Low productivity of Indian Dairy Animals: Challenges and Mitigation strategies

Low productivity of Indian Dairy Animals: Challenges and Mitigation strategies

Dr. Babul Rudra Paul

Assistant Professor, Veterinary Clinical Complex, College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, O.U.A.T, Bhubaneswar-751003

Email ID: brpaul@ouat.ac.in

Introduction

Animal husbandry in India plays a crucial role in the livelihoods of around 20.5 million landless and marginal farmers, who rely on livestock rearing as their primary source of income. India boasts significant proportions of the global buffalo and cattle population, with 57.3% and 14.7% respectively. This occupation contributes to the prosperity of rural communities by providing a means for wealth creation. Operation Flood, initiated in 1970, aided dairy owners in increasing milk output and expanding their farms.

The livestock and agriculture sectors together contribute 29.71% to India’s GDP, with the livestock sector alone contributing 4.11%. India’s livestock sector ranks among the world’s leading ones, accounting for approximately 11.6% of the global livestock population. The 20th Livestock Census reported an increase in livestock heads by 4.6% from the previous census.

The dairy industry, which is crucial for dairy farmers, contributes significantly to India’s agricultural GDP, accounting for approximately 25%. India leads worldwide in milk production, contributing 23% of the total. Measures like the Rashtriya Gokul Mission aim to enhance livestock productivity. Milk production has shown steady growth, with 6% annual growth rate reported between 2019-20 and 2020-21, reaching 209.96 million tonnes. Per capita milk availability stands at approximately 427 grams per day.

Despite high production levels, there’s a significant demand for milk in India, expected to rise by 2030. Cattle and buffaloes contribute 96% of India’s milk production, with buffaloes accounting for 35%, crossbred cattle 27%, indigenous breeds 10%, and non-descript cattle 11%.

Despite India’s substantial livestock population and milk production, the amount of milk produced per animal remains relatively low. Indian milch animals produce only 1538kg/year compared to the global average of 2238kg/year.

 Major challenges which cause a decrease in milk production and their mitigation

Low milk production in Indian cattle can be attributed to various factors such as poor breeding practices, inadequate nutrition, lack of proper healthcare, environmental stressors, and genetic limitations.

Poor breeding practices

Farmers face significant challenges in rearing milch animals, including issues with infertility, high genetic merit bulls, low conception rates through artificial insemination (AI), difficulty accessing AI facilities, and repeat breeding in cows failing to conceive after three or more back-to-back services. Repeat breeding adversely affects dairy farmer profitability due to increased calving intervals and additional feeding, treatment, and breeding costs.

Research indicates that 64% of farmers using AI observe frequent repeat breeding in crossbreed and exotic cattle, leading to calf loss and longer calving intervals, negatively impacting total profitability. Insufficient availability of semen production centers and frozen semen banks, coupled with low AI success rates, results in only 20% of adult females being artificially inseminated.

Silent heat detection in buffaloes is a challenge that farmers commonly face. This problem which has an adverse effect on the farms’ ability to produce one calf each year. Reproductive disorders in cattle consist of various conditions such as dystocia, retained fetal membranes, endometritis, metritis etc. For over 44% of dairy farmers, dealing with different reproductive problems like retention of placenta (ROP), pyometra, trichomoniasis, endometritis, metritis, early deaths and late abortions, and dystocia was a serious hurdle, and these conditions negatively impact the nation’s dairy industry.

Moreover, the livestock sector faces the challenge of low milk productivity, particularly in indigenous cattle, with an average milk yield of 3.85kg per cattle per day. In comparison, exotic breeds yield 11.67kg per animal per day, and crossbred animals yield 7.85kg. This productivity is significantly lower than that of cattle in other countries such as the United States (33kg/day), Israel (40.08kg/day), United Kingdom (26.67kg/day), and European Union (25.03kg/day), as reported in the DAHD Annual Report for 2019-20.

