Rakesh Kumar, a seasoned dairy farmer with over 32 years of experience, runs a dairy farm in Gadiyara, near Saliyana Petrol Pump, Palampur. His farm is not only home to dairy cows but also a place where he engages in trading cows. Despite his extensive experience, a recent six-day visit revealed several practices that could be improved to optimize his farm’s productivity and animal welfare. However, there are also good practices that other farmers can learn from.
Farm Overview
Rakesh Kumar’s dairy farm consists of 10-11 cows and 2 calves, predominantly Jersey and Holstein crossbreds. The farm is a family-run operation, with Rakesh and his wife managing daily tasks. The day begins early, around 4-5 AM, with washing the animals, milking, and selling the milk door to door at Rs. 50 per liter. Rakesh was selling 70-75 liters of milk daily, generating a daily revenue of Rs. 3500-4000. However, the overall milk yield was affected by health issues among the herd, and some cows were in the dry or pregnant stages.
During our visits, which took place daily between 9-10 AM, we observed that Rakesh’s wife was responsible for cleaning the cowshed and animals, while Rakesh would return from his morning milk deliveries. At the time of our visit, Rakesh was selling 70-75 liters of milk each day, although his overall milk yield was affected by several health issues among the herd and the fact that many of his cows were in the dry or pregnant stages. Additionally, he had recently acquired a few new cows, which he planned to either rear or sell.
Good Practices
1.Regular Use of Mineral Mixture: Rakesh ensures his dairy animals receive a regular supply of mineral mixture, purchasing it economically at Rs. 100/kg (Rs. 2500 for a 25 kg pack). This practice is essential for maintaining the health and productivity of the cows.
2.Regular Deworming: Rakesh is well aware of the importance of deworming and ensures that his animals are dewormed regularly. This helps in preventing parasitic infections, which can significantly impact the health and productivity of the herd.
3.Basic Veterinary Knowledge: With years of experience, Rakesh has acquired basic veterinary knowledge, enabling him to administer essential first aid and manage minor health issues on his own.
4.Open Space and Location: The farm has ample open space for tying animals outside, allowing them to move freely and access fresh air. Additionally, the farm is situated away from human habitation, on a raised location close to a water source, with sufficient light. These factors contribute positively to the overall well-being of the animals.
5.Direct Milk Selling: Rakesh sells his milk directly to customers at Rs. 50 per liter, ensuring a steady income of Rs. 3500-4000 daily. Direct selling helps him avoid middlemen and secure better prices for his product.
Health Disorders Observed
- Blocked Teats: One of the cows on the farm had two teats blocked. This issue could be a result of improper milking techniques, mastitis, or other udder health problems. Blocked teats reduce the milk yield and can cause discomfort and pain to the animal.
2.Prolonged Illness: Another cow had been sick for nearly a month. Despite treatment at the nearest veterinary college, the cow remained off feed for several days. Eventually, a local remedy suggested by a trader from Punjab, consisting of Ajwain, Meetha Soda, Kari Patta, and Brahjeen, helped the animal recover.
3.Dystocia (Difficult Calving): One of Rakesh’s cows faced dystocia during its last calving. Although the animal managed to yield up to 18 liters of milk afterward, this condition can lead to complications and stress, affecting both the cow and the calf.
4.Low Milk Production Due to Illness: Another cow, an HF cross, which typically produced 20 liters of milk, had its milk production decline due to a low-grade fever that persisted for about 10 days.
5.Calf with Red-Colored Urine: A calf on the farm exhibited intermittent red-colored urine, a possible indication of a haemoprotozoan disease. Despite treatment, the problem persisted, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the care provided.
Areas for Improvement
Despite these good practices, there are several areas where Rakesh’s farm operations could be enhanced:
1. Neglecting the Importance of Green Fodder
One of the most critical aspects of dairy farming is ensuring that animals receive a balanced diet. While Rakesh was diligent in feeding his cows local straw (bhoosa) and concentrates, he completely overlooked the importance of green fodder. Green grasses provide essential nutrients that enhance milk production, improve animal health, and prevent diseases. The absence of green fodder in the diet of Rakesh’s cows could be a major factor contributing to the health issues observed on his farm.
