Which Fodder is Most Valuable for Dairy Farm?
Here is a summary of an online discussion that answers questions like: which fodder is healthier for dairy animal, which fodder increases milk yield impact on fat value, how much fodder is required per cattle on daily basis, and which fodder is preferred by milk cattle, besides others
Members who participated in this discussion :
• kushal1980 • subramany • saravana_1981 • isabgol • farmgrover • sri26 • vmpagri • hmanju
To connect with them visit www.agricultureinformation.com
• kushal1980 • subramany • saravana_1981 • isabgol • farmgrover • sri26 • vmpagri • hmanju
To connect with them visit www.agricultureinformation.com
Green FodderMr. Jaimin Patel, Shree Vinayak, Gujarat, says one of the most important aspects to consider before setting up a dairy farm is green fodder planning. “I would like to consult all dairy farmer, dairy consultant and agri expert to know their opinion, suggestion and their valuable recommendation to improve health of Indian dairy industry,” he says.
One member maintains the effectiveness of the fodder is subject to the water/waste water availability. One can opt for CO3, CO4, and fodder maize, besides other options. “You will get more milk if you feed more greens with fat value. You should feed minimum 25 kg for a lactating cow,” he maintains.
Mr. Swamy informs, “Apart from grasses, tree-based crops like anjana/kamara, drumstick, jackfruit, melia dubia, subabul, and sesabania produce great fodder, shade for dairy animals and timber for generating additional income along with dairy and to add value addition for land using for dairy.”
Beer Waste as Fodder
With conflicting reports on use of beer waste as dairy fodder, Mr. Patel says, “Don’t use beer waste. It is acidic and has bad impact on cattle health. You might be aware of Swill milk scandal of the 19th century when infants were dying by drinking milk from sick cows fed on distillery waste. If you feed this waste to your milch cattle, they will produce horrible milk!”
With conflicting reports on use of beer waste as dairy fodder, Mr. Patel says, “Don’t use beer waste. It is acidic and has bad impact on cattle health. You might be aware of Swill milk scandal of the 19th century when infants were dying by drinking milk from sick cows fed on distillery waste. If you feed this waste to your milch cattle, they will produce horrible milk!”
Mr. D. Balaganesan, CEO, V.S.V. Oil Millss, says, “Beer waste is the worst thing to give as feed to cows. After giving beer waste as feed the cow will not be useable. There are some adverse effects like lowered birth rate, and lowered longevity by 40%”
However Mr. Kumar S maintains, “We can use beer waste as good fodder but on a temporary basis only.” Another member says, “Beer waste is a good fodder for the milking cattle. Napier, mulberry, azolla, subabulla, kudre masala (lucerne), and agase (in Kannada) are good for the cattle.
Lucerne Grass
Mr. Patel suggests using alfalfa grass (lucerne grass) for feeding the cattle. He maintains, lucerne grass is better than actisaf. “Lucerne has high protein content, mineral, calcium and many nutrition. It not only increases the fat value but also increases the milk yield. It is highly recommended for cow, buffalo, goat, sheep, rabbit, emu and others.”Bharatbook too agrees, “Lucerne Grass is beneficial for increasing the fat values. It is rich with minerals as well as the proteins.”
Mr. Patel suggests using alfalfa grass (lucerne grass) for feeding the cattle. He maintains, lucerne grass is better than actisaf. “Lucerne has high protein content, mineral, calcium and many nutrition. It not only increases the fat value but also increases the milk yield. It is highly recommended for cow, buffalo, goat, sheep, rabbit, emu and others.”Bharatbook too agrees, “Lucerne Grass is beneficial for increasing the fat values. It is rich with minerals as well as the proteins.”
Hydroponic System to Grow Fodder
Mr. Manan Patel of Greentech Organic Hydroponics Systems informs dairy farmers and other live-stock farmers can grow fodder using the hydroponic system. “The hydroponic system used for growing fodder is 25 ft. x 10 ft. container that can get you 700 kg of fodder per day. The advantages are it uses very less space and water; is 100% organic and requires less labor. For example, if you want 700 kg of fodder through conventional system, you require a minimum of 10 people; but in hydroponic system, you need only 1 person to operate it for just 3-4 hours of work. That is the major advantage.”
Mr. Manan Patel of Greentech Organic Hydroponics Systems informs dairy farmers and other live-stock farmers can grow fodder using the hydroponic system. “The hydroponic system used for growing fodder is 25 ft. x 10 ft. container that can get you 700 kg of fodder per day. The advantages are it uses very less space and water; is 100% organic and requires less labor. For example, if you want 700 kg of fodder through conventional system, you require a minimum of 10 people; but in hydroponic system, you need only 1 person to operate it for just 3-4 hours of work. That is the major advantage.”
He further adds, “This fodder is high in nutrition with 14% protein. This system is most useful in times of drought. The ROI of this product is only 12-15 months.”
Mr. Manan maintains there is no training required to operate the system. “It is a completely automated system. Somebody has to shift the trays every day, and any layman can operate this. Nobody has to control this machine. Anybody can handle this. Even an uneducated farmer can handle this machine easily. This entire system is an assembled container which we have to erect at their farm. It will take 6-7 days to erect the machine,” he adds.
Cotton Seed Cake
Mr. Balaganesan says, “Cotton seed cake is made from cotton seeds after extracting oil from the cotton seeds and is used for animal feed. It is a good source of nutrition. It has long been used as a highly economic protein concentrated food for animal feeding, being a great source of protein, fiber and energy. It is the best cheapest good fodder for cows. And also it helps in increasing the milk production and the quality of the milk. It will be available whole the year.
Mr. Balaganesan says, “Cotton seed cake is made from cotton seeds after extracting oil from the cotton seeds and is used for animal feed. It is a good source of nutrition. It has long been used as a highly economic protein concentrated food for animal feeding, being a great source of protein, fiber and energy. It is the best cheapest good fodder for cows. And also it helps in increasing the milk production and the quality of the milk. It will be available whole the year.
Actisaf
Mr. S. Manikkamani of Puducherry suggest using Actisaf. He lists the benefits of using Actisaf as:
1. Increased milk yield worth per lactation: Yield increases of up to 2 litres/cow/day with higher and earlier lactation peaks. The yields are maintained for longer periods
2. Milk protein increases of up to 4.3%
3. Milk butterfat increases of up to 9.8%
4. Increased Dry Matter Intakes (DMIs)
5. Reduced incidences of acidosis, lameness and cud balls
6. Improved fertility with less repeats due to better rumen efficiency
7. More content animals
Mr. S. Manikkamani of Puducherry suggest using Actisaf. He lists the benefits of using Actisaf as:
1. Increased milk yield worth per lactation: Yield increases of up to 2 litres/cow/day with higher and earlier lactation peaks. The yields are maintained for longer periods
2. Milk protein increases of up to 4.3%
3. Milk butterfat increases of up to 9.8%
4. Increased Dry Matter Intakes (DMIs)
5. Reduced incidences of acidosis, lameness and cud balls
6. Improved fertility with less repeats due to better rumen efficiency
7. More content animals
He adds, “Actisaf is heat and acid stable and can be included in both compound and home mixed diets.”
