#high-yield dairy breeds

[farmerstrend]

Boosting Kenya’s Dairy Sector: JKUAT and Tassels Farm Enter Partnership on Dairy Farming

“Discover how JKUAT’s partnership with Tassels Farming Ltd is transforming Kenya’s dairy sector through advanced training, modern infrastructure, and sustainable practices in agribusiness education.” “Explore the impact of JKUAT and TSL’s collaboration on Kenya’s dairy industry, focusing on high-yield breed development, practical farmer training, and sustainable dairy farming innovations.” “Learn…

[serpentface]

A kulustaig bull, the distinctive cattle landrace of the highlands.

Kulustaig have striking differences to other native cattle found across the Imperial Wardi claimed territory. Their aurochs ancestors were domesticated in a separate event from those found south of the Inner Seaways, and the broader cattle population kulustaig derived from may have trace bison genetics. The progenitors of this landrace were brought south across the Viper seaway by the ancestors of the contemporary Hill Tribes, and were gradually shaped into the kulustaig in adaption to the high altitudes, mild but dry summers, and cool/snowy wet seasons.

These cattle are mid-sized and stocky in build with large, broad faces, most distinguished by curly manes and 'beards' and thick, V-shaped horns. Genetically undiluted kulustaig are almost ubiquitously black, white, and/or gray, though breeding with other cattle has introduced a greater variety of coloration in contemporary stocks.

They are adapted to higher altitudes, having larger hearts and a bigger lung capacity than comparable lowland breeds, and grow thick, curly winter coats that allow for superior resistance to seasonally cooler temperatures. They can maintain condition on less food and lower-nutrition grasses than the average cattle, and are excellent instinctive foragers. This particular quality makes them attractive for crossbreeding efforts with cattle stock of the dry scrublands in the south of Imperial Wardin, though most of their other traits are highly unfavorable for hot, low altitude environments, and scrub-kulustaig hybrids with idealized traits are rare (and highly sought after as studs).

These are all-purpose cattle that can adequately fulfill roles as meat, draft, and dairy animals, though the latter role has the most importance in day to day life, and they show the most selection for milk production (though are not as high-yield as pure dairy breeds). Their meat is mostly lean and somewhat gamey, as they rely more on thick winter coats than fat stores to manage cold, and the vast majority subsist entirely on wild grasses and forage.

Most kulustaig have fairly calm, gentle temperaments, and accommodate well to human handling (it is not uncommon for cows and geldings to be passively ridden by herders otherwise traveling on foot). Their herds have strong, well defined, and stable dominance hierarchy structures, which reduces actual fighting and lends to them being more easily managed by their human herders. In most traditions, the dominant female in each herd is regarded as blessed by and belonging to the agricultural goddess Od, and will not be milked or slaughtered (this untouchable status is often maintained even if the cow's rank in the hierarchy is displaced, though traditions vary).

Bulls are almost ubiquitously given personal names by their owners (the honor often belonging to a family or clan's matriarch, who is generally considered the owner of the herd and other familial assets), while other traditions vary between just the bulls and dominant cows, personal favorites, or entire herds receiving names.

These cattle are of tremendous importance to the peoples of the highlands (particularly tribes and/or individual clans living above the river valleys, who fundamentally rely upon them for subsistence). They provide much of the meat and dairy that the core diet revolves around, and are the greatest measure of wealth within the highlands. Non-native cattle can be commonly found in parts of the highlands in the contemporary (and may be bred in to impart unique qualities to established stock, such as improved milk production or fattier meat), but kulustaig are typically prized above all the rest. These cattle are often a source of great pride for individual clans, and one of few agreed upon markers of shared identity and pride for all of the collective Hill Tribes.

Cattle raiding is a near-ubiquitous practice (both as a practical resource acquisition, and a less immediately lethal method of settling larger disputes than open warfare), and most cattle will be branded with a mark identifying their owning clan as a method of dissuading theft (often futile, particularly given cattle marked as belonging to certain wealthy clans may be especially prized). Nose rings are commonly used to assist in the handling of bulls, but have secondary protective functions that lend to their common use in even the most docile of cattle. Rings are usually blessed or have spells woven into their making as a supernatural barrier against theft, or against malicious (or at least devious) mountain spirits such as tiirgranul (who take pleasure in frightening cattle (and their herders) and are known to cause stampedes) or wildfolk (who are known to sometimes steal or curse cattle when offended, or just bored).

