Most crucial aspects for dairy farming:a)Selection of good quality of breed:- While dairy farming one of important point

is selection of animals which having good breed character .This perspective mainly for those farmers who want to do commercial dairy farming.The animals which shows true breed characters are to be selected.The main production points like milking and reproductive ability has most concern in this criteria.eg- Crossbred of Holstein frisean has more feed intake ability as well as give good milking than other breeds but it requires high quality balanced feed & fodder and if rearer has not capacity to cadre the need then ultimately he is in loss due to low production as well as imbalanced feeding causes deficiency diseases which requires longer time to recovers. While selection of animal parental history is required but in field in regional market you will not get that kind of records so most dependacy is on physical characters of animals as well as direct milking of animals gives you ideas about animals.Also it is good if you take help of Veterinarian while selection of animals.Do the necessary testing of animals like California Mastitis test for mastitis,Plate agglutination test for Brucellosis. If it is not possible to provide high quality fodders through out the year to animals then its better to select animals which have capacity to survive in critical conditions.According to market demand ,if you want to prefer to sale the milk with high fat content or want to produce byproduct of milk then it is better to select buffaloes or Jersey or Sahiwal breeds . 2.Facilities:- If you want to rear good kind of animals then there should be provision of good kind of animal shed,feeding facilities ,Watering faclities,Health provisions as well as owner should have knowledge about it.(It means he should also undergo training on dairy farming).In many circumstances ,to reduce expenditure on production cost of milk,dairy farmers must adopt recent techniques to decrease cost on feed and lobours by enhancing quality of feed recidues as well as mechanisation and less labour consuming practices in dairy farming. Many times owner of dairy farm could not pay attention on daily schedule of dairy farm and always dependant on subordinate or give authorities to labours and you will always find that this kind of dairy farmers are always in loss. 3.)Market:- One of important factor in dairy farming is market.If you sell milk to dairy collection unit then you will get less profit but if you sell it directly to customers with having quality(without adding water) then you will catch market within very few time.It is better to create market on your own than ordinary selling milk to dairy collection plant. 4) Value addition:-By making Milk byproducts or by making vermicompost or by strengthening value aded practices of Calf rearing,care and management of each stage of animals you will be finally in profit (This also require training as well as exposure to different modern farms). 5)Records:- dairy farmer should know condition of farm at any stage ,and is only possible through records.For one litre of milk production how much was the expenditure shld be known to owners.In records Pedegree,Reproduction,Calf ,Health,Dailt milk production,Feed and fodder registers etc are to be made.Now a days ,our dairy farmers are lacking in this aspect.records are helpful to assess loss related points so that afterwards he can able to correct it and vaoid future losses. Risks :- In each business ,there are risks,it is to be known taht this business is 24 hour service and need individual attention ,then & then you will get profit.Natural

calamities like floods,Earthquakes are not avoidable but health related facors likke communicable diseases are to be avoided as it has preventive vaccinations.If dairy farmer is careless then he will suffer ultimately as his carelessness.So for that appoint an veterinary consultant so that he can judge situation regularly as well as be in touch with that expert so that he can clarify the problematic points that you arise in fornt of him.Veterinarian should have at least B.V.Sc & A.H. or M.V.sc degree and should have experience in dairy farm management.It is better to insure animals per three years. If there is Boaring water then test it as if pH of water is high then it is not suitable for watering of animals as well as not suitable for fooder farm.Fodders and other feeds in balanced state will provide Protein,Energy and other constituents which are needed for milk production and daily activities of animals.Soil testing is also necessary because it may give exact status of soil as it gives clear ideas of fertilizer doses and also minimise the cost on fertilizers which is higher in traditional fertilizers application. Regarding sanitation and health practise ,you may approach to your local veterinary practioner so that he will give you ideas about various practices followed in your locality.Calf mortality in cattle & buffaloes should not be more than 4%. In initial stage,if you maintain feed and fodder requirement of animals in balanced stage & according to demand,milk yield is not affected to much.As in new environment,animals are in stress so certain effects are seen on milk production at least for two months.So for that consult the veterinarian for diet as well as stress releaving practices for animals.Labours who are engaged in dairy farming should also be trained so that it will help to improve productivity of farm but even if they get trained,you fully don't rely on them.