 Strategies to improve breeding practice

1. Selection of High-Yielding Breeds:High-yielding dairy breeds, both indigenous and exotic, serve as valuable genetic resources for enhancing milk production in cattle. Examples of high-yielding dairy breeds commonly utilized in selective breeding programs include Holstein-Friesian, Jersey, Gir, and Sahiwal. These breeds are known for their superior milk-producing ability and have been bred selectively over generations to optimize milk yield and quality.
2. Evaluation of Genetic Traits:Selective breeding involves the systematic evaluation and selection of cattle based on desirable genetic traits associated with milk production. Key traits considered in breeding programs include milk yield, milk composition (fat and protein content), lactation persistency, fertility, udder health, and overall conformation. By prioritizing these traits, breeders can enhance the overall productivity and profitability of dairy herds.
3. Performance Recording and Data Analysis:Accurate recording of performance data, including milk yield, reproductive performance, and health parameters, is essential for assessing the genetic merit of individual animals and making informed breeding decisions. Modern technologies such as milk recording systems, genomic testing, and pedigree analysis facilitate the collection and analysis of performance data, enabling breeders to identify superior genetic lines and select elite animals for breeding purposes.
4. Genomic Selection and Marker-Assisted Breeding:Genomic selection techniques leverage genomic information to estimate the genetic merit of animals more accurately, especially in young animals before they reach maturity and start producing offspring. Marker-assisted breeding enables breeders to identify specific genes associated with desirable traits such as milk production, disease resistance, and feed efficiency, allowing for more targeted and efficient breeding strategies.
5. Crossbreeding and Hybrid Vigor: Crossbreeding involves mating animals of different breeds to capitalize on the phenomenon of hybrid vigor or heterosis. Crossbreeding programs aim to combine the desirable traits of different breeds while minimizing the negative effects of inbreeding. For example, crossing indigenous cattle breeds with high-yielding exotic breeds can result in hybrid progeny with improved milk production potential, adaptability, and disease resistance.
6. Selection Indexes and Breeding Objectives:Developing selection indexes and breeding objectives tailored to the specific goals and production systems of dairy farmers is essential for optimizing the genetic improvement of cattle for milk production. These breeding goals may vary depending on factors such as environmental conditions, market demand, and management practices. By aligning breeding objectives with the needs and priorities of dairy producers, breeding programs can deliver more tangible and sustainable benefits to the industry.

Overall, implementing selective breeding programs focused on enhancing the genetic potential of cattle for milk production is fundamental for achieving long-term improvements in dairy herd productivity, profitability, and sustainability. By incorporating advanced breeding technologies, data-driven decision-making, and stakeholder collaboration, breeders can accelerate genetic progress and contribute to the continued advancement of the dairy industry.

• Inadequate nutrition

In terms of feed and fodder usage, unproductive dairy animals compete in equal numbers with productive counterparts. Urbanization and industrial development reduce the total grazing area year after year. This causes a lack of feed and fodder in the context of total demand, raising fodder costs and resulting in inadequate feeding. The ever-increasing demand-supply mismatch limits total milk output. Poor quality forage, along with the lower purchasing power of small, marginal dairy farmers and agricultural laborers involved in the dairy business, exacerbates the problem.

Dairy farmers confront a significant issue in ensuring the availability of various feed items for their herd. The study found that approximately 46% of dairy producers in the study area did not have access to green feed during the summer and winter months. About 38% of dairy farmers struggle to manage dry fodder, particularly during the rainy season, as a result of limited resources and heavy rainfall in the neighboring states. There is estimated to be a 35.6% deficit of green fodder, 10.95% deficit of dry fodder and 44% deficit of concentrate feed materials in India.