The word kulustaig derives from the common word 'taig'/'taigr', which refers to cattle in the contemporary languages of both the Hill Tribes and Finns, and the 'kul' root (heavily antiquated and not used in contemporary speech, most commonly recognizable in the name of the kulys plant), which has connotations of hardiness/robust qualities. The name would have derived from complimentary descriptions of the animals as 'the best and most robust of cattle'.

[horsesarecreatures]

Are we still breeding or are we just multiplying?

At the VZAP general meeting, the agricultural scientist Andreas Perner gave an interesting lecture on current problems in purebred Arabian breeding, which we used as an opportunity for the following interview. This is about undesirable developments in Arabian breeding, which have arisen primarily through specialization and selection on individual characteristics, and he sees parallels in cattle breeding where the changes are scientifically substantiated.

IN THE FOCUS: Mr. Perner, in your presentation at the VZAP general meeting you pointed out some parallels that exist between cattle and horse breeding. Why should we concern ourselves with cattle when we are actually interested in horses?

Andreas Perner: Because there are numerous parallels. The primitive cattle were characterized by an enormous chest cavity with plenty of space for the organs, relatively fine legs and a pelvic shape with a high sacrum so that birth could proceed quickly. Through breeding selection, a major change in this appearance has taken place over the last 100 years, including extreme specialization in beef and dairy cattle. Since cows as farm animals have long been the focus of science, one also has easy access to data, e.g. milk yield, slaughter weight, but also bone measurements, etc., which can also be used to document such changes. In animal breeding, a distinction is made between two constitution types: the asthenic and the athletic. The representatives of the Holstein cattle, a highly specialized breed of dairy cattle, today almost exclusively belong to the asthenic constitutional type: large, tall and narrow, i.e. less space in the chest for the organs, rather poor feed conversion, etc. Male calves of this breed are so weak in the muscle development that they no longer have any economic (slaughter) value. Before this extreme specialization in milk production, this breed corresponded to a dual-purpose cattle (milk and meat) and thus more of the athletic constitution type, which has become very rare today. One can definitely draw parallels here with Arabian breeding, where the Arabian show horse was bred through specialization – and became also an asthenic, tall, long-legged, with little depth to the trunk. And among Arabians, too, the athlete, the medium-sized, broad, deep-rumped Arabian of the “old type” who is also a good feed converter, is becoming increasingly rare. From a population genetic point of view, this is a major catastrophe and countermeasures must be taken.

IN THE FOCUS: If we ignore the outside appearance, i.e. the conformation – are there any other changes that have occurred as a result of this specialization?

A. P.: In the last 30-40 years, dairy cattle have increasingly been bred for maximum performance (milk production) in the young animals, i.e. there has been conscious selection for early maturity. This has resulted in serious changes in the animals: through selection for early maturity, the useful life has been extremely shortened due to high susceptibility to disease and fertility problems – the latter is the main cause of loss in cattle breeding. This can also be proven with figures: In Germany today a cow has an average of 2.4 calves, but biologically it can have 14-15 calves. The “useful life” of cows is now at an all-time low. The selection for early maturity also has an impact on the quality of the claws: the early maturing animals need claw care three times a year, because the claws are soft and grow very quickly. In contrast, slow, long-lasting growth – i.e. late maturity – ensures healthy development of the entire organism and a long lifespan. Late-maturing cattle only need hoof care once a year, sometimes only every two years, because they have extremely good, strong hoof horn. All this can also be transferred to the horse, because the horse’s hoof horn is also of better quality in late-maturing animals. This all depends on the high quality of the connective tissue. If you breed late-maturing animals, they often look underdeveloped when they are young and breeders often do not recognize their true quality. It is also a feature of breeding for longevity that it produces healthier animals, which statistically incur significantly less veterinary costs (i.e. only a quarter of the costs) in cattle breeding. Here, too, the parallels to horse breeding seem clear to me: the late-maturing types have no chance at shows in the junior classes, which is why show horse breeding promotes the early-maturing type. Late maturing horses often look like “ugly ducklings”, but often they only become “beautiful swans” when they are 6 years old or older. Egyptian breeding has had this problem for a long time, which is why you see fewer and fewer Egyptians at international shows or they have their own shows where they are not in competition with the early-maturing “show horses”.