The Patel Dairy Farm Address : 17/B Sarojini Devi Road Secunderabad, East Maredpalli, Hyderabad - 500026. Phone : 27832570

General selection procedures for dairy breeds Selection of dairy cows Selecting a calf in calf show, a cow in cattle show by judging is an art. A dairy farmer should build up his own herd by breeding his own herd. Following guidelines will be useful for selection of a diary cow.

whenever an animal is purchased from a cattle fair, it should be selected based upon its breed characters and milk producing ability History sheet or pedigree sheet which are generally maintained in organized farms reveals the complete history of animal The maximum yield by dairy cows are noticed during the first five lactations. So generally selection should be carried out during First or Second lactation and that too are month after calving. There successive complete milkings has to be done and an average of it will give a fair idea regarding production by a particular animal A cow should allow anybody to milk, and should be docile. It is better to purchase the animals during the months of October and November. Maximum yield is noticed till 90 days after calving.

Breed characteristics of high yielding dairy cows

Attractive individuality with feminity, vigour, harmonious blending of all parts, impressive style and carriage Animal should have wedge shaped appearance of the body It should have bright eyes with lean neck The udder should be well attached to the abdomen The skin of the udder should have a good network of blood vessels All four quarters of the udder should be well demarcated with well placed teats.

Selecting breeds for Commercial Dairy Farm - Suggestions

Under Indian condition a commercial dairy farm should consist of minimum 20 animals (10 cows, 10 buffaloes) this strength can easily go up to 100 animals in proportion of 50:50 or 40:60. After this however, you need to review your strength and market potential before you chose to go for expansion.

Middle class health-conscious Indian families prefer low fat milk for consumption as liquid milk. It is always better to go for a commercial farm of mixed type. (Cross breed, cows and buffaloes kept in separate rows under one shed). Conduct a through study of the immediate market where you are planning to market your milk You can mix milk from both type of animals and sold as per need of the market. Hotels and some general customers (can be around 30%) prefer pure buffalo milk. Hospitals, sanitariums prefer cow's milk.

Selection of cow/buffalo breeds for commercial farm Cows

Good quality cows are available in the market and it cost around Rs.1200 to Rs.1500 per liter of milk production per day. (e.g. Cost of a cow producing 10 liter of Milk per day will be between Rs.12,000 to Rs.15,000). If proper care is given, cows breed regularly giving one calf every 13-14 month interval. They are more docile and can be handled easily. Good milk yielding cross breeds (Holstein and Jersey crosses) has well adapted to Indian climate. The fat percentage of cow's milk varies from 3-5.5% and is lower then Buffaloes.

Buffaloes

In India, we have good buffalo breeds like Murrah and Mehsana, which are suitable for commercial dairy farm. Buffalo milk has more demand for making butter and butter oil (Ghee), as fat percentage in milk is higher then cow. Buffalo milk is also preferred for making tea, a welcoming drink in common Indian household. Buffaloes can be maintained on more fibrous crop residues, hence scope for reducing feed cost. Buffaloes largely mature late and give birth to calves at 16 to 18 months interval. Male calves fetch little value. Buffaloes need cooling facility e.g. wallowing tank or showers / foggers with fan.

http://www.keralaagriculture.gov.in/htmle/bankableagriprojects/ah %5Cdairyfarming.htm

Estrus Detection Methods in Buffalo

Suthar, V. S*. and Dhami, A. J. Department of Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology and Obstetrics College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry Anand Agricultural University. Anand- 388 001.

* Corresponding author
Abstract

Buffaloes are the main milk producing unit, rearing somewhere in villages of India and back bone of Indian milk Industries. Buffalo require some peculiar management. They should be managed age group wise, so that the estrus buffaloes can easily be identified. It is proved that majority of buffaloes show peak sexual activity during late evening or in early morning. So deploying extra labour or providing the incentives to supervisors/ animal attendants should be done to identify majority of estrus buffaloes. Some of the peculiar characteristics of estrus aids of its diagnosis and reproductive physiology and related problems are highlighted and

Buffalo are said to be seasonal breeders. However, this is not entirely true as buffalo are polyestral animals and may breed all year round. The buffalos reputation as a difficult breeder is because of its inherent susceptibility to environmental stress, which causes anoestrus and suboestrus. These conditions are responsible for prolonged inter-calving periods, resulting in great economic losses for the buffalo dairy industry. Susceptibility to heat stress also affects feed intake and in turn the nutritional balance, and this also inhibits reproductive efficiency. Males Bulls reach sexual maturity at two to three years of age. Semen is produced all year round but it is highly affected by heat stress and low quality feed. The buffalo bull seems to be most fertile in spring, when the volume of ejaculate and sperm concentration is highest. Sperm vitality is also much higher in spring than at other times of the year. Corresponding values are lowest in summer time. Heat stress may have a negative effect on libido.

