1. Volume 04 Issue 04 November - 2013
6
Healthy calves and heifers are an integral part of the farm profits. Maintaining their good health and effective
raisingareimportant forimproving the reproductiveefficiencyand thereforemanaging the farmprofitably.
on Veterinary Education in Indiaon ReproductionFacilitating Growth of Animal Husbandry Sector The Lever to Agriculture Growth
NAVS & RAJUVAS Workshop
Milking by knuckling thumb
causes fibrosis of teats
Milking by knuckling thumb
causes fibrosis of teats
Women and Livestock Global Agri Connect 2013
Managing Livestock Profitably
in Winter Season.
Today's successful dairy operation recognizes that heifers
are an important investment in the future. They place high
value on the heifer and regard it as a managed resource,
whether raised on the farm or contract grown.
Unfortunately, on many farms, the dairy heifer is the most
overlooked and under managed asset on the farm.
The main goal for managing replacement heifers is to
freshen them between 22 and 24 months of age to reduce
expenditures and to increase total milk production. This
can be accomplished through good nutrition and sound
animalmanagementpractices.
Feed a lower cost source of liquid feed to young calves.
Depending on a variety of aspects available to the farmer,
changing from whole milk to other liquid feeds can be cost
effective. Milk replacers are often about 50-60 percent of
the cost of feeding whole milk, if salablemilk is fed.Where
farms are set up for feeding waste milk and colostrum in a
National Symposium 2013
2 4 5
Heifer Management & Nutrition
Key to Farm Profits
Ayurvet, an organization which has innovation encrypted
in its genes, floating in the protoplasmic fluid of
knowledge, sieved through the tools of science and
technology has propounded the concept of “ Integrating
Livestock & Agriculture” , using the available resources
under Ayurvet 5F Programme. This programme defines
sustainable integration of Food, Feed, Fodder, Fertilizer &
Fuelforthebenefitofallstakeholders.
Considering the same, The Ayurvet Knowledge
Symposium on the theme of “Integration of Livestock
sectors for improving the farm profits and food
security” was organized in collaboration with Ayurvet
th
Research Foundation on 19 October 2013 at PHD
Chamber of Commerce and Industry, PHD House, New
Delhi. This symposium provided platform to scientists,
nutritionists, agriculturist, feed industry professionals and
farmers of Livestock and Agriculture sectors to share and
deliberatetheseissues towards possiblesolutions.
This initiative of Ayurvet to share knowledge and
addressing modern research in the area of Integrated
Approach of Livestock & Agriculture sustainably was in
Releaseofsouvenirbythedignitaries(L-R)Dr.P.N.Bhat,Dr.A.K.Gahlot,Lt.Gen.N.
S.Kanwar,Shri.PradipBurman,Dr.A.K.Srivastava,Mr.HarishDamodaran
Contd. on page 2
Ayurvet Knowledge Symposium 2013
Effects of Nutrition
3
DearVets,
The Indian livestock are majorly reared
for milk production. Some of the
leading and innovative farmers have
shared that milk is secondary to them, while cowdung
has became the primary product. In any case, the
health of rumen is very important for production of
milkandcowdung.
It has been estimated by Indian Grassland and Fodder
Research Institute that by 2020 fodder deficiency in
India would increase up to 64% for green and 25% dry
fodder. Cost effective feeding would continue to be a
big challenge in near future too. In such situation
optimizing the rumen function would help in
enhancing the production of the livestock. A 5-10
unit's increase in digestibility of fibrous forage can
lead to 100 %increase in productivity.
Supplementation strategies, combine with
technology for increasing forage digestibility could
potentiallyincreasetheproductivity.
Ayurvet has taken certain initiatives in this direction.
We shall be glad to hear your views towards
optimizing the rumen functions for improving farm
profits.
Wishing you and your family a very happy Christmas
andNewYear2014.
the line with our commitments towards addressing the
triplebottomlineprofits&inclusivegrowth.
The symposium dwelled upon the efforts to find out
innovative solutions using modern scientific tools for
creating value in agriculture and livestock food
production system, so as to address soil and human
health.
The symposium was graced by Lt. Gen. N. S. Kanwar
(DirectorGeneral RVS - Ministry of Defence-Army)
as the Chief Guest. Dr.A.K. Srivastava (Director and
safe and easy manner, this can be even more cost
effective.Waste milk systems are not without problems or
increases in management, however many farms can
handle the additional problems that arise. Waste milk and
colostrum must be fed in a consistent manner to avoid
health problems, and if possible, pasteurized to minimize
anyhealthproblemsanddiseasetransfer.
Other areas of focus include genetic improvements. This
can be made through a well planned and thought out
breeding program. Maintaining a good health program
during the heifer-raising period is important. This includes
vaccinations,deworming,andanynecessarytreatments.
Timely
Growth
Increased
Productivity
Better
health
Helps in
controlling
mortality
Timely
development
of Rumen
AYURVET NAVEEN CALF STARTER
vk;qosZV dk iDdk oknk&LoLFk gks cNM+s] o`f) gks T;knk
Contd. on page 5

2. NOVEMBER ISSUE 2013
ASK THE EXPERT
Q.Is hormonal therapy is the best alternative to treat
anoestrus? Mohd. Rafi, Meerut
A. The hormonal therapy should be adopted as the last
alternative to treat anoestrus. It is not only costly for
the dairy farmers but also is effective only when the
nutritional status and the management of dairy
animals is well in place. There are some effective
herbal options available in the market which offer a
good solution for the problem of anoestrus. One of
the most effective herbal combination available is
the use of Exapar (Uterine Cleanser and
Restorative), Janova (For Inducing Ovulatory
Oestrus) and Mintrus ( Trace Mineral Caplets)
combination which not only helps to bring animal
into true heat but also pronounces the symptoms of
heat. This combination acts in multiple ways of
cleansing the uterus, correcting hormonal imbalance
and supplementing the deficit of trace minerals
requiredtobringanimalsintotrueheat.
Q.How can the animal waste can be used for
generationofpower? RajeevKhare,Bhopal
A. Animal waste can be used in generation of power by
converting waste into biogas. Through biogas
technology, animal waste can be used as feed for
biogas plant for biogas generation. As biogas
consists of 50-60% of methane gas, which can be
used inbiogasgenerationforpowergeneration.
Biogas is used as fuel for genset as a inflammable
methane gas undergoes combustion process which
resultsinpowergeneration.
Depending upon the size of biogas plant and
efficiency of biogas genset, 1 cubic biogas can
generateupto2 unitsofelectricity.