IN THE FOCUS: When you say that a late-maturing horse is characterized by long-term growth, which then ensures healthy development of the entire organism and a long lifespan, the Russians come to mind. But it is precisely these that are tested on the racetrack very early, as early as two-year-olds. Isn’t that a contradiction?

A. P.: As far as I know, the two-year-old horses are prepared very carefully for the racetrack and the trainers make sure that they are not overstrained. The horses also have time to develop further – they are encouraged to exercise without being overstrained. As a result, they develop better, become wider in the chest, more muscular overall, the entire organism becomes stronger, etc. But ultimately what matters is: How old do the horses get in good health – and therefore without major veterinary costs? And in the case of breeding animals there is also the question: How good is their fertility? There are Russian stallions with racetrack careers who are still mating naturally at the age of 28, mares who still have foals at well over 20 years of age, and the Arabian mare Nefta in Pompadour, France, had one foal every year between 1975 and 1995, i.e. 21 foals in total! I don’t know of any such examples from show horse breeding without the use of embryo transfer (but I’m happy to be informed!). In warmblood breeding you can see what selection for early-maturity does, especially with show jumping horses, the horses often have a nerve cut at 8 to 9 years of age, then you have two more years of use, so to speak, and then they go to the slaughterhouse. Or think of the hypermobility of dressage horses, which have weak connective tissue and the resulting weakness of the joints, capsules and ligaments as well as the tendons and muscles. That cannot be the breeding goal.

Any selection that is not also focused on fitness and longevity or long-term performance automatically causes these characteristics to deteriorate.

IN THE FOCUS: To what extent have modern selection methods influenced the development of specialization?

A. P.: Specialization in cattle has been driven forward in the last 10 years by genomic breeding value estimation, which has now also found its way into horse breeding. For this method, the entire genome had to be sequenced and all performance parameters were then assigned to specific gene loci. Then, using complicated calculations, one could get an estimate of what performance the animal in question will perform in the future. In this way, it was possible for a young cow to achieve a milk production of over 40 kg per day, but the animals are no longer physiologically able to absorb enough nutrients to be able to achieve this output at all! As a result, over 90% of young cows end up with severe organ damage in the slaughterhouse. This means that the animals can endure it for a certain amount of time, mobilize all their body reserves but at some point their metabolism switches off and liver damage occurs, which ultimately leads to death. Part of the problem is that selection according to the wrong parameters took place. Instead of taking “longevity” and “health” into account, they only selected for “milk production”. A lot of breeding knowledge is also lost due to the convenient catalogue selection. The people who are in charge of cattle breeding today only use the preliminary breeding value or the genomic value for planning the matings. We are not quite there yet in horse breeding and especially not in Arabian horse breeding. But here too, a lot of breeding knowledge has been lost in recent years!

IN THE FOCUS: How can you avoid such a development in horse breeding as you have outlined for cattle breeding?

A. P.: In our association “European Association for Natural Cattle Breeding” we have selected cow families that have proven to be long-lived over several generations and in which the animals have produced over 100,000 litres of milk in the last 3 to 4 generations. We buy bulls from these cows. We have also inseminated such cows with semen from bulls that lived 30 or 40 years ago, and we now have the first 200 daughters of this F1 generation of the appropriate age. What’s exciting is that the animals produce almost as much milk as their “high-performance relatives”, but are significantly healthier! The question now is: How to continue breeding with the F1 generation – this requires a lot of breeding experience and knowledge. But this is exactly what young farmers are missing. In horse breeding we have the same problem, where the most diverse bloodlines are crossed together and due to Mendel’s rules the appearance then splits in all directions in the F2 generation, and top horses that cost a lot of money produce maximum average offspring, as can be seen from the example of the gelding Agnat (pedigree see AP 2-22). That’s why we offer information in our association on the topic: How do you have to breed in order to achieve a high level of heredity reliability? To do this you have to use the old breeding methods, i.e. line breeding, occasional inbreeding, always working with blood connection. Then I don’t have the problem of anything splitting.