Females Wild or feral female buffalo reach sexual maturity at two to three years of age. Domesticated buffalo that are cared for and fed properly may reach puberty earlier. Puberty is highly affected by management factors. Size is more important than age, and a Murrah heifer should weigh around 325 kg at insemination or mating and 450 to 500 kg at her first calving. The age of puberty in buffalo is 36 to 42 months in India. It is comparatively late compared to other countries like Italy, where the age at first calving is between 28 to 32 months on average.

Delayed puberty in both male and female buffalo is common in India. This is due to neglect of calves during their growing period. Buffalo have the potential to gain 400 to 800 gm daily after about four to six months of age, and can attain the 300 to 450 kg body weight suitable for breeding at about 24 months of age. However in a majority of dairy buffalo calving occurs at four to six years of age. This is mainly due to an inadequate supply of feed and nutrients during the growing phase. The reproductive cycle of a buffalo:The oestrus cycle varies between 21 and 29 days depending on breed. The total duration of oestrus is usually 24 hours but varies from 12 to 72 hours. The most reliable sign of oestrus is frequent urination. The signs of oestrus are much less pronounced in buffalo than in cattle. Many buffalo show oestrus only at night time, and then it is difficult to detect. A lactating animal may have a slight decrease in milk yield when in heat, although it is seldom as pronounced as in cattle. The buffalo may be more restless and be difficult to milk Age at puberty: 36 to 42 months Length of oestrus cycle: 21 days Duration of heat: 12 to 24 hrs Time of ovulation: 10 to 14 hrs after end of oestrus Period of maximum fertility: last 8 hrs of oestrus Gestation period: 310 days Period of involution of uterus: 25 to 35 days Reproductive performance in buffalo The reproductive efficiency of a species is determined by many different processes, which result from interaction among genetic and environmental factors. The processes involved, individually or together, include age of puberty or maturity, pattern of oestrus cycle and oestrus behaviour, length of breeding, ovulation rate, lactational anoestrus period, post-partum anoestrus, intercalving period and reproductive life span. A combination of these traits is used to measure breeding efficiency or breeding performance in farm animals. Reproductive efficiency in buffalo is reported to be alarmingly low, causing severe economic losses to milk producers.

Some of the difficulties observed with buffalo reproductive performance 1. The first post-partum heat varies greatly with season, breed and individual. It has been reported to appear within less than 60 days in some cases and over 230 in others. Average postpartum oestrus in the Murrah breed of India has been reported to be 100 days. The first postpartum oestrus is not always fertile, especially if it comes very near partus. 2. At birth buffalo have fewer primordial cells in the ovary than cattle have. 3. Compared to cows, buffalo suffer from higher atresia of follicles 20000 versus 100000. 4. Buffalo have a high proportion of silent oestrus and short duration oestrus. This is one of the

most important problems in buffalo reproductive efficiency. It is even more problematic during the hot and humid months when it is compounded by thermal stress. Short and silent oestrus is the main reason why heat is often undetected in buffalo. 5. A large number of buffalo suffer from post-partum anoestrus, a complete absence of oestrus cycle and no signs of heat. This is one of the most common causes of buffalo infertility.

