is a need of strongly implementation of government policies for overall development of dairying in India. Animal husbandry, dairying, and aquaculture all make a substantial contribution to the countries and nations socioeconomic development. The livestock sector accounts for around 6% of GDP, while agriculture accounts for 25% of GDP (Roy et al., 2021).
Major ChallengesIn Indian Scenario: – are as follows
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- 1. Scarcity of Feeds and Fodders, Feed Preparation Technologies
The main reason for our livestock’s low productivity is malnutrition or under-nutrition caused by a wide disparity in demand and supply of feed and fodder in the country (Prajapati et al., 2019). Non-availability of quality seeds of forage crops is also limiting fodder productivity in India. Due to shortage of green fodder, particularly during the summer months, dairy farmers have been feeding a disproportionate amount of concentrates to their animals in order to maintain milk production. The concentrate feeding indeed increases milk production, but it also leads to rumen acidosis and causes severe health problems in dairy cows. This practice disrupts the balance in the gut microbiota, causing more toxins to be released and resulting in liver damage. Therefore, careful balancing of livestock ration is necessary to mitigate these risks. Unbalanced nutrition is one of the key causes of lower productivity in most developing countries, such as India (Otte et al., 2012). Low availability of quality green and dry fodder and lack of proper nutrients, which is hugely required for commercial dairy farming are the main factors associated with low productivity. High price of concentrate mixture, and feed and fodder further add up to this issue. Presently, the country faces a net shortfall of 35.6% green fodder, 10.5% dry crop leftovers, and 44% concentrate feed ingredients (Singh et al., 2022).
1.2. Lack of good quality animals–
According to 20th livestock census, India has highest livestock population in the world having total Livestock population is 535.78 million in the country although, Indigenous/Nondescript animals are more in number (142.11 million). The production capacity of many non-descript animals generally very less as compare to that of crossbreed or exotic animals. The reason behind this is mainly due to the unavailability or less of indigenous/exotic bulls of high genetic merit. Indian cattle and buffaloes often have lower genetic potential for milk production compared to breeds in other countries. This intrinsic limitation affects overall productivity.
- 3.Lack of Skills and Resources
Repeat breeding and infertility in cattle are the two most burning problems of animal husbandry sector in the nation which is often not taken care upon. Poor conception rate of artificial insemination (AI), which may be attributed to poor heat detection, poor insemination timing, lack of maintenance of freezing chain, etc. Another reason for low productivity is attributed to the low availability of frozen semen doses and need for improving services to improve gynaecological status of animals. The sizable number of female animals remain unbred and remain as dry animals. This is either due to; (1) sub-standard quality of semen, (2) missed proper heat for insemination, (3) less availability of frozen semen doses and (4) unhealthy genitals of animals. In India, generally the paravets (the artificial inseminator) decide the semen variety & quality to breed the animals, not the farmers. The farmers have to agree for the insemination of animals with the available frozen semen dose, as they may not want to miss the heat. Another fact is that more than 2 doses are needed to make one animal pregnant (it loses almost a month period for the animal to become pregnant). In a report, NDRI Karnal’s magazine says “Paradoxically, the coverage of AI in India has remained as only a meagre 30% of the breedable cattle and buffalo population. Non-availability of timely treatment facilities and lack of knowledge of common contagious diseases, their prevention and control measures is also a big problem of the country. Vaccines do not work up to their full potentials as we lack proper procurement and storage facilities. Farmers also have misconception that this might harm their animals.
1.4. Decrease Availability of Land and Resources
It is a fact that, with rapid increase in the population of human, availability of land for feeds and fodder are becoming scarce. According to the 10th agricultural census Average land holding per farmer in India is 1.08 hectares (0.6 hectare small & marginal farmers) (https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/agriculture/being-an-indian-farmer–75208.) There are about 150 million farmers, where small and marginal farmers account for 86.2% who owns 47.3% of operational crop land area. Small and marginal farmers own 0.6 hectares (1.5 acres) of land only. If 86% of the operational crop land is owned by the small and marginal farmers, it is obvious that they can’t own large dairy animal herd and due to limited land holding, they would not be having sufficient land to cultivate green fodder for the medium and large herds, as well.