IN THE FOCUS: Let’s stay with Arabian breeding: What are the breed-typical characteristics that you should select for?

A. P.: Breeding means selecting. That doesn’t mean that the horses that are not suitable for breeding go to the slaughterhouse. But you have to decide which horses go into breeding based on which characteristics and which don’t. Those that do not go into breeding should still have enough quality that they can survive in their respective market segment (riding horses, show horses, racing horses). Characteristics typical of Arabians that need to be maintained are a hard constitution, suitability for long-term performance, high age, high fertility, good feed conversion, lively but benign temperament, sociability and people-oriented nature. The suitability for long-term performance is due, among other things, to the fact that the Arabian has the most haemoglobin per litre of blood (compared to warm-blooded and cold-blooded horses). Haemoglobin is responsible for supplying oxygen to the muscles, and it is therefore important that the Arabian can also mobilize the haemoglobin reserves in the body most efficiently at the same time. In this context there is also a high regenerative capacity. All of this is deeply anchored genetically, but if you don’t pay attention to these characteristics, i.e. if you don’t select for them, then these characteristics are lost within few generations. In animal breeding we speak of genotype-environment interaction, i.e. if I decrease the selection for certain characteristics, then these are gradually (and unnoticed) lost. The lifespan of Arabians is often 25 years, and horses over 30 are not uncommon. Regarding fertility, there are examples from the state stud farms where mares had 15 to 20 foals and demonstrated high fertility into old age. In addition, the Arabian horse has the highest milk yield (in grams) per kg live weight, which is also a sign of good feed conversion and efficiency. In Tersk Stud, milk production is used as a selection criterion because they don’t want mothers who don’t produce enough milk.

IN THE FOCUS: Which other results from constitutional research on cattle can be transferred to horses or the Arabian horse?

A. P.: A whole series of points come to mind: we have already covered some of the constitutional types and early maturity/late maturity, plus there is sexual dimorphism, i.e. the difference between male and female animals, breeding rules, breeding methods, the importance of mare families, the selection for size and the effects of show breeding, which also occurs with cattle!

The more masculine the male animals are in their appearance, the more feminine are their female offspring.

Sexual dimorphism is a true secondary sexual characteristic caused by different hormone constellations between the sexes. These sex hormones are produced in the adrenal cortex of stallions and mares. In addition, testosterone is produced in the testicles of stallions and estrogens are produced in the ovaries of mares. One such secondary sexual characteristic is, for example, the “stallion neck or crest”. If we now breed horses where stallions and mares look the same, where there is no longer any visible difference between the sexes – what happens on the hormonal level? The natural hormonal balance shifts, testosterone decreases, and the stallion’s neck disappears. In the long term, however, we are selecting against fertility, i.e. fertility will deteriorate! That’s also what you hear more and more often – behind closed doors: stallions have poor semen quality and mares are becoming increasingly difficult to conceive – you often have to use all the tricks of modern reproductive technology to get the animals pregnant at all. By the way, there is an old animal breeding law that says: “The more masculine the male animals are in their appearance, the more feminine their female offspring are.”

IN THE FOCUS: Breeding is a very complex matter, as we can see. What breeding principles can you give to a “young breeder”?

A. P.: Yes, what have we learned for breeding from all this research?

Never massively select for individual traits if you don’t understand the whole thing. This is going to shit. I would like to cite one of the most significant experiments in the history of animal breeding here: In the 1950s, the Russian biologist Dimitri Belyayev and his colleagues began to capture wild silver foxes, select them for tameness and repeatedly breed the animals selected according to this criterion with each other. The aim was to recreate domestication (becoming pets) in an experiment. So what happened? Already after the 3rd generation, serious changes occurred in the phenotype (external appearance): change in fur color, lop-eared ears, curly tails, shortening of the extremities, shortening of the upper and lower jaw, change in the texture of the fur, change in torso length, etc. There are a number of hypotheses to explain this phenomenon, but explaining them here would go too far. It is important to know that only a small part of the entire genome is activated; the rest are so-called “sleeping genes”. Environmental influences or selection pressure from outside (= breeding) do not change the genetic material itself, but rather the intensity with which certain parts of it are read and converted into molecules such as hormones. The conclusion for the breeder remains: selection for one characteristic ultimately changes entire complexes of characteristics!!!