Reasons for poor reproductive performance 1. Climate affects both production and reproduction in all farm animals. However as buffalo are very susceptible to extreme conditions of heat and cold they show a tendency towards better performance during the cool months. In India 70 to 80% of buffalo conceive between July and February. In Italy the usual calving season is from September to December. In India it is reported that a lower number of services are needed during the July to February breeding season than in the March to June season .Buffalo are sexually activated by decreased daylight. 2. As mentioned earlier buffalo have poor thermal tolerance on account of an under developed thermo regulatory system and are unable to get rid of excess body temperature. If their housing is not designed to take care of this special species-specific requirement for adequate shade and ventilation, it will affect production and reproduction . 3. Nutrition plays a major role in the reproductive performance of buffalo, as with other farm animals. However there is a strong possibility that the consequences of poor nutrition are often interpreted as seasonality of breeding in buffalo. Under feeding, over feeding or unbalanced feeding, as well as deficiencies in minerals, vitamins or trace elements will cause reduced fertility in buffalo just as in other farm animals. A poor body condition score at calving affects fertility, characterised by prolonged post-partum intervals, reduced conception rates, and more services per conception. A very low protein diet can cause cessation of oestrus 4. One of the reasons buffalo suffer from long post-partum anoestrus is because their natural behaviour of rolling in dirty water pools, and unhygienic shed conditions, cause buffalo to suffer from a high incidence of endometritis. The loose broad uterine ligaments and rolling in water cause torsion of uterus cases in buffalo. Buffalo also suffer from uterine prolapse and retention of the afterbirth. All these lead to uterine infections, delayed involution of the uterus and endometritis in buffalo resulting in the need for repeat breeding. Approaches for improving reproductive efficiency 1. Providing the right kind of housing for buffalo to suit their natural behavioural requirements is important for their optimum performance. Free stall as well as tied systems work well for buffalo. However it is important that the housing provides sufficient shelter from both heat and extreme cold. During summer they have to be protected from extreme heat while in winter they have to be protected from extreme cold as well.

2. Showers or foggers with fans or wallowing tanks should be made available to buffalo during the hottest part of the day. Thermal ameliorative measures such as sprinkling and cooling are known to increase comfort levels and feed intake in buffalo. 3. Balanced feeding with mineral supplements, plenty of green fodder, and concentrate as per each animals specific need, is necessary to bring buffalo into normal reproductive cycles. 4. Regular testing of all buffalo and bulls for infectious reproductive diseases like brucellosis and regular culling of infected animals are crucial for good reproductive health in the herd. Attending cases of difficult birth and retained placenta in time and maintaining good hygiene during parturition are also crucial to prevent reproductive disorders such as endometritis. 5. Wall charts, breeding wheels, herd monitors and individual buffalo records are important oestrus detection aids. See Appendix 1. The key to successful use of these inexpensive management aids is to accurately record every heat, beginning with the first heat after calving, and to make daily use of the information to identify those buffalo that are due to return to oestrus. Figure3: Calving interval
Calving interval Calving Conception 0 day 100day 300day Dries off 410dayService period

|-------------|-------------------|----------------| Calving days

Breeding buffalo Calving interval Regularity in conception and a short calving interval are most important to achieve a high lifetime milk production. Calving interval in buffalo is highly dependant on management, climate and nutrition. It is therefore shorter in some regions and longer in others (see Table 2). In order to shorten the calving interval the female should be serviced again as soon as possible after calving, after providing a sufficient period of rest (see Figure 3). Weaning of calves at birth has been shown to decrease the service period in comparison to unweaned buffalo. A shorter service period will lead to a shorter calving interval a calving interval of less than 410 days is recommended. Natural mating Except for a very small percentage of the worlds buffalo, most are bred through natural mating. In most cases at the village level and in the home tracts of buffalo there is no information on the buffalo bull or on the dams milk yield, and this information is seldom considered while breeding. This has been one of the major reasons for the diversity in both the productive and reproductive traits of buffalo. Even in Italy where buffalo production is more advanced, 95% of buffalo are bred naturally. In Italy as well as in Egypt and India, one bull is maintained for 30 females. However as this method persists on the farms it is crucial to avoid the spread of venereal diseases which cause

infertility and sterility in both sexes. In recent years these problems have shown an increasing pattern in buffalo herds in India Having a breeding bull with the dams all the time enhances the chances of fertile mating. This bull seldom misses a female in heat. However, to be able to calculate the time of calving it is advisable to keep some sort of record of expected heat. The observant farmer will soon learn how his buffalo behave when in heat and when to expect conception and calving. The females can be teased with a bull twice a day around expected oestrus. A breeding bull can be put into service from three years of age. In Italy, it is recommended that a breeding bull on a large farm should be exchanged after a maximum of five years. One bull, if managed correctly, can serve 20 to 25 females. On a smaller farm, the bull should be exchanged more often to avoid interbreeding. If the bull shows signs of loss of interest in the females or is otherwise ill, he should be taken out of service immediately. In order to perform best, bulls must be fed high quality feed and be protected from heat and cold stress in the same way as the rest of the herd. Bulls should not be used for service more than twice a week.