- 5.Climatic Change
Predominant climatic condition of India is tropical. More than 25% area of India suffers through thermal humidity index (THI) more than 85 during summers which poses severe heat stress to dairy animals. Heat stress has an adverse effect on reproduction and production traits of dairy cattle and buffaloes. The negative influence of heat stress on reproduction traits of cattle and buffaloes can be quantified through formulating temperature humidity index (THI). High producing animals suffer more than lower producing animals. Rapid decrease in milk production is encountered when these animals is exposed to severe heat stress. Dairy animals remain in their thermal comfort zone when THI is 65-72, however, above that they are exposed to heat stress conditions. The conception rate and pregnancy rate in dairy cattle were found to be decreased above THI 72, while a significant decline in reproductive performances of buffaloes was observed above threshold THI 75. High temperature combined with a high level of humidity in spring and summer season results in physiological disorders, affecting the digestive system, acid-base chemistry, blood hormones and finally resulting in longer service period in cows. As per estimation, more than 5000 crores of Indian rupees are lost just due to this climatic effect.
- 6. Veterinary and Extension Services:
In the present Indian scenario, there is a lack of Veterinary manpower. Similarly, the veterinary health care, diagnostic and extension services are also not up to the world standards. A lot of livestock owners are also unaware or not following the scientific way of rearing animals, which is hindering the productivity of animals.
- Strategiesto overcome low production
The adoption of scientific livestock management practices for efficient breeding, feeding, health care and housing management along with the capacity building programs for the various stakeholders may improve the health as well as productivity of Indian dairy animals. Some of the strategies are as follows:
2.1. Breeding Management
Milk from indigenous milch breeds (Sahiwal, Gir, Red Sindhi, Tharparkar) is in great demand now days. Our milch breeds are well adapted to the harsh climatic condition and provide satisfactory amount of milk during the days when other cross breed or exotic (eg. HF, Jersey, Brown swiss, etc.) Ones may not. Disease resistance capacity of indigenous breeds is far better than those of crossbreed or exotic animals. The use of scientific breeding techniques in conjunction with the selection of disease-resistant and climate-resistant breeds established a solid basis for the future growth of dairy farms. Selective breeding of pure milch breed cows may be recommended whereas for non-descript breeding, it may be cross-breeding or up-grading method of breeding. On the other hand, for buffalo selective breeding may be recommended and for non-descript buffaloes, grading up with Murrah buffalo may be recommended. Artificial insemination technology has boosted up the reproduction of dairy animals in the country as it removes burden of costly keeping of burden of male animals. But, hard side of the story is that AI coverage of India is low to around 28-30% of dairy animals. So, there is a need to production of more semen doses to cover all breedable female animals. More AI centre should be made in more numbers where semen of superior Germplasms may be obtained by the farmers at genuine rates.
2.2. Feeding Management for formulating cost-effective feeding strategies
A consistent supply of high-quality feed and fodder ensures increased production.
About 60–70% of the entire cost of producing milk in dairying is spent on feeding. Though it may not be denied that there is huge shortage of available feed and fodders for dairy animals in the country and whole world, but improved storage and preservation technology of feeds and fodders may solve this problem up to a considerable level (Singh et al., 2020). Silage, hay, bailing process may help in storing and preserving the feeds and fodder resources to make it available throughout the year. In tropical regions, silage is a way of keeping excess green fodder that is mostly used on large dairy farms. It is the result of carefully regulating the fermentation of green manure that has a high moisture content. As one of the cutting-edge methods of silage production, tube silage or bag silage is being widely used in many nations. It was developed for marginal dairy farmers with one or two dairy cows and a small amount of fodder land (Nimbalkar et al., 2021). Other practices of feeding may include feeding of animals as per their body weight as a thumb rule to provide them with sufficient nutrition. Feeds and other materials useful for feeding animals may be procured in advance by the farmers and stored and concentrate mixture may be prepared whenever needed. Feeding urea-molasses block. Feeding bypass protein can boost development rate by 20–25% and milk yield by 10-15% by providing the digestive tract with more necessary amino acids. High-yielding animals’ diets should include 4–6% fat, which should be distributed equally among fat from natural feed, oil seed, and bypass fat. Supplementing with bypass fat has shown benefits without having any negative effects on the dairy animals’ blood parameters, feed intake, rumen fermentation, or nutritional digestibility. A rise in milk of 5.5-24.0% is reported. The extra benefits of this innovation include improved post-partum recovery and reproductive performance in dairy cows. It may be more helpful for the animals which are