Any selection that is not also aimed at fitness and longevity or long-term performance automatically causes these characteristics to deteriorate. As already mentioned at the beginning, the physiological basis for longevity and long-term performance is slow, long-lasting growth (=late maturity). Opposite to this is the complex of characteristics of “early maturity”, i.e. fast, short growth, high and intensive performance at a young age and the associated rapid aging. Research on cattle has shown that intensive selection for early and high milk production of the animals dramatically reduces their useful life. Before the animals are even fully grown (with 4 calves), a very high percentage of dairy cows have to leave the stable due to illness. These early-mature animals are physiologically incapable of maintaining this performance. On the other hand, late-maturing animals begin with medium performance, develop slowly and only achieve high and highest performance when they are fully grown. The organism with all its metabolic processes is then well “trained”, connective tissue, cartilage, joints, tendons, ligaments and claws are of high quality (because they have grown slowly) and the animals produce well into old age without any health problems. Everything that has just been said also applies in reverse to horse breeding. The rapid success pushes breeding towards early maturity with devastating consequences for the horses and ultimately for the horse owner.

Function determines form. I have to think about what breeding goal do I have? If I want to breed a riding horse, it needs certain riding horse points and it has to be ridden so that these can be checked. If I want to breed a racehorse, it has to be fast – it is this function (speed) that dictates the form. But if I want to breed a show horse, it has to fit into a conformation template that was developed by some people (judges). So here the form comes first, and the horse is bred to adapt to this form, which is fundamentally wrong.

IN THE FOCUS: There are different breeding methods to achieve your breeding goal. Could you briefly explain to us what these are?

A. P.: I actually come from a generation before population genetics. My grandfather had nothing to do with these theoretical considerations. But these people still developed different breeding methods based on their experience – and these are still valid today. The breeding methods commonly used for the Arabian horse are:

Line breeding – this means that we find a (minor) relationship on both the father’s and mother’s side, so we bring together related genes, so to speak, from breeding animals that correspond to our breeding goals and are selected as best as possible. Because of the slight relationship, I have a high degree of certainty that the next generation will be as good as or better than the parent generation.

We talk about inbreeding when you have outstanding breeding animals and you want to consolidate or increase this gene pool through breeding close relatives. Of course, inbreeding is only possible if the animal is free of any genetic defects. Inbreeding not only solidifies the good sides, but also the hereditary defects or undesirable traits and brings them forward. Two recessive genes can appear homozygous, i.e. monozygotic, through inbreeding. If the genetic makeup then contains a genetic defect, this genetic defect is present in a monozygotic form and it comes into play (e.g. CA, SCID). How close the inbreeding can be is a matter of debate. Basically, a generation postponement is always good. Before it was possible to test for hereditary defects using genetic tests, father-daughter matings were made – if the father was a hidden (recessive) carrier of a hereditary defect, this would come to light. Today’s genetic tests can save you from having dead or deformed foals. In any case, the use of inbreeding must be embedded in a breeding plan and strict selection must take place!

“Unplanned mating” – here the nice stallion around the corner or the super show crack is used without much consideration as to how well he suits the mare and what effects this has. Let’s take Agnat’s example again: His sire Empire was bronze champion at the European Championships as a junior and in the top ten at the World Championships. Grandfather Enzo was US National Champion, his grandmother Emira was All Nations Cup Champion, his other grandfather QR Marc was World Champion, and Kwestura was also World Champion and the most expensive horse at a Polish auction. His pedigree really shows the “Who’s Who” of show horse breeding and yet the combination of all these illustrious names resulted in a completely ordinary horse. So what happened there? It’s simple: In this pedigree everything is mixed together and then Mendel’s splitting rule kicks in and it splits in all directions in the F2 generation. As a consequence, the major show horse breeders then switch to embryo transfer, producing embryos from different sires, e.g. B. 10 foals, 9 of the resulting foals do not meet the requirements of a show horse and are sold cheaply, and the one that meets expectations goes into the show. But the fact that 9 foals do not meet the breeding standard is kept quiet. This is “trial and error” and has nothing to do with “breeding”. That’s why I am an absolute opponent of these methods.