Q.What are the main causes of infertility in dairy
animals? MeenaPawar,Gaziabad
A. Infertilityismainlycausedbyfollowingreasons;
a)Nutritionalimbalance
b)ReproductivetractInfections
c)Congenitalabnormalities
d)Hormonalimbalance
e)Managementerrors
Q.What is Hydroponics technology and what are its
benefits? Naresh, Kota
A. Hydroponics is the science of soilless growing of
plants in nutrient rich solutions with very little
water. It is a technique where the physiological
requirements of plants can be met without use of soil
or natural sunlight. Hydroponics techniques have
proven it to be very useful and efficient for producing
food for livestock. The food that is available is free
from undesirable materials such as weeds, insects,
dust, insecticides,germicides,carcinogens.
BenefitsofHydroponics technology-
1.Savingofwater
2.Marginallandusage
3.Reductioningrowth time
4.Reducedlabourrequirement
5.Constantfeedsupply
6.Enhancementofnutritionalvalue
7.Completelynatural
Q.What is the average age of 1st calving in cattle in
Indian conditions? Pradeep,Saharanpur
A. The average age of first calving in cows in Indian
conditions ranges from 24-36 months. This may
extend another 6-12 month in buffaloes. This can
however this corrected with good management and
nutrition.Needless to mention the genetic makeup of
thelivestockplaysanimportantrole.
Page 2
Vice Chancellor-NDRI Karnal), Dr. A. K. Gahlot (Vice
Chancellor- RAJUVAS, Bikaner) and Mr. Harish
Damodaran (Opinion Editor – The Hindu Business Line)
was graced the occasion as Eminent Speakers/ Guest of
Honour.
On this occasion, an in-house production film on journey
of Ayurvet major scientific breakthrough and theme film
titled ,”Bhagya Vidhata Part-II” was screened, which was
appreciatedby all.
Lt Gen Kanwar DG RVS, emphasized that there is an
urgent need to address the issue of soil fertility for
improving the production. He shared his experience how
he improved the fertility of the mares by feeding quality
green fodder which was grown after treating the soil with
vermicompost. He however emphasized that the research
done at the universities should be made available to
farmersunderLabtolandprogramme.
Dr. A.K. Srivastava, Director & Vice Chancellor,
NDRI, through his excellent presentation urged that
integration is the need of the hour and the models
developed by ICAR should be shared and adopted for
better farm produce and sustainable development. He also
emphasized that the feed and fodder are the concern areas
andsomethingshould bedonetoaddressthesituation.
Dr. A.K. Gahlot, Vice Chancellor, RAJUVAS, shared
RAJUVAS model of integration and appreciated the
initiative of Ayurvet in Hydroponics for producing quality
green feed. He mentioned that his university is ready for
any PPP mode programme towards sustainable
development. He said it is because of this integration in
Rajasthan, there are suicides in Rajasthan even after the
droughts inthestate.
Sh. Harish Damodaran, Print Editor Hindu Business
Line, questioned that can that dairy farming made into an
independent business for farm profits. He argued can we
not feed the animals right, and not link it with agriculture.
He however urged that the sustainable operations are need
of thehour.
Speaking on the occasion Sh Pradip Burman, Chairman
Ayurvet, emphasized the need of integration and the
Ayurvet5F modelinitiativesinthisdirection.
A special farmer's interaction session was organized for
sharing their experiences. This was chaired by Dr. P. N.
Bhat, Managing TrusteeARF. Many farmers and experts
shared their successful experience of integration in their
own way. Maj. Bhatia of Jindal group shared his
experience of feeding hydroponics to horses for improving
theirhealthandperformance.
Another learned farmer Mr. Pritam Singh from Haryana
shared his success story of using hydroponics paddy
nursery in his farm. He observed that the benefits he got
fromhydroponicsweresavingofwater,timeandlabour.
While thanking the guests, Mr. M. J. Saxena, Managing
Director, Ayurvet requested all the policy planners
especially the Director for looking into the opportunity of
working on the special course on 5Fs in NDRI. He also
assured Dr. Gahlot that Ayurvet would continue to work
with RAJUVAS in the areas of 5F. Mr. Saxena expressed
his confidence that the initiatives taken would results and
help in taking one step ahead in direction towards
sustainableintegration.
The symposium registered the impressive presence of
more than 150 delegates, which includes the senior
representatives from our own ICAR, AYUSH and State
Animal Husbandry Departments and media
representatives from Doordarshan and Akashwani were
distinguished guest during the occasion. The efforts of
Ayurvetwereappreciatedbyalltheeminentguests.
Ayurvet Annual Dinner was organized as a regular feature
followed by musical concert. The evening witnessed the
st th
release of the 21 Annual Report and 4 Sustainability
Report. The programme was attended by Ayurvet
employees and their family members along with the guests
fromIndustry,GovernmentInstitutesandMedia.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Pradip Burman, Chairman,
Ayurvet Limited appreciated the work of Ayurvet team
members and thanked all the stakeholders without whose
support the company could not have achieved the new
landmark.
Mr. Anand Mehrotra, Business Head (North & East India)
was awarded for his long service of 20 years withAyurvet.
This year another award for nurturing and motivating the
children of Ayurvet employees to perform better in their
studies was introduced, this has also motivated not only to
Ayurvet Employee but their children to prove themselves
asresponsibleandlearnedpersons.
Ayurvet Limited is scaling newer heights with its global
presence and many awards and honor to its credits.Ayurvet
i s n o w w o r k i n g
towards frontier
areas of technology
i n t e g r a t i o n o f
L i v e s t o c k ,
Agriculture and
H u m a n H e a l t h
through its unique
environment friendly
initiatives and it is
committed towards
building healthier
tomorrow.
The function was
marked by musical
concert by leading
well known artists,
which was enjoyed
by theguests.
Contd. from page 1Ayurvet Knowledge Symposium...
Mr.Pritam Singh a progressive farmer from Safidon, Haryana sharing his
experience about Ayurvet Hydroponic Paddy Nursery in his farm
Mr. Diwakar Sharma artist performing during the event.
st th
Release of Ayurvet 21 Annual Report and 4 Sustainability
Report by Shri Pradip Burman, Chairman and team Ayurvet
th th
46 Annual General Meeting & 55 National Symposium 2013
Contd. on page 4

3. Page 3
before or after calving. Not only is it costly, but animals with
excess body condition (BCS >7) have lower reproductive
performance and more calving difficulty than animals in
moderate body condition (BCS 5-6). Excessive energy
intakes during the late lactation and dry periods can lead to
“fat cow” problems. Cows that are over-conditioned when
theycalvehaveahigherincidenceofretainedplacenta,more
uterine infections and more cystic ovaries. They also have a
higher incidence of metabolic disorders and have a greater
tendency to go off feed. All of these problems can result in
poorreproductiveperformance.