entering into transition period i.e. 21 days before and after calving period, where mineral needs are more. Additionally it’s been suggested that 20% more feeding should be done to the animals which enters into its 3rd trimester of gestation period which usually is of 280 days. During lactation period, animals producing more than 5kg/day milk may be offered 1 kg extra per 2.5kg milk production per animal as a thumb rule. Good amount of greens should be ensured to the animals which will be nutritious and will help in cutting the cost of milk production. Additionally, herbal feed supplements may be done as prescribed during transitional period for improved performances of dairy animals. In recent years it has been realized that integrated nutrient management (INM) is the best way of achieving higher system productivity and maintaining soil health on sustainable basis (Antil & Raj, 2020; Babu et al., 2020; Yadav et al., 2007). Under crop + livestock integrated farming system, availability of organic manure is not a problem for INM. Therefore, it can be adopted as a successful strategy to improve the fodder productivity. Fodder production from marginal lands , India has around 121 million hectares of degraded land that must be used through agro forestry systems, to meet the needs. Azolla has been reported as one of the most economic and efficient feed substitutes for livestock (Kumar et al., 2021). Azolla increases milk yield increases by 15–20% (Katole et al., 2017). For peri-urban dairies, hydroponic fodder is a good alternative to green fodder due to limited availability of land for fodder production. There is need for research on hydroponic fodder and its use for economic milk production using indigenous technology and designs for various eco-agriculture regions. Feeding chaffed fodder (1-1.5 inches) should be preferred as it requires less energy by the animal for chewing and rumination, resulting in higher milk production. Grassland and pasture area should be planted with superior palatable plants and grasses for regeneration of the area and adequate and nutritious fodder to the livestock.
2.3. Health management
Non-availability of timely treatment facilities and lack of knowledge of common contagious diseases, their prevention and control measures is also a big problem of the country. Vaccines do not work up to their full potentials as we lack proper procurement and storage facilities. Farmers also have misconception that this might harm their animals. Diseases like FMD, IBR, Tuberculosis, Paratuberculosis, Brucellosis, and Haemorrhagic Septicaemia, Dermatitis, Theileriosis, Babesiosis, Anaplasma are common in dairy animals . Tuberculosis, Brucellosis and Anthrax are zoonotic diseases. Due to poor sanitary conditions and under nutrition conditions, the animals become susceptible to infections and disease. Lack of veterinary services adds up more severe adverse effects from such diseases. Due to unhygienic management and inadequate nutrition, the animals become susceptible to infections and disease. Due to tropical conditions, exotic and crossbreed animals suffer more adversely through heat stress as compared to indigenous dairy animals for production, reproduction and health performances (Das et al., 2018). The incidence of mastitis is higher in crossbreed cattle (12.4%) than indigenous breeds (8.9%). Noticeably, under Indian conditions, mastitis causes loss of about INR 5000 Crores. Nonetheless, it is an encouraging point that mastitis may be controlled and prevented through proper nutrition, health, sanitary and improved husbandry practices. Due to favourable conditions for the breeding and growth of parasites, high worm load cases have been observed in rainy seasons particularly, due tropical conditions.
2.4. Adoption of Advanced Reproductive Biotechnologies
In recent times, reproductive biotechnologies have emerged and started to replace the conventional techniques. It is noteworthy that for sustained livestock productivity, it is imperative to start using these techniques for facing the increasing challenges for productivity, reproduction and health with impending environment conditions. These recent biotechniques, both in male and female, have revolutionized and opened avenues for studying and manipulating the reproductive process both in vitro and in vivo in various livestock species for improving reproductive efficiency. A good reproductive performance is one of the essential factors for profitability from any livestock enterprise. To increase the supply of disease-free female cattle, assisted reproductive techniques such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF), multiple ovulation embryo transfers (MOET), and sex sorting of semen should be used. Artificial insemination (AI) technique is an Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) used worldwide to deposit proven sire’s stored semen directly into a cow’s uterus. The technique is used as a rapid way to improve desired characteristics through intensive genetic selection. Sexed semen is processed semen of proven bull from where ‘Y’ chromosomes bearing sperm cells are removed through sorting process. Sexed semen predominant with ‘X’ chromosomes can ensure birth of female calf. Reduction in economic burden and production of more number of female calves as a future productive cattle are the main advantages popularizing this technology among dairy farmers. However, the higher cost of semen coupled with low conception rate are important factors to be considered before its use and that too in heifers or primiparous animals for better results.