Outcross – how an outcross works properly in terms of breeding is generally not known to many. So here’s an example: the stallion Kurier, bred at the Khrenovoje stud farm, a stud farm that was known for its extreme racing performance breeding. The damline is Russian, the outcross comes through the stallion Egis from Poland, a Derby winner of which the Russians have hoped to get not only a blood refreshment, but also the highest performance. In terms of breeding, the way it works now is that the stallion Egis gets the 5 best mares from the entire mare population to cover and his two or three best sons then go into breeding. Only these sons are then widely used in the broodmare band. Breeding means thinking in generations!

Displacement breeding – generally speaking, this involves replacing certain traits with others. In animal breeding, this is usually done by crossing with other breeds. In Arabian breeding this happens through a different type of horse within the breed. This can currently be seen in the Polish state stud farms, where show horse stallions, sometimes in the third generation, are being used indiscriminately on the thoroughly bred Polish mare base, so that Polish blood is being increasingly suppressed. What is currently happening there is a displacement crossing with show horses. In doing so, within 20 years they are ruining everything that has been built and consolidated over 150 years of breeding work.

Selection – in the large stud farms you could actually still select. Every year you have 50 or more foals and you select the 3 to 4 best ones, the rest go to the remonte, i.e. they become riding horses and are therefore taken from the breeding gene pool. But if, as a small private breeder, I only breed one foal in 10 years, the selection becomes difficult. The golden rule in animal breeding is: always double the good! Then you have a high degree of security in inheritance.

IN THE FOCUS: Mare families traditionally play a major role in horse breeding – and in Arabian breeding in particular. Why is that?

A. P.: Scientifically, this can be attributed to the so-called cytoplasmic inheritance. During fertilization, the stallion only contributes the sperm, and of that only the cell nucleus. The mare, however, contributes the egg cell with the cell nucleus and around it the cytoplasm with the cell organelles, and especially the mitochondria. The mitochondria are also carriers of genetic material and are responsible for the energy metabolism of the cells. These mitochondria are always passed on from mother to foal in the egg cell. A colt has the benefit of this, but cannot pass on this mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to its offspring. Only a filly can pass this on to the next generation. Therefore, the female line can be traced back into the past using mtDNA. Maternal performance lines such as Sabellina in Poland and Sapine in Russia are also known in Arabian horse breeding.

IN THE FOCUS: What advice would you give to a breeder who wants to buy a mare for breeding?

A. P.: A breeder should look at the damline of the mare in question. If possible, you should choose a mare from a damline that has undergone performance tests. Ask the breeder about the number of foals for the mother, grandmother, etc.? This gives an indication of fertility. If the last three generations consist of mares that meet all the criteria, you can also count on a resounding inheritance in the mare that you want to buy or with which you want to breed, i.e. a high degree of heredity security. If you buy a broodmare that has already had foals, you should ask whether this mare gave birth without any problems, did she become pregnant immediately, did she accept the foal? If we select better with regards to fertility, this will save a lot of unnecessary veterinary costs! The problem today is that it is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain such data, because even studbooks usually only contain those foals that are born healthy and are considered “worthy of registration” by the breeder – the number of coverings that are used to become a mare pregnant, the number of resorptions, abortions, stillbirths, all of this is unfortunately no longer recorded today. Another problem is that most broodmares are kept by small breeders where they have no chance of having 10 or more foals because they are only bred once or twice in their lives. Based on today’s studbook data, it is not possible to determine whether a broodmare that only had two foals in 10 years was bred more often but did not produce a live foal, or was only used for breeding twice. And a good broodmare also has good milk production! In the large state stud farms in Poland and Russia, this was recorded as a selection criterion because it is also one of the good maternal qualities.

IN THE FOCUS: How can the “lack of data” be remedied, since it is the members of the associations who have decided that only the absolutely necessary data will be recorded, or that stillbirths or abortions will not be reported to the stud book at all?

A. P.: Yes, that is a problem. But I think we’re at a point now where we have to think about where do we want to go with breeding Arabian horses in the next 20 or 30 years? The breeders should arrange for the associations to collect the relevant data. The same applies to proof of performance, regardless of whether it is equestrian sport, racing, endurance or show.