Decreased duration ofestrus (Standing heat)
Increaseddoubleovulationrate(Increasedtwining)
Decreasedconceptionrate
IncreasedPregnancyloss
Schematic representation of the potential physiological
pathway that may produce the changes observed in high-
producinglactatingdairycows.
Protein
The effect of dietary protein on reproduction is complex.
Prolonged inadequate protein intake has been reported to
reduce reproductive performance. More recently it has
been found that reproductive performance may be
impaired if protein is fed in amounts that greatly exceed the
cow's requirements.
Over-feeding of DIP either as protein or urea has been
associated with decreased pregnancy rates in female dairy
and beef cattle. It appears that exposure to high levels of
ammonia or urea may impair maturation of oocyte and
subsequent fertilization or maturation of developing
embryos. However, supplying adequate energy for
excretion of excess ammonia or urea may prevent
decreases in fertility in dry cows or heifers. In addition, not
all studies have observed negative effects of elevated BUN
concentrations on embryo quality or pregnancy rates.
Overfeeding protein during the breeding season and early
gestation, particularly if the rumen receives an inadequate
supply of energy may be associated with decreased
fertility. This decrease in fertility may result from
decreased uterine pH during the luteal phase of the estrous
cycleincattlefedhighlevelsofdegradableprotein.
ResearchatOregonStateUniversityandinIsraelindicatedthat
cows fed excess protein (more than 10-15% above
requirements) required more services per conception and had
longer calving intervals. Other research has not indicated a
harmfuleffectoffeedinghighlevelsofprotein.Thus,itappears
thatexcessiveproteinmightbeharmfulinsomesituations,but
not in others. Some of the following effects have been
demonstrated to explain the poor reproduction sometimes
observedwithexcessivelevelsofproteininthediet:
High levels of blood urea may occur, which has a toxic
effectonthesperm,theova,andthedevelopingembryo.
The balance of hormones may be altered—progesterone
Effects of Nutrition on Reproduction-A Review
1 1 2
Yugal Raj Bindari , Sulochana Shrestha , Nabaraj Shrestha1 and Tara Nath Gaire
1
Himalayan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (HICAST), Gatthaghar-15,
2
Bhaktapur, Nepal Veterinary Officer, DLSO (Parbat), Nepal
Introduction:
The relationship between nutrition and reproduction is a
topic of increasing importance and concern among dairy
producers, veterinarians, feed dealers and extension
workers. The interaction between nutrition and
reproduction has long been known to have important
implications for the reproductive performance. Under
nutrition results in the loss of body weight and body
condition, delays the onset of puberty, increases the post-
partum interval to conception, interferes with normal
ovarian cyclicity by decreasing gonadotropin secretion
andincreasesinfertility.
Amore complete understanding of how and when nutrition
affects reproduction may provide an alternative approach
to managing reproduction in commercial systems that do
notdependon theuse ofexogenoushormones.
NutritionalFactorsAffectingReproduction:
Energy
Insufficient intake of energy, protein, vitamins, and micro-
and/or macro-minerals has all been associated with
suboptimal reproductive performance. Of these nutritional
effects on reproduction, energy balance is probably the
single most important nutritional factor related to poor
reproductivefunctioninanimals.
Short andAdams prioritized the metabolic use of available
energy in ruminants ranking each physiological state in
order of importance, as follows: 1) basal metabolism, 2)
activity, 3) growth, 4) energy reserves, 5) pregnancy, 6)
lactation, 7) additional energy reserves, 8) estrous cycles
and initiation of pregnancy, and 9) excess energy reserves.
Based on this list of metabolic priorities for energy,
reproductive function is compromised because available
energy is directed towards meeting minimum energy
reserves and milk production. Restricting energy intake
during late gestation increases the length of postpartum
anestrous and reduces subsequent pregnancy rate. The
impact of insufficient energy intake during late gestation
cannot be overcome by increasing energy intake
postpartum. The impact of a short-term increase in energy
intake (flushing) on the numbers of cows cycling or
pregnancy rate may be dependent on the previous
nutritional status of the cow. Reduction of energy demands
by short-term (48 hour) calf removal combined with
flushing can reduce days to estrus and improve conception
rates.
Excessive energy intake during late lactation and the dry
period can cause “fat cow” problems which lower
reproductive efficiency in the next lactation. When heifers
are fed inadequate amounts of energy, they reach sexual
maturity later. If energy deficient rations are fed to heifers
thathavebeguntohavenormalestrouscycles,theymaystop
cycling.An example is heifers fed diets composed mainly of
poor quality hay. They often will not show signs of estrus
during late winter. If grain is provided, or they are put on
good pasture, normal estrous cycle activity will resume as
they begin to consume adequate amounts of energy. Caution
should be used with feeding excessive amounts of nutrients
levelsarelowwhenthebloodcontainshighlevelsofurea.
In the early lactating cow, high levels of protein may
exacerbate the negative energy balance and delay the
returnofnormalovarianfunction.
Because forages, especially pasture, contain mostly DIP,
there has been interest in the use of undegradable intake
protein (UIP) or rumen by-pass protein to enhance beef
production. Missouri researchers reported that addition of
0.2 lbs. of blood meal increased average daily gains in
stocker steers. Work with gestating or early lactating cows
indicates that addition of rumen by-pass protein usually
decreases weight loss, slightly increases weight gain,
enhances milk production, and alters blood metabolites.
Lactation and body weight effects of UIP in postpartum
cows may be dependent on amount of UIP added to the
diet,parity,and/orproteincontentoftheforage.
However, regardless of a possible effect on reproductive
performance, overfeeding protein should be discouraged
simply on an economic basis. It is costly and wasteful.
Urea is added to some dairy rations as a source of nitrogen
which the rumen bacteria can convert into protein. Feeding
protein and urea, such that early lactating cows have a diet
containing 16% protein and late lactating cows have a diet
containing 12% protein, should optimize the fertility of the
cows. Extensive research has shown that reproduction is
notaffectedwhen ureaisfedatrecommendedlevels.
Fats
The impact of fats on reproduction in cattle is a focus of
considerable research. Because fatty acids and cholesterol
are substrates for hormone synthesis, increasing fat in the
diet may increase levels of reproductive hormones
(progesterone, prostaglandins) or fats may act directly on
thereproductiveaxis.