Two-thirds of an animals’ total cost of production accounts for purchase of feed and fodder.  Efforts need to be made to increase the availability of feed and fodder which will help in reducing the feed cost to the farmers.  Dairy farmers may not be aware of recent advances in animal nutrition, such as optimizing feed resources, including roughage-based diets, and providing mineral mixtures and common salt to improve milk output and reproductive health.
Farmers’ lack of information about cattle nutrition can lead to a diet low in protein, vitamins, and minerals. This is a leading cause of health issues in livestock, including malnutrition, metabolic disorders, and vitamin/mineral deficiencies.

• Strategies to improve feeding practice to boost milk production in Indian cattle

Estrus cyclicity is highly dependent on nutrition, and intake of low protein adversely affects the reproduction system and disturbs estrus cyclicity, ultimately milk production. Enhancing the quality and quantity of feed provided to cattle can significantly boost milk production. This includes providing balanced diets rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Utilizing locally available fodder and supplementing with concentrate feeds can improve nutritional intake.

1. Balanced Diets:Cattle require a balanced diet comprising carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water for optimal health and milk production. A deficiency in any essential nutrient can hinder milk production. Therefore, formulating balanced diets tailored to the nutritional requirements of cattle is crucial. This can be achieved by incorporating a variety of feed ingredients such as grains, legumes, forages, and oilseeds.
2. Protein-Rich Feeds: Protein is essential for muscle development, milk synthesis, and overall metabolic functions in cattle. Providing protein-rich feeds such as soybean meal, cottonseed meal, and deoiled cakes can support milk production. Leguminous forages like alfalfa and berseem are also valuable sources of protein for cattle.
3. Energy-Dense Feeds:Energy is a vital component of the diet as it fuels various physiological processes, including lactation. Cattle derive energy from carbohydrates and fats in their diet. Utilizing energy-dense feeds like maize, sorghum, oats, and molasses can meet the energy requirements of lactating cows and enhance milk production.
4. Vitamin and Mineral Supplements:Vitamins and minerals play essential roles in maintaining metabolic functions, immunity, and reproductive health in cattle. Providing vitamin and mineral supplements or including feed ingredients rich in these nutrients can address deficiencies and support optimal milk production. Common supplements include vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, calcium, phosphorus, and trace minerals like copper, zinc, and selenium.
5. Locally Available Fodder:Utilizing locally available fodder sources such as grasses, legumes, and crop residues can be cost-effective and sustainable. Indigenous fodder species like Napier grass, bajra, jowar, and cowpea are well-adapted to local agro-climatic conditions and can serve as valuable feed resources for cattle.
6. Supplementation with Concentrate Feeds:While forages form the bulk of the diet for cattle, supplementing with concentrate feeds can provide additional nutrients and energy, especially during periods of high milk production or nutrient deficiencies. Concentrate feeds like maize, wheat bran, rice bran, and commercial cattle feed blends are formulated to meet the specific nutritional needs of lactating cows.
7. Feed Management and Ration Balancing:Proper feed management practices, including ration balancing and feed processing techniques, ensure that cattle receive the right combination of nutrients in the correct proportions. This optimizes feed efficiency and utilization, resulting in improved milk production and overall health.

By adopting these strategies and customizing feeding programs based on the nutritional requirements and production goals of individual cattle, dairy farmers can enhance milk production and profitability in their herds. Regular monitoring of feed intake, body condition, and milk yield allows for adjustments to be made to the feeding regimen as needed, ensuring optimal performance and welfare of the animals.

• Poor Healthcare and Disease Management:

In cows with clinical illness, milk output is frequently drastically reduced. Although the length of acute clinical sickness is frequently brief, the disease’s effects may last the entire lactation. Many diseases have their peak risk during the early stages of lactation. Early lactation illness may affect peak milk outputs, which in turn may lower the whole lactational yields. Diseases can have direct affects on production, like mastitis, which significantly lowers milk yield, or indirect consequences, such lameness, which lowers feed intake and, in turn, lowers milk yield. Early lactation diseases can potentially have cascade consequences that lower output throughout the whole breastfeeding. For instance, periparturient illnesses are frequently viewed as complex, and parturient paresis in cows increases the risk of complicated ketosis, retained placenta, and mastitis. Metritis is more likely in cows with retained placenta and dystocia. Reduced milk production and an elevated risk of displaced abomasum are associated with subclinical ketosis.