Artificial insemination (AI) Genetic improvement of dairy animals to improve productivity has been the centre of focus of many advanced dairy countries. Using genetically superior animals can improve the reproductive efficiency of dairy species. With the help of AI improved genes are transmitted to a large number of offspring, and the interval between generations is reduced. Buffalo generally have more difficulty conceiving by artificial insemination than cattle do. Reports from the National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India, show that the conception rate for first insemination is around 40% and the conception rate for third insemination is around 77%. Even in Italy only about 2500 buffalo are inseminated per year specifically for progeny testing. Although intensive research is going on at various universities and institutions around the world, breeding programmes for buffalo are not readily available for the common farmer. In the state of Gujarat in India, the National Dairy Development Board has a breed improvement programme called Dairy Herd Improvement Programme Actions (DIPA). The genetic gain of buffalo is being improved through selective mating of both sire and dam, to breed sires with the desired genetic traits. A progeny testing programme is being followed, producing 100 completed first lactation records of progeny per bull. Twenty bulls are put to test every year, with 2000 doses of frozen semen from each bull being distributed to the selected villages, and 5000 doses being stored until the test results are available. Oestrus synchronization for fertility enhancement in buffalo In order to solve these breeding and infertility problems and to enhance buffalo fertility, oestrus/ovulation synchronization can be adopted as an integral part of breeding. Ovulation synchronization trials have been successfully carried out in coastal Andhra Pradesh, in the

districts of Guntur, Vijaiwada and Vishakapattanam in India. More than 400 buffalo from 24 villages were synchronized with the following protocol Recording buffalo production Replacing good milking buffalo with their own daughters instead of purchasing new buffalo from the market has some advantages. First, the spread of diseases is limited compared to selling and purchasing on the market. Next, the farmer has full control over his herd. He knows the history of each buffalo and can make more accurate decisions concerning the future. He will know whether the buffalo has had any diseases or problems with fertility. The buffalo will already know the farmer and will therefore be easier to handle, which is most important when it comes to machine milking. High milk yield, ease to milk, short let down time, high conception rate, and temperament, are some of the selection criteria which are desirable in a good breeding buffalo. When creating a breeding programme it is important to keep records of the buffalo (see Appendix 2, Breeding records). History, milk yield of mother, peak yield, lactation length, and services per conception, are all parameters that it is important to track. When breeding for a higher milk yield it is especially important to register milk production correctly at regular intervals. The International Committee for Animal Recording (ICAR) has put up some basic rules for milk recording which are similar in all countries: All buffalo in the herd must be recorded. Milk yield should be recorded once a month. Lactation yield is calculated by summing the average yield of two consecutive tests multiplied by the number of days between tests. Lactation duration should be 270 to 310 days. *(For details see reference:http://www.delaval.com/Dairy_Knowledge/EfficientBuffalo/Reproduction-and-breeding.htm)

General Management Milking management:

In practice there are two different methods of milking. These are, o Machine milking o Hand milking Always milking should be done with full hand method because it exerts an equal pressure on large teats of cows and buffaloes and more over it simulates the natural suckling process by calf. The process of milking should end up with stripping method for a while in order to remove the residual milk in the udder.

Time of milking: o a regular routine needs to be followed for milking. o milking should be done at twice or thrice a day, but at regular interval. o abrupt changes in the time of milking affect the total yield. o animal should not be exited or beaten up before milking.

Care and management of dry and pregnant animal:

o o o

If cow is in milking stage, milking has to be stopped 50 60 days before expected date of calving. Sufficient dry period is necessary for recouping the strain of preceding pregnancy and previous lactation. The animal should not be dried abruptly rather it should be gradual. Initially animal should be milked once a day for a week and subsequently on alternative days ie. Partial milking. Dry animals should be given ad lib green fodder and concentrate (2-3 kg) till parturition to build up adequate body reserves.

