OPTIMISING DAIRY FARMING IN INDIA
Anjali Arya1* and V. M. Chaudhary
1Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Kamdhenu University, Anand-388001 (Gujarat), India
2 Department of Veterinary Extension Education, College of Veterinary Science and A. H, Kamdhenu University, Anand – 388001
*corresponding author: E-mail: anjaliarya2609@gmail.com
Abstract
Ensuring a profitable livestock enterprise relies on animals with optimal reproductive health. India leads global milk production, contributing 23% of the total output. Despite a large livestock population, individual productivity remains low due to factors such as breeding and feeding management, and animal health. Reproductive disorders, delayed uterine involution, and extended calving intervals reduce milk yields, calf numbers, and increase medication costs, impacting the dairy sector financially. Overcoming these challenges promises improved returns. Essential measures include enhancing livestock services like healthcare, nutrition, breeding, pharmaceutical supply, and extension services. Such interventions are critical for farmers to fully leverage their livestock’s potential.
Keywords: Livestock, milk, productivity, milk production, challenges
INTRODUCTION
Animal husbandry involves genetic modification and selective breeding for rearing various animals. In India, around 20.5 million landless and marginal farmers depend solely on livestock for income. India boasts 57.3% and 14.7% of the global buffalo and cattle population respectively. Operation Flood in 1970 significantly boosted milk output and farm growth. The livestock and agriculture sectors contribute 4.11% and 25.6% respectively to India’s GDP. With 535.78 million livestock heads, India’s livestock sector ranks among the world’s largest, showing a 4.6% increase since 2012. Milk and milk products are vital for dairy farmers, contributing 25% to India’s agriculture GDP. India leads global milk production with 23% of the total output. Government initiatives like the Rashtriya Gokul Mission aim to enhance livestock productivity. Milk production grew from 198.44 million tonnes in 2019-20 to 209.96 million tonnes in 2020-21, with a 6% annual growth rate. Per capita milk availability is approximately 427gms/day, with significant milk consumption in both rural and urban areas. Despite high production, demand is projected to increase by 2030. Cattle and buffaloes contribute 96% of India’s milk, with buffaloes accounting for 35%, crossbred cattle 27%, indigenous cattle 10%, and non-descript cattle 11%.
The per-animal milk yield remains low despite India’s significant livestock population and milk production. Indian milch animals yield only 1538kg/year, in contrast to the global average of 2238kg/year (Vijay et al., 2018). Various constraints hinder the realization of milch animal potential. Key constraints leading to reduced milk production in livestock include suboptimal breeding, feeding, and reproductive health management. Livestock farming, crucial for rural socioeconomic development, can significantly enhance the economic status of marginal and small-scale farmers. Low productivity per animal in India stems from inadequate management, feed scarcity, limited farmer guidance, and restricted access to extension services.
Breeding system
Breeding management poses significant challenges for dairy farmers, including infertility issues, limited access to high genetic merit bulls, low conception rates via artificial insemination (AI), and logistical barriers to accessing AI facilities. Repeat breeding, defined as failure to conceive after three or more consecutive services, adversely affects profitability by prolonging calving intervals and increasing feeding, treatment, and breeding costs (Sharma et al., 2021). Research indicates that 64% of farmers using AI encounter repeat breeding issues, particularly with crossbred and exotic cattle, due to suboptimal conception rates. Limited availability of semen production centers and frozen semen banks further hampers AI success rates, resulting in only 20% of adult females being artificially inseminated. Moreover, indigenous cattle exhibit low milk productivity, with an average daily yield of 3.85kg per cattle compared to 11.67kg for exotic breeds and 7.85kg for crossbred animals (DAHD Annual Report, 2019-20). These figures pale in comparison to global averages, such as 33kg/day in the United States, 40.08kg/day in Israel, 26.67kg/day in the United Kingdom, and 25.03kg/day in the European Union.
Feeding
Feeding management poses a significant challenge for dairy farmers in India. Feed constitutes the primary input factor in dairy production, representing approximately 60-70% of the total cost. A substantial portion of them, around 46%, reportedly encounter shortages of green fodder during summer and winter, while 38% face difficulties managing dry fodder, particularly in the rainy season. Ensuring an ample supply of high-quality feed and fodder is imperative for augmenting the productivity of dairy animals. The viability of raising ruminants on pastures and green forages is constrained in many tropical regions due to the gradual reduction of arable lands and escalating water scarcity. Consequently, there is an over-reliance on cereal crop residues as the primary feed resources, which are typically low in nitrogen content. Precision feeding, aimed at matching nutrient supply with animal requirements while minimizing environmental nutrient excretion, is essential. This necessitates a precise assessment of nutrient concentrations, including crude protein, energy, and minerals, in rations to calculate nutrient utilization efficiency. Adjusting the concentrate and roughage content of diets to accommodate the dynamic physiological and metabolic needs of periparturient dairy animals exemplifies this approach. Moreover, addressing the lack of sufficient landholding for green fodder cultivation is crucial, as traditional cattle rearing systems face challenges due to the scarcity of quality forage, particularly in the dry season. Additionally, farmers’ limited awareness of nutritional advancements contributes to deficiencies in livestock diets, resulting in health issues such as malnutrition and metabolic diseases.