The health and productivity of livestock are negatively impacted by the regular outbreaks of diseases including influenza, foot and mouth disease, and black quarter infection, among others. Cattle should be screened on a regular basis by a veterinarian for early detection and control of various diseases such as mastitis, brucellosis, and other disorders of the reproductive system that would cause a reduction in milk production.

• Strategies to improve health care to boost milk production in Indian cattle

Regular health check-ups, vaccination programs, and timely treatment of diseases are critical components of preventive healthcare management in dairy cattle.

1. Regular Health Check-ups:Conducting routine health check-ups allows dairy farmers to monitor the overall health status of their cattle and detect any signs of illness or disease early on. Veterinarians or trained professionals can perform physical examinations, assess vital parameters such as body condition score, temperature, and rumen health, and identify any abnormalities that may indicate underlying health issues. Early detection enables prompt intervention and prevents the escalation of health problems, minimizing their impact on milk production and overall herd productivity.
2. Vaccination Programs:Vaccination plays a crucial role in preventing infectious diseases that can significantly impact cattle health and milk production. Implementing vaccination programs based on the prevalent disease risks in the region helps protect cattle against common pathogens such as bovine viral diarrhea (BVD), infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), and clostridial diseases. Vaccines stimulate the immune system to produce protective antibodies, providing long-term immunity and reducing the likelihood of disease outbreaks within the herd.
3. Timely Treatment of Diseases:Despite preventive measures, cattle may still encounter health challenges, such as bacterial infections, parasitic infestations, and metabolic disorders. Timely diagnosis and treatment of diseases are essential to minimize their impact on milk production and prevent complications. Veterinarians can prescribe appropriate medications, antibiotics, or other therapeutic interventions to address specific health issues effectively. Prompt treatment helps restore the health and well-being of affected cattle, allowing them to resume normal milk production and reproductive functions.
4. Management of Common Ailments:Certain health problems, such as mastitis and nutritional deficiencies, are prevalent in dairy cattle and can have significant repercussions on milk quality and quantity if left unmanaged. Mastitis, an inflammatory condition of the udder, negatively affects milk production, quality, and cow welfare. Implementing rigorous udder hygiene practices, proper milking techniques, and prompt treatment of mastitis cases are essential for controlling the disease and preserving udder health. Similarly, addressing nutritional deficiencies through balanced feeding programs, supplementation, and forage quality management helps prevent metabolic disorders and supports optimal milk production performance.
5. Record-keeping and Monitoring:Maintaining accurate records of health interventions, vaccination history, disease incidence, and milk production data enables dairy farmers to track the health status and performance of individual animals and the entire herd over time. Regular monitoring allows for the identification of trends, risk factors, and areas for improvement in herd health management practices. Data-driven decision-making facilitates proactive measures to prevent health issues and optimize milk production efficiency.

By prioritizing preventive healthcare measures, including regular health check-ups, vaccination programs, and timely disease management, dairy farmers can safeguard the health and productivity of their cattle, ensuring sustainable milk production and profitability in the long run. Collaboration with veterinary professionals, adherence to recommended protocols, and continuous education and training are essential for implementing effective health management strategies tailored to the specific needs and challenges of dairy operations.