Preparation for calving:

o o

o o

The pregnant cow needs to be given a flushing ration and animals must be fed with laxative diet. It should be protected from extreme cold, wind and hot weather. Proper cleaning and disinfecting of animal shed before shifting the cow to calving pen is necessary. The animal should be transferred to a dry, calm, quite, comfortable, wellventilated, well-bedded spacious and non-slippery place. Constant watch of the pregnant animal is needed. The approaching sign of parturition (delivery)are; swelling of vulva relaxing of the muscles around the tail head and pin bones udder becomes large and teats distend animal shows restlessness Special care has to be taken for feeding just after calving. Feed crude sugar mixture with rice/wheat mash and luke warm drinking water immediately after calving. It must be ascertained that the placenta is dropped within 12-24 hrs after calving

Care and management of lactating animal:

For proper milk synthesis, lactating animals should be milked completely at regular intervals

An increase of 5-8% in milk production can be achieved by increasing the milking frequency from 2 to 3 times a day in high producing (> 25 kg) crossbred cows Milkers should regularly inspect the udder, teats and milk for any injury/ abnormality or inflammation. Following is desirable milking order of lactating animal in a herd: o first calf heifers that have been free of mastitis o older cows free of mastitis o cows that have a previous history of mastitis but which no longer shows symptoms. o cows with quarters producing abnormal milk Sufficient energy should be provided to the lactating animals during for the first 3 months of lactating. Split feeding day and night during summer improves milk production. Portable and clean water should be provided ad lib during summer months. Animal having 400 kg body weight and giving 20 kg milk per day should be fed about 30-40 kg green fodder, 6-7 kg concentrate and 4 kg dry fodder (straw) every day along with mineral mixture. During winter season berseem should be fed with sufficient straw to keep the animal warm, free from bloat and to avoid low milk fat syndrome

Care and management of new born calf

Successful rearing of young calves by following practices is the key to the success of the dairy farming enterprise. Immediately after birth, wipe out all the mucus around the nostril and mouth of the calf to facilitate free breathing. And allow the dam to lick and dry the calf after the birth. Body of the calf should be cleaned with dry cloth or gunny bag. Dress the naval cord leaving at least 4 cm from the body with sterilized blade or scissor and put tincture iodine. Colostrum must be fed (about 1 litter) to the calf within half an hour after birth. It is very essential in helping to develop the immune system. Always avoid over feeding because it may cause calf scour. It is better to feed colostrums 2-3 times in a day in limited quantity. (the total quantity fed during 24 hrs should be about 1/10 th of its body weight) Take preventive measures against diarrhea and calf scour by administering 1 tablespoon of common salt with 2 table spoon of sugar in 2 liter of water at regular interval. If the calf is weak/ anemic administer iron, vitamin A, D, E orally or by injection soon after the birth. Adopt vaccination schedule periodically. Never feed the mastitic milk/ milk with blood tinge to the calf. Dehorning should be preferably done by using caustic soda or electric dehorner after 1525 days of birth.

Housing and Sanitation

Housing should not only provide comfort to the animals but also have sufficient space for milking, feeding and cleaning operation. Animals should be provided with such type of houses which are north-south oriented to minimize radiation and advers effects of cold and hot wind. The floor of the shed must be pucca concrete, non-slippery and sloppy with channels for proper drainage. Kucha floor/sand/soil in the shade during summer and hot humid months provide comfort to the animal. During winter animal should be provided with straw/hay/litter to protect the animal and its udder from cold while sitting. But it should be changed on alternate days. The roof of the building should be high enough to release heat, moisture and pollutants from the shed. The adequate lighting and ventilation must be give Ad libtum of fresh and clean water should be available through out the day. Ensure proper and regular cleaning and disinfection of the animal shed with cresol, Lysol (phenol compounds). Provision of wallowing tank for buffaloes improves their reproductive behavior and sustains milk production.

Farm records and keeping Keeping records is a key operation in a dairy. Without proper records, one cannot know how the dairy enterprise is going on. Following are different type of records that are essential for the enterprise: Cattle history and pedigree sheet. Herd strength records Production and reproduction records Health records Breeding register/service register Daily milk record register Calving register Cultivation register Calf register Stores register Feeding register Labour record

Growth and weight records

Expenditure record register

It is seen at most places that a Dairy Farmer is not aware of the economics of his day to day business. This is because Dairy has been a traditional form of business, which is being carried on by generations together. The pattern particularly of the feeding & watering has been quite the same for a long time. It is commonly seen that most of the Farmers who keep animals for Milk have very little or NO idea about the expenses (per day) invloved in raising the animals. It is interesting to note that the farmer is even unaware of the fact that the feeding cost of his animal comprises of more than 80% of the total cost of raising the animals. Perhaps the main reason for this may be as he grows the majority of the fodder in his own land he has never bothered about its cost.