Therefore, the effects of fat may be independent of or
additive to those of increased energy availability. Cattle
diets usually contain less than 2 or 3% fat. Supplementing
fat to improve reproduction was initially attempted to
increase the energy density in the diet. High fat diets for
cattle contain 5% to 8% fat. Exceeding these dietary fat
levels impairs rumen function. Lactating cows are the
primary animals to be supplemented because of their
increased energy requirements, and the difficulty involved
with getting these cows rebred. It is important to note that
in all the studies discussed in this section, fat –fed animals
and control animals were receiving the same amount of
energy. Early studies indicated that feeding high fat diets to
cycling heifers and postpartum cows increased
progesterone production and the lifespan of the corpus
luteum (CL). Higher progesterone levels during the luteal
phase generally result in improved fertility. Increasing
dietary fat also results in increased follicular growth. More
small and medium follicles are present in cows and heifers
fed high fat diets. In addition, this increased follicular
growth is often accompanied by increased estrogen and/or
progesterone production.These changes in follicular growth
andhormoneproductionmayenhancereproduction.
Abstract
Nutrition plays a majorrole on enhancing reproductive efficiency in all animals. Energy and protein are the majornutrients required in the greatest amounts and should be in
the topmost priority in order to optimize reproduction in dairy cattle. Minerals and vitamins also cannot be neglected and must be balanced in the diet. In the other hand, the
nutrient should not be over-fed as this may also impairs the reproduction. This article generally focused on the effect of various nutrients on reproductive efficiency of dairy
cattle.Furthermore,articlealso describesthe negativeeffectsofnutrition when theyareoverfed.
NOVEMBER ISSUE 2013
Contd. in next issue

5. Page 5
In India livestock production is largely in the hands of
women. In fact, animal husbandry is becoming
increasinglyfeminised
The economic policies of both the Central and state
governments though have helped enhance and sustain
agricultural growth but have not been able to address
adequately the deeply entrenched economic and social
inequalities including the gender inequalities in the Indian
rural society. The reformist policies of liberalisation,
privatisation and globalisation of the recent years have
negatively impacted women and added to the problems
women already face in a deeply patriarchal, social milieu
with structured gender inequality along economic, social
andculturaldimensions.
Women are the custodian of household food security. They
are often the producers of agricultural products and
translate these products into food and nutrition security of
their households. When women have income sources ,they
spend most of it on the education and nutrition of their
children. Fuelled by a growing population, rising income
and rapid urbanisation, the demand for livestock products
is rising.
And with increasing globalisation of agri-food markets,
livestock producers are now exposed to global
competition. This has transformed the national and global
market pull into an engine for generating sectoral and
In India livestock production is largely in the hands of women. In fact, animal husbandry is becoming increasingly feminised. The economic policies of both the Central and
state governments though have helped enhance and sustain agricultural growth but have not been able to address adequately the deeply entrenched economic and social
inequalitiesincluding thegenderinequalitiesin the Indian ruralsociety.
Women and livestock
Dr. V.K. Taneja
Hon'ble Vice Chancellor, GADVASU, Ludhiana
national competitive advantage, and create conditions
which compel and enable sectoral decision-makers to
creatively utilise the opportunities offered by the new
economic environment to establish competitive advantage
not only at the farm-level but also at the industry levels,
making India a leading player in global livestock product
market through sustained and all round improvements in
quality and efficiency. Gainfully participation of women in
the process of growth and modernisation of the livestock
sector would necessitate promoting gender sensitive
institutional, legal and technological change that promotes
productivity,excellenceandcompetitiveadvantage.
In India livestock production is largely in the hands of
women. In fact animal husbandry is becoming feminised.
The share of women in the total agricultural workforce
increased from 70.5 per cent in 1993-94 to 76.6 percent in
2004-05. This proportion is as high as more than 90 per
cent in states like Punjab and Haryana where animal
husbandry is more commercialised and engages more than
40 per cent of the total agricultural work force. Most of the
animal farming activities such as fodder collection,
feeding, watering, and health care, management, milking
and household-level processing, value addition and
marketingareperformedbywomen.
Livestock are important for their livelihood culture and
they have limited alternative opportunities for
employment. However, women have little resources to
improve animal productivity, to manage risk and buy good
quality animals which could respond to inputs for
productivity enhancement. At the same time, poverty
reduction requires paradigm shifts through which the
under-privileged should be enabled to earn better and
gradually grow out of subsistence system through
application of appropriate technology, skills, market
linkages, information and service. Despite their
considerable involvement and contribution, significant
gender inequalities also exist in access to technologies,
credit,
information, inputs and services probably because of
inequities in ownership of productive assets including land
and livestock. The rapidly increasing demand for livestock
products creates opportunities for empowerment of
women. Harnessing these, however, would require
addressing constraints that women face along the value
chain through appropriate policies and institutional
arrangements.
Major approach and effort should be to enhance women's
access to livestock assets as to enable them to avail benefits
of various livestock development programmes and
policies. This may include evolving women self-help
groups or women livestock producers' association for
availing credit for securing livestock and inputs; insurance
to manage risk, and inputs and services to improving
animal productivity. Procedural requirements to avail
policy benefits may be relaxed for women livestock
keepers e.g. doing away with collateral requirement in
accessing credit; and targets of women participation may
be fixed for the implementing agencies. Women may also
be provided additional incentives in terms of subsidies on
interest rates and insurance premium, entrepreneurship
along the livestock value chain including production,
processing and marketing as to enable them to face the
emergingchallengesinproductionandmarketing.
Besides, women being closely associated with animal
husbandry have a better understanding and knowledge of
animal behaviour in respect of reproduction, feeding,
symptomatic changes in animal health and response to
external factors. It is suggested to enhance women's skill in
NOVEMBER ISSUE 2013
Feed high quality and palatable concentrates to
youngeranimals.
This means feeding the best quality calf starters and calf
starters and calf growers to the young calves.Ahigh quality
starter, one with no mold, no dust, with a good texture, high
levels of nutrients, and plenty of molasses and or flavoring
agents, will make a dramatic impact on early starter and dry
matter intake. Optimizing starter intake will allow calves to
grow at higher rates of gain and will allow for earlier
weaning ages. Typically, calves need 1.5 to 2 pounds of
grain per day for at least three days prior to weaning. Once
weaned, calves require significantly less labor and if they
continue to grow at rapid rates, will be much more
economicalperpound ofgainthenwhen fedliquiddiets.
