Dairy Cow

Dairy Cow Management: Ensuring Productivity and Welfare

Dairy cows play a vital role in balancing the entire dairy industry as they are one of the best milk yielders. When it comes to their management the farmers or the caretakers must ensure the following: 

• The basic nutritional requirements of dairy cows should be met to maintain their good health and ensure high milk yields. 
• Proper milking hygiene should be maintained to ensure cattle are not being injured and milk doesn’t get contaminated. 
• There should be timely and proper vaccination, hoof care, and corral maintenance.
   

Common Breeds of Dairy Cows
 

To gain a better understanding of common breeds of dairy cows, we should first look at the classification of all cows in India. The basic classification of cows is done on the basis of their purpose. India has nearly 50 different breeds of cattle out of which three categories of cows are very popular: dairy or mirch, drought, and dual purpose. These Indian cows hail from varied regions which is a main factor behind the high degree of variation in their characteristics.

Let’s quickly check out the basic difference among these cows:

• Dairy or mirch cows: Known for yielding high quantities of milk
• Drought cows: Known for yielding poor quantities of milk
• Dual-purpose cows: Known for yielding fair quantities of milk

Because dual-purpose cows are fairly good milk yielders they are often mentioned while discussing dairy cows. Now, we can move to the list of best Indian dairy cows:

Sahiwal Cow

• The Sahiwal breed is the best among dairy cows.
• Their skin is of reddish dun or pale red color.
• They also have white patches on their skin.
• Sahiwal breed is popular for its short (3 inches) and stumpy horns.
• Their tail is generally longer than other breeds of dairy cows.
• This Indian dairy cow is used for developing the Jamaica Hope breed cattle.
• Their lactation period is 300 days.
• Their milk yield ranges from 2725-3125 kg.

Red Sindhi

• As the name suggests, Red Sindhi cows are red or dark red in color.
• They may also have light stripes of white color.
• Red Sindhi cows have a dark muzzle.
• It is popular as the most economical dairy cow.
• They are used more than other breeds for cross-breeding programs.
• Their udder is pendulous and capacious.
• Their lactation period is 296 days.
• Their milk yield ranges from 1100-2600 kg.

Gir

• This Indian dairy cow is popular for its white-coloured skin with dark-red or dark-brown patches.
• Many Gir cows are purely red as well.
• Their tail has a whip-like structure. It is neither too long nor too short in length.
• They have a convex broad forehead.
• Gir cows are exported worldwide including Brazil and the USA.
• Their lactation period is 326 days.
• Their milk yield ranges from 1200-1800 kg. 

Nutrition and Health Care for Dairy Cows

Dairy cows are basically high-producing cows, their nutritional requirements differ from other types of cows. They need amino acids, vitamins, water, fatty acids, and carbohydrates. Alongside this, energy and an optimum supply of crude proteins are also crucial for dairy cows.

Water

Water is a basic yet crucial requirement for dairy cows. However, it is often overlooked. Farmers or caretakers must not undermine the vitality of clean and fresh drinking water for these cows as it is a “universal solvent” that plays a crucial role in all metabolic reactions. Proper water intake is also important for maximizing the milk production of dairy cows and their reproduction performance. Other than this, water intake has a lasting impact on the proper flow of feed through the intestine, digestion, and blood volume of cows. 

If a dairy cow is consuming poor-quality water, she is likely to show the following signs:
 

• Erratic eating patterns
• Frequent health issues/ Poor immune system
• Performance issues 
• Conception failure
• Abortion
   

Energy 

The cattle raised in a dairy setup need forages to volatile fatty acids which are also known as VFAs. These VFAs help in improving the growth and lactation of the animal. The need for energy can be easily fulfilled through a blend of concentrates, forages, and supplement fat. Kindly note that poor quality of forages can cause digestion-related issues. It can also affect manure volume and production levels to a great length. 

Protein 

Adequate protein is important for maintaining the overall health, reproduction, and milk production of dairy cows. They need two types of protein:

• Rumen Degradable Protein (RDP): It is a protein broken down by rumen bacteria.
• Rumen Undegradable Protein (RUP): It passes through to the cow’s intestine in undigested form. Both RDP and RUP are complementary. 

Phosphorus 

Phosphorus is crucial to maintain average growth and milk production in dairy cows. It also helps in the proper utilization of feed. Almost all energy transfers and metabolic reactions that take place in a dairy cow's body require phosphorus. Farmers incorporate phosphorus in the nutritional cycle of dairy cows through: 

• Di-calcium phosphate (DCP) 
• Mono di-calcium phosphate (MDCP) 

Processing of Milk produced by Dairy Cows

The basic dairy processing hasn’t changed much in India for a few decades. However, the adoption of better technology has been a sigh of relief from time to time. Processes like UF (ultrafiltration) and modern drying processes that were discharged earlier have made it possible to recover milk solids. The processing of milk given by dairy cows is energy efficient now. Introduction of electronic control systems further helps in reducing the cost of milk processing and it has also led to better processing effectiveness. 

This is how milk processing looks at a typical commercial milk plant in India: 

• Receipt of raw milk of dairy cows
• Clarification or filtration of raw milk
• Segregation of all or some portion of the milk fat
• Pasteurisation of milk 
• Homogenization of milk (if required) 
• Deodorization of milk (optional)
• Product-specific processing 
• Packaging of milk 
• Storage of milk (includes cold storage)
• Distribution of final products

Significance of Dairy Farming in India 

We can say that the dairy industry is promoting dual growth. In rural India, it is improving the prosperity of farmers. Whereas, at the same time it is serving national economy and food security requirements by maintaining self-sufficiency in milk production.

Economic Impact of Dairy Farming in India 

The dairy sector in India plays a vital role not only in modern agriculture but also in the overall development of the country. Here are a few ways in which the dairy industry contributes to the economy. 

Livelihood of Farmers 

Indian farmers are widely known for not being in a financially viable state. Amid such a grim situation, the dairy sector provides livelihood to millions of farmers (small and marginal farmers). With the help of cooperatives, this industry is offering fair returns to the farmers against their milk.

Added Employment 

The dairy sector in India is directly as well as indirectly providing employment to around 8-10 million people. Activities like milk procurement, product sales, processing, and cattle rearing are linked with this sector and source of income or livelihood for many people. A huge percentage of the population that relies on dairy-related employment belongs to rural India. 

Share in GDP

Alongside providing employment, the dairy sector also contributes substantially to the GDP. It contributes nearly 4% to the nation’s GDP and nearly 25% to the agricultural GDP. Not just this, this industry sustains some of its allied industries like cattle feed, packaging, and equipment and generates additional revenue. 

Non-Economic Significance of Dairy Industry 

Nutritional Security 

Nutrition security is a core element linked to the dairy industry. This sector is solely responsible for fulfilling a major portion of the calcium and protein requirements of people. The supply of milk and dairy products has become an integral part of an ideal Indian diet. It is the dairy industry that facilitates ample availability of vital nutrients to the Indian population. This ensures proper mental and physical development of people. 

Social Development 

The dairy industry in India is regulated by dairy cooperatives formed under Operation Flood. The cooperatives are actively empowering marginal communities by offering them a genuine platform to work or earn a decent income. Because of these cooperatives, the participation of women farmers in decision-making and management has increased to a noticeable extent. This is how the industry is contributing to social development as well.