Precision Livestock Farming also offers opportunities for the dairy sector through early disease detection, capturing animal-related information more objectively and consistently, predicting risks for animal health and welfare, increasing the efficiency of animal production improve management strategies, profitability and farm performance (simitzis et al., 2021). The aim of PLF is to manage individual animals by continuous real time monitoring of health, welfare, production/reproduction, and environmental impact. The word “continuous” means in this case that PLF technology is measuring and analysing every second, 24 h a day, and 7 d a week. Farmers get a warning when something goes wrong in such a way that the PLF system brings them to the animal(s) that need their attention at that moment. The monitoring can be done by camera and real-time image analyses, by microphone and real-time sound analyses, or by sensors around or on the animal.
Talking about the international scenario, with the use of ART’s Brazil has improved and propagated the Indian Gir germplasm and is now one of the country to provide the superior germplasm of Gir cow. Internationally, a total of 3,78,769 in vivo derived (IVD) embryos were produced worldwide in the year 2019, contrary to 10,31,567 in vitro produced (IVP) embryos. However, 80% of total IVP embryos were transferred fresh because of low cryotolerance of IVP embryos compared to IVD embryos. Out of total embryos transferred (cattle) 72.7% were contributed by IVP embryos, due to decline in the collection of bovine IVD embryos in all regions (IETS Data Retrieval Committee, 2019).
2.5. Strategies to mitigate climatic stress
Shading and wallowing (in Buffalo) is one of the cheapest ways to modify an animal’s environment during hot weather. Nevertheless, with strategized housing and feeding, majorly, this loss can be overcome. A simple of strategic feeding by providing energy feeds during cooler parts of the days and low energy diets such as straws, stovers, etc. during hot periods of days is also helpful for efficient feed utilization during summer. This method will relieve animals from extra heat stress. Supplementation of herbs may also help in relieving animals from unwanted heat stress conditions. Similarly, the provision of fresh clean water may help animals to relieve from heat stress conditions. Whereas, in housing management, simple roofing modifications, ventilation management and bedding management or cool water fogging systems use very fine droplets of water and these water droplets are immediately dispersed into the air stream and quickly evaporate, thus cooling the surrounding air. Misting systems generate larger droplets than fogging systems, but cool the air by the same principle. Sprinklers are different from foggers and misters because, they do not cool the air rather than the large droplet arising from them wet the hair coat and skin of the cows and buffaloes and then water evaporates to cool the hair and skin. Sprinklers decreased respiration rate and body temperature, and improved dry matter intake and milk yield (Ahmad et al. 2019). This system is a very effective in combination with air movement. The mechanical air cooling is possible by using the evaporative cooling pad and fan system which are very useful in reducing the rectal temperature and respiratory rate in cows and buffaloes (Das et al., 2016). Splashing management may be done to provide thermal comfort to the animals in order to minimize adverse effects of drastic climate change for the animals. The identification and selection of heat tolerant dairy animals is useful to maintain both the high productivity and survivability when exposed to heat stress conditions. The TAI protocol can be able to reduce losses in reproductive efficiency in cattle and buffaloes caused by poor estrus detection in summer (Das et al., 2016). The reproductive events can be controlled by hormonal and non-hormonal methods so that breeding and calving can be done during the favourable environmental conditions.
2.6. Adoption of new farming technology
There should be periodic workshops and seminars as well as CAFT/ summer school/ winter school/ short courses of ICAR on specialised and advanced technologies like AI, IVF, silage, smart and precision dairy farming technologies etc. (Dillon et al., 2016). Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) offers opportunities for the dairy sector through early disease detection, capturing animal-related information more objectively and consistently, predicting risks for animal health and welfare, increasing the efficiency of animal production, improve management strategies, profitability and farm performance and objectively determining animal affective states (Simitzis et al., 2021). The PLF technologies enable real-time monitoring of animal behaviour, health, and welfare parameters, providing valuable insights to farmers and veterinarians. By employing sensors, wearable devices, and automated data analysis algorithms, PLF systems can detect deviations from normal animal behaviour, identify health issues, and facilitate prompt intervention. This promotes early disease detection, preventive healthcare, and improved animal welfare. PLF allows for individualized care and tailored management practices, which can enhance the well- being of individual animals and the overall herd. By closely monitoring animal health and behaviour, farmers and veterinarians can address specific needs promptly, fostering a more personalized approach to animal care. This can contribute to improved human- animal bonds and a deeper understanding of animal needs.