Tip: Always include green fodder in the diet of dairy animals. It not only improves milk yield but also boosts the overall health and immunity of the herd.
2. Inadequate Concentrate Feeding
Feeding the right amount of concentrate is crucial for high milk-producing cows, especially those yielding over 20 liters per day. However, Rakesh was feeding only 7-8 kg of concentrate to a cow producing 22 liters of milk daily, which is less than optimal. This insufficient feeding could lead to undernourishment, decreased milk production, and increased susceptibility to diseases.
Tip: Ensure that the concentrate feed is appropriately balanced with the milk production levels of each cow. Consult a nutritionist to determine the exact requirements based on the animal’s body weight and milk yield.
3. Poor Hygiene and Ventilation
The hygiene and ventilation of the cow shed are paramount for preventing diseases and ensuring the comfort of the animals. During our visit, we noticed that the ventilation in Rakesh’s cow shed was poor, and fans were not in use despite the warm weather. The hindquarters of the animals were filthy, which can lead to infections and discomfort.
Tip: Maintain a clean and well-ventilated environment in the cow shed. Regularly clean the floors and ensure proper air circulation. Use fans or other cooling systems during hot weather to keep the animals comfortable.
4. Inadequate Health Management
Several of Rakesh’s cows were suffering from various health issues, including blocked teats, prolonged illness, and low milk production due to sickness. While Rakesh had a variety of calcium supplements, antibiotics, and antipyretics on hand, the general health of his herd was poor. This suggests that the farm’s overall health management practices were lacking.
Tip: Regular veterinary check-ups and a proactive approach to health management are essential. Monitor animals closely for early signs of illness and seek veterinary advice promptly. Avoid relying solely on local remedies without professional guidance.
5. Overlooking the Importance of Comfort
Comfort is key to maintaining healthy, productive dairy animals. Rakesh’s cows were observed to be in less than ideal conditions, with poor ventilation, lack of cooling, and unhygienic surroundings. These factors not only affect their health but also their milk production.
Tip: Invest in the comfort of your animals. Ensure that they have clean, dry bedding, access to clean water, and a comfortable environment that minimizes stress. Stress-free animals are more likely to be healthy and productive.
6. Ignoring the Signs of Illness
One of Rakesh’s calves was suffering from intermittent red-colored urine, a potential sign of a serious underlying issue. Despite treatment for a haemoprotozoan disease, the problem persisted, indicating that the issue was not fully addressed. Another cow with dystocia, though producing milk, had also faced complications that could have been better managed.
Tip: Never ignore persistent signs of illness in your animals. If a treatment doesn’t seem to be working, seek a second opinion or further diagnostic testing. Timely and accurate diagnosis can prevent small issues from becoming serious problems.
7. Lack of Chaff Cutter Usage
Rakesh does not use a chaff cutter to process feed for his animals. Chaff cutters help in cutting fodder into smaller, easily digestible pieces, making it more palatable and reducing wastage.
Tip: Invest in a chaff cutter to improve feed efficiency and reduce wastage. Properly processed fodder ensures better digestion and nutrient absorption, leading to healthier animals.
Conclusion
Rakesh Kumar’s farm offers a mix of good practices and areas that need attention. His regular use of mineral mixtures, awareness of deworming, and basic veterinary knowledge are commendable and contribute positively to his farm’s operations. The location of his farm and his direct selling approach also stand out as strong points.
However, the lack of green fodder, the absence of a chaff cutter, and the recurring health issues among the herd are significant challenges that need to be addressed. By making improvements in these areas, Rakesh can enhance the health and productivity of his animals, leading to better overall farm performance.
For anyone looking to purchase quality dairy cows or buffaloes, Rakesh Kumar’s farm (Mobile:9816496764) could be a valuable resource. His long-standing experience and commitment to his work make him a reliable contact in the dairy farming community.