Pertaining to the feeding & drinking habits many fallacies (misconceptions) exist viz. 1. It is advisable to feed animal with wet/cooked feed. Scientifically the feed fed to animal should be chewed (& ruminated) so that the saliva mixes with the feed. The saliva contains phosphates & bicarbonates, which help in maintaining the pH of the Rumen, which help in proper digestion of the Feed. Good digestion ensures wellbeing & the production is dependent on the same. If the feed fed to animal is wet or cooked then chewing does not take place resulting in imbalance of the Ruminal pH which is very vital for proper digestion. This will ultimately affect the Milk production (which will be low in this case). 2. Water requirement can be fulfilled with 2/3 times in a day. To produce one litre of Milk it is essential to drink minimum 5 litres of water thus animal giving about 10 litres of milk daily should drink more than 50 litres of water. This requirement is only for Milk but animal also has to maintain itself as well as reproduce thus an animal giving 10 litres of milk has to consume at least 75 litres of water daily ; which is just not possible by offering animal water only about 2/3 times during the day. The animal should be giving clean water as many times as possible. If this is done then automatically increase in milk production is seen. It should be noted that milk contains about 83 - 87% of water. 3. Animal should be fed continuously throughout the day. If the animal is fed round the clock then it will not get any time to ruminate. If there is no time to ruminate then the digestion will not be proper as the feed mixing with saliva (due to rumination) will not take place. Thus the milk production will be decreased due to impaired digestion. 4. Animal gives more milk with more concentrate feed. The animals stomach is a complex structure containing 4 parts. Unlike simple stomach it requires more fibre for complete & balanced feeding. It has been made in such a way that animal has to consume green & dry grasses for efficient digestion & conversation into Milk. (The concentrates are being fed as the grasses in India are poor in general quality as regards CP/EE/Energy value etc). Feeding animal more concentrates will lead to decrease in salivary output upon which ruminal pH is dependent. This will lead to acidosis by which depression in milk fat will be seen. For getting more milk with better Fat% it is essential to give grasses (dry as well as green) which help proper digestion as this will result in maintenance of Ruminal pH due to continual rumination resulting in better production. It should also be noted that giving more concentrates (more protein & energy) than required will lead into Animal spending more energy to breakdown these proteins which on the contrary should have been utilized for milk production. It is also seen that feeding more protein leads to reproductive problems. 5. The animals mineral requirement is met totally through the Feed & fodder. Animal requires certain minerals for their optimum growth / Maintainence / milk production & reproduction. The minerals available in Feed & fodder take care of the Maintainence & production to a certain extent but will not be sufficient to take care

of all the requirements. At the same time through every litre of milk animal also loses certain quantities of minerals, which need to be replaced at the soonest. As this is not being followed the animals productive capacity is greatly reduced & animals have to be replaced at an early stage. Thus it is very essential to give Mineral Mixture everyday. Every farmer should note that Mineral Mixture is not a medicine (usually thought to be given only during infertility) but a very essential part of the animals daily needs. 6. Natural Service is better than Artificial Insemination. With the use of same bull everytime we may not be able to improve the genetic potential of the animal. Improvement in genetic potential is primarily responsible for increasing milk production, whereas with A.I this can be very much possible. Secondly the use of same bull being mated with various cows the chances of contracting diseases by the bull is possible. 7. Animal should fed only Grass during the DRY period. The animal in dry period (especially in the last 2 months of Pregnancy); is not fed properly and is fed only with grasses as it is not giving milk during that period. Actually it is a very crucial time for the animal as its body is undergoing lot of changes w.r.t the growth of foetus (calf) & meeting its requirement. Usually these animals are fed only with fodder & they become very deficient in mineral status as well as their own energy status leading to various problematic conditions commonly known as Metabolic disorders & lowered milk production. Dr.Chandrakiran N.Sant (Dairy Management Advisor)