Proper housing management practices: for optimizing milk production and ensuring the well-being of dairy cattle

1. Proper Ventilation:Adequate ventilation is essential for maintaining optimal air quality and temperature within the cattle housing facility. Proper airflow helps remove excess moisture, ammonia, and airborne pathogens, reducing the risk of respiratory issues and heat stress in cattle. Well-designed ventilation systems, including natural ventilation through windows, louvers, and ridge vents, or mechanical ventilation using fans and air exchange systems, ensure a comfortable and healthy environment for the cattle year-round.
2. Clean Water Supply:Access to clean and fresh water is essential for the health and productivity of dairy cattle. Cows require sufficient water intake to support metabolic processes, regulate body temperature, and produce milk. Providing ample water sources, such as troughs or automatic waterers, ensures continuous access to clean water throughout the day. Regular cleaning and maintenance of water supply systems prevent contamination and promote water quality, encouraging adequate water consumption by the cattle.
3. Adequate Space and Comfort:Cattle housing facilities should provide sufficient space and comfort for the animals to move, rest, and exhibit natural behaviors. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress, aggression, and disease transmission among cattle, negatively impacting milk production and welfare. Designing housing structures with appropriate stall dimensions, loafing areas, and resting surfaces, as well as implementing group housing systems or free-stall barns, allows cattle to express natural behaviors and minimize social stressors.
4. Efficient Management Practices:Implementing efficient management practices is essential for optimizing milk production and maintaining herd health. Proper milking techniques, including thorough udder preparation, gentle handling of cows, and efficient milking equipment, ensure maximum milk yield and quality while minimizing stress on the animals. Maintaining strict hygiene standards in the milking parlor, including regular cleaning and sanitization of equipment, milking stalls, and udder hygiene, helps prevent mastitis and bacterial contamination of milk.
5. Environmental Enrichment:Enriching the housing environment with features such as scratching posts, comfortable bedding, and access to outdoor areas or exercise yards promotes physical activity, comfort, and psychological well-being in dairy cattle. Environmental enrichment reduces boredom and stress, stimulates natural behaviors, and enhances overall herd welfare, leading to improved milk production and health outcomes.
6. Monitoring and Surveillance:Regular monitoring and surveillance of housing conditions, animal behavior, and health parameters allow dairy farmers to identify potential issues early and implement corrective measures promptly. Utilizing technology such as CCTV cameras, environmental sensors, and health monitoring systems enables real-time monitoring of cattle and housing conditions, facilitating proactive management interventions and optimizing herd performance.

By prioritizing the creation of comfortable and stress-free housing environments and implementing efficient management practices, dairy farmers can enhance milk production, ensure the welfare of their cattle, and promote sustainable dairy farming practices. Collaboration with veterinary professionals, adherence to industry best practices, and continuous education and training are essential for achieving optimal housing and management outcomes in dairy operations.

Adoption of modern technologies: Improvement of cattle breeds for higher milk production

1. Artificial Insemination (AI):AI involves the artificial deposition of semen into the reproductive tract of a female animal. It allows dairy farmers to utilize high-quality semen from genetically superior sires to breed their cows, thereby accelerating genetic progress and improving milk production potential. AI enables selective breeding without the need for keeping a bull on the farm, reducing the risk of inbreeding and enhancing the diversity of the breeding pool.
2. Embryo Transfer (ET):ET is a reproductive technology that involves the collection and transfer of embryos from genetically superior donor cows to recipient cows. This technique allows dairy farmers to multiply the genetic potential of elite females and propagate desirable traits such as high milk yield, disease resistance, and conformation. ET enables rapid dissemination of superior genetics and facilitates the production of offspring with superior performance characteristics.
3. Genetic Testing:Genetic testing involves the analysis of an animal’s DNA to identify specific genetic markers associated with desirable traits or genetic disorders. By conducting genomic evaluations, dairy farmers can assess the genetic merit of individual animals, predict their breeding value for traits such as milk production, fertility, and disease resistance, and make informed breeding decisions. Genetic testing enables the selection of superior breeding stock, the elimination of undesirable genetic traits, and the optimization of breeding programs for enhanced milk production and profitability.
4. Digital Platforms for Monitoring:Digital platforms and precision livestock farming technologies offer dairy farmers valuable tools for monitoring cattle health, nutrition, and productivity in real-time. These platforms utilize sensors, wearable devices, and data analytics to collect and analyze information on parameters such as milk yield, rumen pH, body temperature, activity levels, and feeding behavior. By monitoring cattle performance and health indicators continuously, farmers can detect early signs of disease, nutritional imbalances, or management issues, allowing for timely intervention and optimization of herd management practices.
5. Data-Driven Decision-Making:Leveraging data from digital platforms enables dairy farmers to make data-driven management decisions aimed at maximizing milk production efficiency, improving animal welfare, and optimizing resource utilization. By integrating data on cattle health, nutrition, reproduction, and environmental conditions, farmers can identify trends, patterns, and areas for improvement in herd management practices, leading to more efficient and sustainable dairy farming operations.

