Feeding Balanced Ration for Improving Dairy Cattle Productivity: A Review

In India and similar subtropical regions, dairy livestock primarily consume various by-products derived from locally cultivated crops, fodder, and oilseeds. Approximately 65-70 per cent of the total milk production cost is attributed to feed expenses. Ensuring a balanced diet is pivotal for the success of dairy development initiatives across India. The optimal productivity of dairy animals is achieved when they are provided with a nutritionally balanced diet that matches their genetic potential. To enhance the productivity of livestock owned by small-scale farmers, a balanced ration program was introduced. Under this program, animals are categorized based on their milk production levels: low (<8 kg/day), medium (8–12 kg/day), and high (>12 kg/day) yielders. The program assessed milk yield, milk fat content, and the net daily income of milk producers before and after implementing a balanced diet regimen. The nutritional assessment revealed that 71 per cent of the animals consumed excessive amounts of crude protein and metabolizable energy, while 65 per cent exhibited lower intake levels of calcium and phosphorus than required. Implementing a balanced ration resulted in an improvement in milk production ranging from 2 to 14 per cent, along with a 0.2 to 0.15 per cent increase in milk fat content.