IN THE FOCUS: Let’s move from mares to stallions: Stallions have a much greater influence on breeding in terms of numbers. For example, QR Marc has sired over 850 offspring in the last 15 years…

A. P.: What makes a good stallion? For me he has to have performance-tested ancestors, he must be free of hereditary defects, proven performance, best conformation and – very important – an impeccable character. If a stallion is problematic and cannot be handled, he has no place in breeding. Let’s get to the question: How do I breed a good stallion? For me, this is the most exciting question of all! I currently see far too few good young stallions in Arabian horse breeding in order to have a few good stallions available for breeding in 5 or 10 years. How to address this problem? In breeding you can say: behind every good stallion there is a good stallion mother. The mare from which you want to breed a future sire is extremely important. Good mares in particular should remain in breeding and planned, targeted matings should be encouraged.

IN THE FOCUS: What dangers do you see in show horse breeding?

A. P.: My job here as a population geneticist is to point out developmental trends. One must be aware of the dangers of where the path leads if we continue in this direction for a long time. I want to come back to the cattle here to show what effects show breeding has, because it really runs in parallel:

Just like in Arabian breeding, in cattle breeders try to achieve a straight topline. The topline must be completely straight, only then it corresponds to the show standard. But what happens when this has been achieved? By selecting for the straight topline, the sacrum descends into the pelvis and makes birth more difficult. The birth ducts become smaller (narrower) because – as desired by breeders – the sacrum lowers.

Poorly developed muscles in the hindquarters – let’s remember again the male calves mentioned at the beginning, which have poor muscles. This is due to the fact that the spinous processes of the sacrum have shortened by 2-3 cm due to incorrect selection. This means that the attachment area for the muscles is lost and this creates these muscle-poor pelvises. And I see exactly this tendency with the show horses.

In cattle breeding, a survey has shown that over 90% of Holstein cattle are asthenics, i.e. tall, narrow animals, while less than 10% are athletics, i.e. the medium-framed type with the broad chest, which could compensate for this in the population. Now you actually want to breed an animal that is as well balanced as possible, but to do this you would have to have a medium-framed, broad stallion/bull available for the vast majority of animals. However, these only make up less than 10% of the population. And this is exactly the direction horse breeding is going in!

The position of the hip joint, in cattle this is called the inverter, meaning the point at which the thigh attaches to the pelvis. The selection for the straight topline tends to shift the hip joint backwards, which means that the animal has to put the hind legs behind the body, which in turn has a negative impact on movement, creates kidney pressure and significantly worsens the resilience of the back.

The extreme “typey” head with dish is, in my opinion, a deformation. Anyone who demands a minimum level of performance from their horse will recognize that a horse with an extreme dish will have trouble breathing. This would require research to understand the exact connections. But we know from dogs and cats that the shortening of the nose does not reduce the amount of mucous membrane material in the nasopharynx. However, this is no longer tight, but rather “wrinkled”, which leads to the familiar wheezing breathing noises. The lower jaw and the ridge are no longer straight, but are curved, which leads to dental problems. Teeth change very slowly in evolutionary terms. The desert Arabians’ teeth are too large for today’s delicate heads and therefore have space problems in their jaws.

The refinement of the head in particular, but also of the entire horse, and the associated lack of gender type in the stallions. This has, for example, effects on the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland controls the entire hormonal process in the organism. It shrinks and you intervene directly in the animal’s hormonal balance and ultimately select against fertility. Here is also an example from cattle breeding: we are increasingly receiving feedback from farmers about weak contractions during birth. What happened here: the hormone oxytocin is responsible for water retention in the tissues before birth and during birth for triggering contractions. All of these natural regulators are significantly weakened by the change in the pituitary gland; the hormone levels are too low. As a result, the contractions during birth mean that the remaining blood is not sufficiently pressed from the placenta via the umbilical cord into the foetus. A normal calf has around 7 litres of blood in its system shortly after birth. If contractions are weak, the calves are usually taken out using mechanical pulling aid and the calves often only have around 3.5 litres of blood in their system and are therefore clearly weak and have to be brought with great effort through the first three weeks of life or even die.

Insufficient depth of the thorax means that the animal has no space for the organs, especially for the heart and lungs. Such animals lack endurance and performance, and the performance of the lymphatic system is significantly reduced.