Analyze forages and run ration formulations for
allgroups.
Since forages make up a large part of heifer diets, they
must be sampled and analyzed for nutrient content in
order to achieve balanced diets for these animals.
Slightly or severely misbalance diets will not be
utilized nearly as well as those that are balanced.
When forages make up a large part of the diet, even a
small difference between estimated and actual
analysis will be costly. In addition, allocating forages
to the various age groups that will best utilize them is
an aspect of forage feeding that can be cost effective.
For example, high protein forages should be fed to
younger aged heifers that have a high protein
requirement. Lower protein forages should be fed to
older aged heifers with lower protein requirements and
increasedgutcapacityforlessnutrientdenseforages.
Monitor group size and age/weight spreads within
groups.
This aspect of heifer feeding management means
monitoring the different ages and sizes of heifers
within a group, and how well their nutrient needs are
being met by the diet for that group. Smaller heifers
will tend to under-consume and larger heifers will
over-consume rations if grouped together and fed a
restricteddiet
Use proven feed additives to improve growth and
feedefficiency.
The use of ionophores has proven effective in
improving feed efficiency and/or growth rates of
heifers. This improvement is in the range of 5 to 7
percent or more, and is well documented in the
scientific literature. These compounds also have other
benefits for the dairy heifer including control of
coccidiosis. The cost/benefit ratio is extremely
favorableinusing thesecompounds.
Keepweightgains steady.
Often farmers get heifers too fat or too large early in
life and cause these animals to require more nutrients
to be needed for maintenance later in life when their
growth rates are less. Unless rapid early growth is used
with earlier calving, this practice is not as efficient as
raising heifers at a steady rate of gain as needed for the
desired age and weight at calving. Growing heifers too
slowly in early life is also expensive as it requires
Contd. from page 1Heifer Management
Contd. on page 8...
Appelite Stimulant & Digetive Tonic
more nutrients in later stages of heifer development,
increases age at calving, or reduces body weight at
calving. All of these are detrimental to overall heifer
economics.
Research has consistently demon-strated that rate of
gain greater than 1.8 pounds per day before nine
months of age will cause a decrease in first lactation
milk production.After nine months of age, increasing
growth rate to 2 pounds per day or more will achieve
largersizeheifersatcalving.
Heifer raising costs can be great if they are not
controlled and evaluated given the farm and the
required end product. Periodic monitoring of heifer
economicswillpaygreatreturnsfor dairyfarmers.

6. WaterResourceson25thOctober2013.
NSFI in association with IARI took the initiative to organize
thethirdeditionontheabovethemewiththeableguidanceof
industry experts such as Dr. M. S. Swaminathan, M. P.
Rajya Sabha, Dr. S. Ayyappan, D.G. ICAR & Secretary,
DARE,Dr.H.S.Gupta,Director,IARI.
Speaking on the occasion Mr.M.J.Saxena shared with the
delegates the importance of knowledge and skill
development. He expressed that in the traditional system
the wisdom existed for effectively utilizing the trained
manpower and to train young resource towards resource
generation. He pointed out, that the system and the policies
needs to be tuned towards developing the resource at rural
level with focus on livestock and agriculture, failing which
there will be migration of rural youth towards cities leading
to great imbalance. The efforts of team Ayurvet for their
initiatives for displayed at stall were appreciated by the
guests andvisitors.
Page 6 NOVEMBER ISSUE 2013
Global Agri Connect is a flagship programme of National
Skills Foundation of India (NSFI) organized every year.
The third edition of Global Agri Connect (2013) was held
th th
during 25 –27 October 2013 at BP Pal Auditorium and
Exhibition Ground, IARI, New Delhi. This platform
provided an opportunity to various stakeholders of
Agriculture industry to discuss and deliberate, build
awareness, develop understanding on various dimensions
of the theme “Evolving Skill Dimensions: The Lever to
Agriculture Growth". The three principal features of the
event included “Conference, Krishi Gosthi and
Exhibition” that provided opportunity to farmers and other
stakeholders to benefit from the display and
demonstrations of the best practices and technologies in
agriculturefromstatesacrossthecountry.
The conference was inaugurated by Shri. Sompal Shastry,
Hon'ble Former Minister of State for Agriculture and
Global Agri Connect 2013
Evolving Skill Dimensions
Increasing Farm Production will
up Food, Nutrition Security
Ayurvet Congratulates Dr. Amrita
Patel, Chairperson, NDDB
News and Views
Mr. M.J. Saxena amongst the panelists on the dias
Ayurvet team at stall
Agriculture and food processing industries Hon'ble
Union Agriculture Minister, Shri Sharad Pawar
emphasised that the only long term solutions to ensuring
food and nutrition security lay in increasing food and
nutrition security lay in increasing farm production. Shri.
Sharad Pawar said that this in an official statement released
on the occasion of World Food Day. In his message, the
Minster called for promoting sustainable food systems.
Since sustainability of the farm sector depends to a great
degree on the performance of small and marginal farmers,
the government has taken a number of initiatives keeping
in view these farmers and other beneficiaries especially
womenandchildren,theMinisterstated.
Shri. Sharad Pawar said, “World Food Day is obsereved all
over the world every year on 16th October to mark the
founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the
United Nations. The basic idea of observing this Day is to
raise public awareness about the plight of the hungry and
malnourished people all over the world and to encourage all
concernedtotakeconcreteactiontotackleandovercomethe
menace of hunger. The theme selected for World Food Day
thisyearis“SustainableFoodSystemsforFoodSecurityand
Nutrition.” He added, “The only long term solution to
ensuring food and nutritional security in the country lies in
increasing production and productivity in the agriculture
sector with diverse and integrated farming systems to
provide nutritious diets to each and every citizen. Rapid
industrialisation and urbanisation in the country has reduced
the availability of natural resources such as land and water
for growing food. It is therefore imperative to utilise the
limited resources available for sustainable supply of food to
the every increasing population of the country through
efficientandeffectivepolicies.
The Hon'ble Minister pointed out, “ While ensuring the
sustainability of our food systems, we have to not only
produce nutritious food for our present population but also
protect the capacity to feed the future generations.
Sustainable food systems require a commitment from food
producers as well as food consumers to use resources
efficientlyateverystagegettingthemostoutofeverydropof
water, inch of land, grin of fertiliser and minute of labour.