2.7. Human–Dairy Animal Interaction
The human–dairy cattle interaction play important role in dairy animals production. Aversive handling and forceful, negative tactile interactions are generally associated with fear, high signs of nervousness, a reluctance to move to the milking parlour, baulking, and increased number of vocalizations or steps. A decreased proportion of conceiving to the first insemination a reduction of the milk yield and a deterioration of the milk quality (i.e., reduced protein and fat levels) in dairy cows. Whereas, positive interactions (gentle touching, talking quietly, petting etc.) between the milker and dairy cattle result in a reduced display of kicking and stepping, which is associated with efficient handling , decreased heart rates and milk cortisol levels and an increased milk yield (Hamsworth et al ., 2000). Pre-partum strategies result in a familiarization with the milking parlour and improve the welfare status of dairy cattle. For example, stroking in certain areas, particularly the neck, decreases the display of avoidance behaviour and increases the approach behaviour of dairy cattle, providing evidence that positive tactile interactions with humans can make a positive impact on routine handling procedures.
- Government Initiativesto increased production
The Indian government has also initiated several scheme to conserve the well adapted superior germplasm of livestock animals. Some of the Government initiatives are as follows:
3.1. Rashtriya Gokul Mission
It was started in December 2014 to improve the genetics of the nondescript bovine population and develop and conserve indigenous breeds through selective breeding in the breeding tract. The scheme comprises two components namely National Program for Bovine Breeding (NPBB) and National Mission on Bovine Productivity (NMBP). The scheme aims for the development and conservation of indigenous breeds, enhancing milk production and productivity of bovine population. Increase the number of disease-free, high genetic merit females and stop the spread of diseases. Distribute disease-free, high genetic merit bulls for natural service. Arrange for quality artificial insemination (AI) services to be provided at farmers’ doorsteps. The Rashtriya Gokul Mission also plans to build integrated cattle development centres called “Gokul Grams” to promote indigenous breeds, up to 40% of which will be unique breeds.
3.2. National livestock mission
The focus of the scheme is on entrepreneurship development and breed improvement in poultry, sheep, goat and piggery including feed and fodder development.
3.3. National animal disease control programme
3.4. Animal husbandry infrastructure development fund
Apart from these schemes, In India, under National action plan, 30 ETT labs were approved with a budget of rupees 13699.81 lakhs, for continuous production of elite animals (cow and buffalo), in order to provide the benefits of the ET technology to milk producers at the village level. Out of 30 labs proposed, 16 ETT labs were functional by November 2019. From these labs, a total of 2461 embryos were collected from 335 elite donors. Out of 2461 embryos collected, 1888 embryos were transferred and 782 embryos stored. A total of 288 calves were produced from transferred embryos during the year (Annual report 2019-2020; Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying).
Conclusion
Although there are major constraint such as non-availability of adequate quality feed and fodder, low genetic production potential of indigenous breeds, high morbidity and mortality due to existing emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, poor availability of high producing germplasm, poor animal husbandry practices, issues on culling of unproductive animals, reproductive problems for low productivity of Indian dairy animals. Our Indian government also trying there level best to improve production of Indian dairy animals by initiating various programme such as Rastriya gokul mission ,National livestock mission ,Dairy infrastructure development fund. Still there is a lot of work required to formulate animal husbandry practices considering variety of indigenous breeds and climatic conditions in Indian scenario, as all the standard and animal husbandry practices followed for exotic breeds may not be suitable for our indigenous breeds. Through adoption of advance technology such as Genetic improvement, precision livestock farming, widespread use of assisted reproductive technologies, by improving seed quality of fodder production can be improved of Indian dairy animals. Also there is a need to spread awareness regarding scientific management practices among farmers.
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