Reproductive health and hygiene
Silent heat detection in animals presents a common challenge for farmers, affecting their ability to achieve annual calving targets. Various advancements have been made in heat detection methods for dairy animals. Reproductive disorders in cattle encompass dystocia, retained fetal membranes (RFM), endometritis, and metritis. Dystocia involves prolonged or difficult labor lasting more than 6 hours, necessitating assistance during the second stage of parturition. Endometritis manifests as chronic uterine infection, characterized by endometrial inflammation and mucopurulent vaginal discharge. RFM occurs when a cow fails to expel fetal membranes within 12 hours post-parturition. A study in Fateh Sahib, Punjab, reported that 77.91% of cows and 81.32% of buffaloes exhibited various reproductive abnormalities (Dhindsa, 2014). Over 44% of dairy farmers struggle with reproductive issues such as retained placenta, pyometra, trichomoniasis, early deaths, late abortions, and dystocia, negatively impacting the dairy industry.
Hygiene practices among dairy owners often fall short, resulting in inadequate shelter provision for their livestock, exposing them to adverse climatic conditions and environmental hazards. Unsanitary cattle sheds and milking yards create a breeding ground for mastitis, an inflammatory condition affecting udder tissue or mammary glands due to physical trauma or microbial infections. Mastitis is prevalent among dairy cattle globally, including in the United States. Poor hygiene during milk production further compromises milk quality, leading to spoilage of stored milk and other dairy products.
Education and training program
Scientific education and training programs are imperative to address critical challenges in the dairy sector. These programs must be efficiently promoted to encourage participation. Education and training for all dairy sector personnel are crucial to foster a sense of ownership and impart comprehensive knowledge of best practices. However, implementing such initiatives necessitates unwavering commitment from management, which can pose a significant obstacle.
Mitigation Strategies
Constraints in dairy farming pose challenges for farmers in livestock rearing and product marketing. Overcoming these constraints is crucial for improving reproductive health and milk production, ultimately enhancing profitability and contributing positively to the nation’s GDP. Accurate management of cattle breeding, feeding, and reproductive health is imperative to address these challenges. Artificial intelligence can facilitate breeding program monitoring and livestock progress tracking. Innovations in heat detection methods should be adopted to enhance insemination timing and improve conception rates. Technologies such as sex sorting and embryo transfer can increase female calf production. Conservation programs for indigenous breeds are vital for developing resilient livestock suitable for India’s climate. Encouraging buffalo rearing, which is well-adapted to Indian conditions and does not contribute to stray cattle issues, is recommended.
To mitigate fodder deficits, alternative sustainable feeding methods, such as intensive fodder production, silvopasture systems, and grassland management, must be explored to enhance fodder production and support dairy development. Efforts to boost fodder crop productivity through vertical expansion of arable lands and innovative techniques like hydroponic fodder production and Azolla cultivation are essential. Efficient utilization of crop residues can address dry fodder shortages. Extension activities should educate farmers on balanced diets, supplementation, and mineral importance for reproductive health. The NDDB’s Ration Balancing Programme and Total Mix Ration feeding methods offer effective nutritional management solutions. Routine veterinary examinations during pre and postpartum periods are critical for early detection and management of reproductive disorders. Strategic control measures and hygiene education can mitigate disease transmission risks. Mobile Veterinary Units provided by the DAHD facilitate convenient veterinary services delivery to farmers.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, India’s animal husbandry sector plays a pivotal role in the livelihoods of millions of small-scale farmers and contributes significantly to the nation’s GDP. Despite substantial livestock populations and milk production, the per-animal milk yield remains below global averages, indicating untapped potential. Addressing constraints in breeding, feeding, and reproductive health management is essential for enhancing productivity and profitability in the dairy sector. Implementation of innovative technologies and conservation efforts for indigenous breeds can further bolster livestock resilience and sustainability.
Efficient utilization of land and resources, coupled with education and training programs, are crucial for overcoming challenges and promoting best practices in animal husbandry. Strategies such as artificial intelligence for monitoring and heat detection, along with initiatives to improve fodder crop productivity and hygiene practices, are paramount for ensuring the sector’s long-term viability and contribution to national development. By prioritizing research, innovation, and investment in infrastructure and education, India can unlock the full potential of its livestock sector and meet the growing demand for dairy products while sustaining rural livelihoods and economic growth.