Sustainabilitycanalsobeimprovedbturningwasteproducts
into valuable fertiliser or energy and also by minimisation of
food losses and waste. The future of sustainable agricultural
growth and food security in India is dependent to a great
degreeontheperformanceofsmallandmarginalfarmers.
Dr. Amrita Patel, Chairperson, of
Anand – Headquartered National
Dairy Development Board
(NDDB) which markets milk and
milk products under the Mother
Dairy brand, was conferred with
the Agriculture Leadership
Award 2013 for Lifetime
Achievement. 'Agriculture Leadership Awards, instituted
by Agriculture Today, a National Agriculture Magazine
recognizes the leadership roles played by individuals and
institutions which are positively impacting the lives of
farmers and rural masses. While accepting the award, Dr.
Amrita Patel said that “The credit for impressive growth in
dairying must indeed go the women in our rural areas,
whose labours have resulted in our country, emerge as the
largest milk producing nation in the world. The
cooperative institution is the only institution on the basis of
which dairying as an economic activity can ensure that
smallproducersarenotmarginalised.”
Ayurvet team would like to wish Dr.Amrita Patel on her
grandsuccess.
DMA (Delhi Management Association) and IBA (Indus
th th
BusinessAcademy)organized5 MegaHRConclaveon10
October, 2013 at Hotel Fortune Select Global, Gurgaon.
The theme of the one day conclave was "High Performance
Organizations: HR as a Catalyst”. First of its kind, the HR
conclave invited participants not only from HR field but also
peopleworkingincross-functionaldepartments.
The conclave was divided into four interactive sessions as
mentionedbelow:
Strategic Recombination: Innovative Positioning &
Change Architecture -The speakers stressed on how
strategically HR can infuse innovative thinking in
organizational set up by correct positioning and architecture
tosupportHighPerformanceOrganizations(HPOs).
Values, Ethics and CSR; Redefined role and
responsibilities - The speakers focussed on the emerging
role of core values, business ethics and CSR in the current
businessscenarioanditsimpactonorganizations.
HPO's indices–CEO's Perspective & Expectations-
This session was intended on exploring key indicators of
HPOs from the perspective of business leaders and
definingtheexpectationsthatbusiness hasfromHR.
Cyber Competence: Role of HR in Enhancing Cyber
Law-Thissessionwashighlyinsightful,thoughtprovoking
and based on a theme which is emerging as major area of
concernforHRandtheorganizationasawhole.
In the High Performing Organizations session, Dr.Anup
Kalra was invited as one of the panelist. The group focused
and explored that in the current business perspective the
HPOs should look at developing the competence of the team
members and delegate the responsibilities to perform and
excel.The panelist also emphasized that the young members
of the team should be given additional responsibilities and
guidethemtoexcelintheirownandbusinessinterest.
The conclave was convened by Dr.Ekta Saxena, Head &
Faculty In-Charge Corporate Relations, Indus Business
Academy and Member Council, DMA. Several high profile
delegates and representatives from different industries graced
theeventwiththeirpresence.
Dr. Anup Kalra amongst the panelist
th
DMA & IBA 5 Mega HR Conclave
A World Bank research report has batted for a diary dung
energy policy in India to foster socio-economic
development through increased incomes and biogas
sterilization. It added a proper policy in this regard could
create 1.9 million full-time jobs. Between 2009 and 2012,
million full-time jobs. Between 2009 and 2012, the global
environmental goods and services (EGS) industry has
grown 10.5 percent to $858 billion in revenue, says the
report, Greeting global Value Chains: Some
Implementation Challenges. The US accounts for 38
percent of the global EGS industry, Japan 17 percent,
China three percent and India 2.5 percent. The report says
despite the recent economic downturn, employment in
EGS related activities has fared well. The EGS industry
employs about 1.7 million people and accounts for 2.7
percent of gross domestic product in the US and Europe.
Through developed countries have been net exporters of
EGS, with growth in exporters such as Brazil, China and
India, the trade was becoming more
balanced, the report added. It said a
dairy dung energy policy would foster
greener supply chains and socio-
economic development, provide basic
energy needs and help tackle key dairy
quantity and quality bottlenecks in India through increased
income and biogas sterilization. “Cow dung drives a
shadow economy of national importance, employing, most
informally, hald. The number of workers in the dairy
sector. While a buffalo can produce up to 15 litres of milk
daily, it also produces 30 kg of dung, equivalent to three
litres of crude oil, “the report said. It added through,
40,0000 jobs might be lost in low-productivity dung cake-
making, with the right transition policies for those affected
(mostly women dung cake makers), they could be retrained
and re-employed in the production of organic fertilizer
fromtheslurryofthebiogasplants.
World Bank Bats for Dairy Dung Energy Policy in India

7. to lose weight soon enter a downward spiral the more
weight (fat) they lose, the less insulation they have, the
more susceptible they are to further cold stress, and they
los weightevenfaster.
Cows, and especially heifers that lose weight, calve in poor
condition. The consequences are increased calving
difficulties, weak calves and higher calf mortality. These
dams produce a reduced amount of colostrums (of lower
quality) and have lower milk production, increased
neonatal mortality and reduced growth rate in surviving
calves. These cows usually have delayed return to estrus,
longerdays openandpoorerreproductivesuccess.
Keymanagementfactorstolimittheeffectsofcoldstress:
 Monitor temperature and increase feeding inWeather:
response to cold weather. Cows in the last trimester
require additional grain feeding during periods when the
effectivetemperaturefallsbelowthelowercriticallevel.
 Protect animals from the wind. Wind markedlyWind:
reduces the effective temperature, increasing cold stress
on animals.
 Providing adequate dry bedding makes aBed:
significant difference in the ability of cattle to withstand
coldstress.
 Keep cows clean and dry. Wet coats haveWet coats:
greatly reduced insulating properties and make cows
more susceptible to cold stress. Mud-caked coats also
reducetheinsulatingpropertiesofthehair.
 Provide additional feed. Feed more hay and grain.Feed :
Ifwetfeedsarefed,makesuretheyarenotfrozen.
 Make sure cows have ample water available atWater :
all times. Limiting water will limit feed intake and make
it more difficult for cows to meet their energy
requirements. Frozen troughs and excessively cold
waterseriouslylimitwaterintake.
We can't control the weather but we can do everything
reasonably possible to reduce the effects of cold on cows.
This will help reduce costs and improve production
efficiency.
Page 7
Strategies to Combat Cold Stress
Nazam Khan, Ajaz. A. Ganie, Sanjay Sawant, and Madhu Suman
Dairy Cattle Nutrition Division, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal (Haryana), India
IMPORTANCE OF TIMELY
PREGNANCY
some air movement through the windbreak to prevent
excessive drifting in front of the shelter, which adds to
snow buildupandmoistureinpens.