Overall, the adoption of modern technologies such as AI, ET, genetic testing, and digital platforms empowers dairy farmers to accelerate genetic progress, optimize herd management practices, and enhance milk production performance. By embracing innovation and leveraging advanced tools and techniques, dairy farmers can drive continuous improvement in cattle breeds and contribute to the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the dairy industry.

Training and Extension Services for promoting milk yield

1. Knowledge Transfer:Training programs and extension services provide dairy farmers with access to valuable knowledge, expertise, and resources essential for effective cattle management. By disseminating information on best practices, emerging technologies, and scientific advancements in animal husbandry, nutrition, and breeding, farmers gain the knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions and implement sustainable management strategies on their farms.
2. Skill Development:Training programs offer hands-on learning opportunities for farmers to acquire practical skills and techniques related to cattle handling, feeding, health management, and reproductive practices. Through demonstrations, workshops, and interactive sessions conducted by agricultural experts, veterinarians, and extension agents, farmers develop competency in critical areas of dairy farming, enabling them to improve herd productivity, health outcomes, and overall farm profitability.
3. Problem-solving and Decision-making:Education and training empower farmers to identify and address challenges or issues affecting milk production and farm profitability effectively. By enhancing their problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills, farmers learn to troubleshoot common problems, implement corrective measures, and adapt management practices to changing circumstances, thereby improving the resilience and sustainability of their dairy operations.
4. Adoption of Innovations:Training programs introduce farmers to innovative technologies, practices, and solutions designed to enhance milk production efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and improve animal welfare. By showcasing the benefits and feasibility of adopting sustainable farming practices such as precision nutrition, herd health monitoring, and renewable energy utilization, farmers are more likely to embrace innovation and incorporate them into their farming systems, leading to continuous improvement and innovation in the dairy industry.
5. Community Engagement and Knowledge Sharing: Extension services foster a culture of collaboration, cooperation, and knowledge sharing among farmers, agricultural professionals, researchers, and other stakeholders within the dairy farming community. By facilitating peer-to-peer learning, networking opportunities, and farmer-led initiatives, extension programs create supportive environments where farmers can exchange experiences, share success stories, and collectively address common challenges, contributing to the collective advancement and sustainability of the dairy sector.
6. Empowerment and Ownership:Education and training empower farmers to take ownership of their farming enterprises and become active participants in the decision-making process. By equipping them with the necessary knowledge, skills, and confidence, farmers are better positioned to implement sustainable practices, adopt innovative technologies, and drive positive change within their communities, ultimately leading to improved livelihoods, food security, and environmental stewardship.

Conclusion

Comprehensive approaches are needed to increase milk output in Indian cattle. It is essential to increase nutritional intake by eating well-balanced, high-protein, and mineral-rich diets. Productivity can be increased by putting selective breeding plans into place to support high-yielding genetic characteristics. Maintaining animal health requires both disease prevention strategies and readily available veterinarian care. Production procedures are streamlined by investing in contemporary infrastructure, such as effective milking methods and storage facilities. By providing them with knowledge of cutting-edge techniques and technology, farmers may maximize yields in a sustainable manner. An environment that is favorable to growth is fostered by government assistance, including subsidies for the construction of infrastructure and inputs. Working together, stakeholders can guarantee comprehensive solutions for long-term milk production improvement.

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