Low Productivity of Indian Dairy Animals: Challenges & Mitigation Strategies
Navin B. Patel
Associate Research Scientist, Livestock Research Station, KU, Navsari
Mail id: nbpatel@kamdhenuuni.edu.in
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INTRODUCTION:
Despite being the largest milk producer in the world, India grapples with low productivity in its dairy sector. The average milk yield per animal in India, about 1,200-1,500 liters per lactation, pales in comparison to the global average of 2,200 liters per lactation, as reported by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). This productivity gap underscores the need to tackle the underlying issues and implement viable solutions.
India’s dairy industry is predominantly driven by smallholder farmers, who account for approximately 80% of the nation’s milk production. These farmers encounter several obstacles, including limited access to high-quality feed, insufficient veterinary services, and subpar breeding practices, which collectively contribute to low productivity. Additionally, indigenous cattle breeds, though well-suited to local conditions, generally produce less milk than exotic breeds.
Addressing these challenges is crucial for enhancing the livelihoods of millions of dairy farmers and for bolstering food security and economic growth in India. The factors contributing to low productivity include genetic constraints, nutritional deficiencies, inadequate management practices, and limited veterinary care. Tackling these issues is essential for boosting the productivity and sustainability of India’s dairy sector.
GENETIC CONSTRAINTS IN INDIAN DAIRY ANIMALS:
India boasts a rich diversity of indigenous cattle breeds, each adapted to specific local conditions. These breeds have been a cornerstone of Indian agriculture for centuries, providing milk, meat, and labor. However, their milk yield per lactation often falls short when compared to exotic breeds.
Adaptation versus Productivity:
The genetic composition of indigenous breeds prioritizes survival traits such as heat tolerance, disease resistance, and the ability to thrive on minimal inputs, often at the expense of milk production. Breeds like the Gir and Sahiwal are known for their resilience but generally produce less milk than Holstein Friesians or Jerseys.
Challenges with Crossbreeding:
Efforts to enhance productivity through crossbreeding have had mixed results. Crossbreeding can dilute the genetic traits that make indigenous breeds well-suited to local conditions, potentially reducing biodiversity and overall resilience. Additionally, some crossbred animals are less adapted to the harsh Indian environment, compromising their health and productivity.
Shortage of Quality Breeding Bulls:
A significant barrier to effective crossbreeding programs is the scarcity of high-quality breeding bulls, particularly for exotic breeds. This limits the success of crossbreeding efforts and the ability to maintain desirable genetic traits in the cattle population.
Genomic Selection as a Solution:
A more nuanced approach, such as genomic selection, could help improve productivity while preserving genetic diversity. This technique allows breeders to identify and select for specific genetic traits, enhancing milk production without extensive crossbreeding. Successful examples from other countries show that genomic selection can improve productivity while retaining important traits like heat tolerance and disease resistance.
INADEQUATE NUTRITION:
Nutritional deficiencies are a major issue affecting dairy animals in India, leading to poor growth and milk production. Poor-quality forage, often the primary food source, lacks essential nutrients necessary for optimal health and productivity. The absence of critical nutrients such as protein, vitamins, and minerals results in lower milk yields and poor overall health.
Poor-Quality Forage:
The forage available in many parts of India is of substandard quality, often due to poor agricultural practices and unfavorable climatic conditions. During dry seasons, the scarcity of green fodder forces farmers to rely on inferior alternatives, exacerbating the problem.
Imbalanced Diets:
Many farmers lack awareness of the nutritional needs of their animals, leading to imbalanced diets that do not provide adequate energy, protein, fiber, and essential micronutrients. Deficiencies in protein, vitamins, and minerals can lead to significant reductions in milk yield and overall health issues.
Limited Access to Supplements:
Nutritional supplements can help bridge dietary gaps, but many smallholder farmers cannot afford them or lack access. High costs and limited availability in rural areas further restrict their use, and awareness about their benefits is often low.
Addressing Nutritional Deficiencies:
Improving forage quality, balancing diets, and ensuring access to quality supplements are crucial steps. Better agricultural practices, such as adopting improved fodder varieties and conservation techniques like silage and haymaking, can improve forage quality. Education and training programs can help farmers understand the importance of balanced diets and proper supplementation. Government and non-governmental organizations can play a role in subsidizing supplements and improving their availability.
POOR MANAGEMENT PRACTICES:
Inadequate training and knowledge among dairy farmers lead to poor management practices that adversely affect productivity and animal health. Key areas of concern include improper housing, inadequate hygiene, and suboptimal breeding practices.
Improper Housing:
Many dairy farms have poorly designed shelters that do not provide adequate protection from extreme weather conditions, leading to stress, increased disease susceptibility, and lower milk production. Educating farmers about proper housing design, including adequate space, ventilation, and protection from weather extremes, is crucial.
Inadequate Hygiene Practices:
Poor hygiene, including improper waste management and lack of regular cleaning, can lead to the spread of diseases and lower productivity. Educating farmers on proper hygiene practices and waste management techniques can significantly improve animal health and milk quality.
Suboptimal Breeding Practices:
Many farmers lack the knowledge and resources to implement effective breeding programs, leading to poor reproductive performance and lower milk yields. Training programs focused on genetic selection and reproductive management, as well as the use of artificial insemination, can help improve breeding practices.
LIMITED ACCESS TO VETERINARY CARE:
Limited access to veterinary care is a significant barrier to improving dairy productivity. The ratio of veterinarians to livestock is disproportionately low, leading to reliance on untrained individuals for veterinary advice.
Challenges in Accessing Veterinary Care:
The shortage of trained veterinarians and para-veterinary staff in rural areas means that many farmers do not receive regular health check-ups, vaccinations, or prompt treatment for their animals. This increases the susceptibility of dairy animals to diseases and reduces milk yield.
Impact on Dairy Productivity:
The impact of limited veterinary care on dairy productivity is profound. Without regular health check-ups, vaccinations, and prompt treatment, dairy animals are more susceptible to diseases such as mastitis, foot-and-mouth disease, and parasitic infections. These health issues can significantly reduce milk yield and overall animal performance. Additionally, the lack of preventive care increases the likelihood of disease outbreaks, which can devastate entire herds and lead to substantial economic losses for farmers
Mitigation Strategies:
Strengthening veterinary infrastructure and expanding access to veterinary services in rural areas is essential. Mobile veterinary clinics and telemedicine can provide essential health services and treatments directly to farmers. Training programs for para-veterinary staff can enhance their skills and ensure effective basic care.
CONCLUSION:
Improving the productivity of dairy animals in India requires addressing genetic constraints, nutritional deficiencies, poor management practices, and limited access to veterinary care. Genetic improvements should balance productivity and genetic diversity. Nutritional strategies must ensure high-quality forage, balanced diets, and access to supplements. Enhancing management practices through farmer education and training is essential for better animal welfare and productivity. Expanding veterinary services, particularly in rural areas, is crucial for disease prevention and treatment. By adopting these comprehensive strategies, India can enhance the productivity, sustainability, and profitability of its dairy sector, benefiting millions of smallholder farmers and contributing to national food security and economic growth.
References:
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- World Bank. “Improving Veterinary Services in Rural Areas.” World Bank Reports, 2021.