Cows have access to higher quality feed and/or increased
intake,andthereforemaintaintheirbodyweight.
Cows try to increase feed intake in an effort to meet their
energy requirements. Given the opportunity and gut
capacity,cowswilleatmorefeedtohelpmeettheirincreased
energy demands. Practically, it is usually expedient to feed
grain as well.This increases feed costs, increasing the cost of
keeping cows, however the expectation is that cows will
maintain their body weight. It is generally accepted that for
every 1°C drop below the lower critical temperature, there is
an approximately 2% increase in energy requirements. The
amounts of additional feed required for a cow under cold
stress can be calculated, but as a rule of thumb, a cow with a
drywintercoatshouldbefedtheadditionalfeedaspresented
inTablebelow.
Cows may not be able to eat the
amount of extra hay required to
maintain their body weight and
may have to be fed the indicated
amount of grain instead of
additional hay to meet their
energyrequirements.
Cows don't have increased feed
quality and intake and lose body
weight.
If cows are not fed additional
feed or the quality does not
allow them to eat enough to
meet their additional energy
requirements, body mass will be
“burned” to produce metabolic
heat. These cows lose weight as
both feed energy and stored fat
are diverted to maintain body
temperature and vital functions.
Cows in this situation that start
Proper feeding during cold weather is an important
management consideration in the dairies. Cold stress is the
result of temperature and wind speed. Cold stress in cattle
results when environmental conditions drives an animal
metabolic rate higher requiring more energy to sustain
basic metabolic functions. Severe weather during the
winter months can make previously balanced rations
unsuitable for the nutritional needs of the cattle. This can
lead to weight loss and reduced performance. Animals
exposed to cold weather require more energy to maintain
the rate of gain, body condition, and to maintain body
temperatures. The breed of animal, back fat thickness and
the stage of production have a huge influence on the energy
requirements of an animal during cold weather. Thicker
skinned animals have more insulation, reducing the
amount of additional energy that the animal requires. The
effects of cold stress increase when wind speed increases
and hair coat insulation value is reduced when wet or
muddy. Simple windbreaks, shelters, bush or bedding can
help cows cope with the extreme temperatures. Do not
force cattle into barns or enclosures during storms as the
chance of disease and getting wet increase, the longer they
remain in close quarters. Thin cows should be fed
differently than the fat cows making the best use of existing
feed inventories, as competition between cows often leads
to timid, smaller and younger cattle not receiving their fair
share. Cattle should be fed in the late afternoon or in the
early evening, because the incremental heat production is
at its maximum 4-6 hours after the feed is consumed.
Therefore, feeding late in the afternoon provides higher
amounts of heat from fermentation overnight when
temperaturesarelowest.
Cold mitigationstrategies:
One of the quickest method of minimizing cold stress is to
provide insulation or shelter for the animals. However, if
the bedding constitutes a fibrous feed source, cattle will
sometimes consume the bedding instead of their normal
high-energy diet, thereby reducing ME intake and
performance. Proper feedlot pen layout and design are also
crucial for minimizing effects of adverse climates. Proper
designs and strategic use of windbreaks is also warranted.
Feedlot cattle don't necessarily need wind protection in
moderate winters, however, if wind protection is provided,
it is best to place it outside the pen to prevent excessive
drifting of snow into the pens. Windbreaks will provide
protection downwind to a distance of 5-10 times their
height. Tree shelterbelts should be minimum of 25m from
fence lines, whereas other forms of protection, mainly
temporary, can be set closer. If a windbreak is located very
near to pens, it should have a 10-20% open space to allow
Proper feeding during cold weather is an important management consideration in the dairies.Animals exposed to cold
weatherrequiremoreenergytomaintaintherateofgain,bodycondition,andtomaintainbodytemperatures.Wecan't
control the weather but we can do everything reasonably possible to reduce the effects of cold on cows. This will help
reducecostsandimproveproductionefficiency.
An important step in successful dairy management is early
and reliable diagnosis of pregnancy status. Early diagnosis
of pregnancy in cattle is an important factor for
reproductive health management as well as for economic
productionincattlefarms.
Early detection of non pregnant cows before the second
estrous allows the management to make decisions before
the second estrous. Pregnancy diagnosis at a later stage
leads to loss of additional 18-24 days if the cow is not
pregnant. When the time of re insemination is reduced, the
reproductive performance of the dairy herd is improved.
Therefore timely pregnancy diagnosis remains a key factor
toimprovingreproductiveperformanceofthefarm.
In herds with poor reproductive performance, the
percentage of cows found pregnant at the time of
pregnancy diagnosis is less. This result in lower
conception rate as well as lower estrus detection rate in
cows that return to estrus before the pregnancy diagnosis is
scheduled. Early detection of non pregnancy should lead to
AYURVET SOLUTIONS FOR OPTIMUM GROWTH
& BOOSTING MILK PRODUCTION
Contd. on page 8
NOVEMBER ISSUE 2013
earlier intervention and consequently shorter, more
economicalcalvingintervals.
Along with timely pregnancy diagnosis, it is also
important that the cows that are diagnosed open are truly
non-pregnant; otherwise pregnant cows may be
inseminatedagain.
The economic advantages of pregnancy diagnosis depend

8. Publisher:M.J.Saxena
Editor:Dr.AnupKalra
EditorialBoard:Dr.PrafulVerma,Dr.AshishSachdeva&Dr.ShivendraDeora
Asstt.Editor:SwatiSrivastava
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Layout,Design:AmitBehl
EditorialOffice:AyurvetLimited,6thFloor,SagarPlazaBldg.LaxmiNagarDistt.Centre,VikasMarg,Delhi-110092
Tel:011-22455992-94,Fax:011-22455991
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Views expressed by individuals and contributors in the magazine are their own and not necessarily represent the view of
LIVESTOCK FUTURE and it does not accept any responsibility of any direct, indirect of consequential damage caused to any party due to view expressed by any or
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Page 8
LIVESTOCK FUTURE Bi-monthly magazine related to Livestock news for Veterinary Industry
Contd. from page 7
Contd. from page 5 Women and livestock...
IMPORTANCE OF TIMELY PREGNANCY....
Letter to Editor:
We solicit your articles and would appreciate if you could send in
your suggestions, queries and advice through post to Post Bag No.
AyurvetLimited-9292,DelhiorE-mailaddressedto:
swati@ayurvet.com, abehl@ayurvet.com,info@ayurvet.com
NOVEMBER ISSUE 2013
various aspects of animal breeding, health, feed and
nutrition, management and marketing. It is also imperative
to develop women's entrepreneurship in rearing of quality
calves and heifers, progeny testing and make appropriate
provisions for marketing of the calves and heifers.
Livestock focused institutions and industries such dairy
cooperatives and agribusiness and marketing firms should
be encouraged to have more of registered women members
orsuppliersofdairyproducts.
The production systems are highly internalised based mainly
on farm and family resources. To boost animal productivity
and income of the women there is a need for appropriation of
technologies that reduce drudgery to women and improve
animal health and nutrition. Improve women's access to
services through appropriate training programmes/
extension programmes as to enhance their capacity in clean
livestock production and livestock management to improve
resilienceoflivestocktoclimatechange.
Social entrepreneurship approach needs to be adopted and
accredited at the village level ,especially for ecologically
fragile areas. Developing common property resources
needs more of social engineering than technical expertise.
Based on the assessment of needs of empowering women
in ecological fragile environment, there is need for
improvement of animals that would niche well' with the
ecologically fragile regions. Besides, there is also a need to
correct gender bias in veterinary education, research and
service delivery systems as to enhance the effectiveness of
women-orientedlivestockdevelopmentprogrammes.
(The writer is the Vice Chancellor of Guru Angad Dev
Veterinary&AnimalSciencesUniversity,Ludhiana)
J kes
onseveralfactorssuchasthetimeafterinseminationwhenthe
diagnosis is performed, the accuracy of the diagnosis, the
efficiency of estrus detection, and the measures taken when
cows are found to be open. Earlier pregnancy diagnosis
decreasestimetore-inseminationofopencowswhichreduces
the calving interval for those cows. Timely pregnancy
diagnosisalsoensuresthathealthycowscalveat12-13months
intervaltooptimisetheirlifetimemilkproduction.
Pregnancy diagnosis also acts as an important tool for early
detection of reproductive problems. Also, pregnant animals
needachangeintheirfeedingscheduleaswellasmanagement
from early stage. Thus, timely pregnancy diagnosis becomes
indispensableforimprovingfarmprofits.
Importance ofEarlyPregnancy Diagnosis
To identify non-pregnant animals after breeding or
insemination
To reduce money spent in breeding programs and
hormonaltechniques
Tocertifyanimalsforinsurancepurpose
Toreducethecalvinginterval
Todetectvariousreproductivedisorders
Helps insynchronisationofestrous
Toassist theeconomicmanagementoflivestock
There are several ways of pregnancy detection in cattle.
Someofthemaregivenbelow:
Non return to estrous: The most important indicator of
pregnancy in cattle is non return to estrous. During
pregnancy, there is regression of corpus luteum which
prevents the animal from returning to estrous. If estrous
signs are not observed in the around 3 weeks after service
orinsemination,thecowis consideredtobepregnant.
Vaginal Examination: with the help of vaginal
speculum and light, the external os of cervix is observed
for the presence of cervical/pregnancy seal which is felt
like a gelatinous plug on touch. It develops by day 60 of
pregnancy and is different from normal cervical
secretionwhichis slimyandmoist.
Rectal Palpation: Palpation of the uterine contents
rectally is one of the most common methods used for
pregnancy diagnosis. Rectal examination is usually done
between35 and65dayspost service/AI.
Progesterone Assay: The progesterone secreted by
functional corpus luteum is required for maintenance of
pregnancy in cattle. It can be assayed in milk or plasma
around 24 days after service orAI. This method is useful
to eliminate the possibility of long estrous periods which
mightresultinfalsepositives.
Early Pregnancy Factor/ Early Conception Factor:
Early Conception Factor (ECF) is a pregnancy
associated glycoprotein found in pregnant cows. It can
be detected in serum or milk as early as 3 days after
service orAI, although more accurate results are obtained
if samples are collected after 7 – 8 days. ECF can be
detectedthroughRosetteInhibitionTest.
Pregnancy Specific Protein: PSP60 and PSPB can be
detected in cow serum by Radio ImmunoAssay (RIA) on
day28and24respectivelyofpregnancyincattle.
Bovine Pregnancy Associated Glycoprotein: It is
secreted from foetal cotyledon and can be detected in
serumofpregnantcowbyRIAafter42days ofpregnancy
Ultrasound Examination: In recent years, ultrasound
has been used to detect early pregnancy and to determine
embryo/foetal death. Ultrasound is a reliable and
relatively simple method of diagnosing pregnancy as
early as 26 days. Pregnancy can be detected earlier with
ultrasound in comparison to other methods.Thus, the rate
ofdetectionofearlyembryonicloss is alsohigher.
Milk output is likely to expand by 4.5 percent to reach a
record 140.6 million tonnes in 2014 calendar year on a
normal monsoon, increased demand for dairy products and
risingconsumerincome,says aUSDAreport.
Milk production in India, the world's largest producer and
consumer, is estimated to have declined marginally to
134.5 million tonnes in the current year, it added”. Strong
farm-gate prices and rising demand for value-added
products are stimulating increased milk production.
Growing private investment in dairy processing facilities
is providing further impetus,”' the US Department of
Agriculture(USDA) saidinitslatestreport.
Milk production is forecast to be at a record 140.6 million
tonnes in 2014 calendar year, while production of Non Fat
Dry Milk (NFDM) is likely to increase by 19,000 tonnes to
4,89,000 tonnes in the same period, it said. The USDA
estimated production of combined butter and ghee
(clarified butter) to increase approximately by 3 percent to
4.88 million tonnes in 2014, as against 4.74 million tonnes
this year. India's milk consumption is set to match with its
production level in 2014, while domestic consumption of
NFDM is pegged at 4,25,000 tonnes assuming increased
exports and little imports this year, the report said. Quoting
industry estimates, the USDA report said the India dairy
consumption market has grown at an annual rate of 6.8
percentoverthelastdecade.
“The major factors driving growth in milk consumption
are increased demand due to population growth, greater
affordability due to increased disposable incomes,
increasing awareness and availability of dairy through
retail and food service segments and increased consumer
interestinhighproteindiets,”thereportsaid.
Of the milk produced, 40 percent is used or consumed on-
farm, and 60 percent is sold. Industry sources report that of
milk sold 70 percent goes through the unorganized sector,
andonly30percentviatheorganizedsector,itadded.
India Likely to Produce 140.6 Million Tonnes Milk in 2014