The middle section is too long – although a feature of the Arabian horse is its short back! Nevertheless, long backs are selected here, which means that the animals have backs that are far too soft and the backs are no longer stable. The long back causes the loins to sink and the animals can no longer walk without pain.

Significant weaknesses in the connective tissue. Selection for early maturity and the associated rapid growth lead to a significant weakening of the connective tissue. We examined this in cattle over long periods of time based on the suspension of the uterus in the abdomen/pelvis and the back formation of the uterus after birth. Swollen legs and swollen hocks are a sign of this weakness in the connective tissue in horses – and these animals are ultimately completely useless as riding horses.

IN THE FOCUS: An important aspect today is size. The Arabian horse, which was imported to Europe 200 years ago, was often smaller than 1.50 m, but today customers demand a horse that should be 10 cm taller. What “dangers” can we expect when our “cultural Arabs” become bigger and bigger?

A. P.: In cattle, we examined what happens when the animals get bigger and heavier and what effects this has. On average, a cow weighs around 600 kg. If we now have 100 kg more body weight, this inevitably means an enormous increase in resources just to maintain the body. I agree with H. V. Musgrave Clark, an English Arabian breeder who valued small horses around 1.45 m and did not use any animal for breeding that was over 1.53 m. He lived in America for several years and worked there as a post rider and his insight was that medium-sized horses always had the greatest endurance. For us, this means that selection for excessive size, i.e. for animals that are over 1.60 – 1.65 m, is not effective. The size must fluctuate freely, which means there may well be animals that are larger, but you shouldn’t select especially for this.

IN THE FOCUS: What could happen next?

A. P.: The state stud farms are dissolving, unfortunately one has to say that. In Russia, Khrenovoye was privatized and Arabian breeding was abandoned. Tersk is also privatized and today has three different breeding programs, racehorses, show horses and “Classic Russian”, although this last group is becoming smaller and smaller. In Poland we have seen that displacement breeding with show horses is taking place. If this goes on for another 10 years, there will be nothing left of the original Polish Arab. But there are also small glimmers of hope. A very interesting project was launched in Spain back in 2003. A breeding value for performance tests was developed; there are different selection levels, including young horse selection, tested sires and elite sires. Finally, I would like to introduce a project that we have launched here in cattle breeding. We have decided to maintain long-term performance breeding because this type of cattle has no chance at all due to genomic selection and breeding value estimation as currently carried out. We therefore founded an association and then looked for cow families that met our criteria for long-term performance breeding. Then we bought bulls from them, i.e. we now have almost 40 bulls in the insemination station, we have our own semen depot, and we use it to supply farmers who are interested in this type of breeding. Something similar could also be applied to the Arabian horse. You would need a Europe-wide breeding platform, and of course you have to think about how you could finance something like that. Then you need much better data collection, research work would have to be done, you would have to network the individual initiatives (like in Spain, see above), record stallion and mare lines to see which ones are at risk, start a survey to find out which frozen semen from older stallions still exist and – and this is very important to me – there needs to be a transfer of knowledge. It would be necessary to offer breeding advice for the next, younger generation of breeders, because otherwise the old hippological knowledge would be completely lost.

IN THE FOCUS: Thank you very much for your clear words and your commitment to preserving the old values in our breed.

The interview was conducted by Gudrun Waiditschka.

[annearachne]

I’m not a dairy expert, but I’ve worked as a milkmaid at a historic museum and I agree with a lot of this

I worked with Devon/American shorthorn crosses. We were trying to use cattle which were close (or at least look close) to the breed common in our area during our target period. I wasn’t in charge of the breeding decisions, I just milked.

We raised cattle who were good for three purposes: milk, work, and meat. Two of our dairy cows’ bull calfs grew up to become an ox team and were used as draft animals. If there was a bull calf we didn’t need to raise to be an ox, well….he went to market and came back through our cooking demonstration program. The real prize was the milk. It was high in fat because IT WAS BEING USED TO MAKE BUTTER AND CHEESE which historically could be eaten at home or sold for a profit.

Our best dairy cow was roughly 3/4 shorthorn and was thusly a high producer, but was the lowest in cream. This cow’s udder was maybe a quarter the size of a Holstein’s and she didn’t produce nearly as much. The other two cows had more Devon genetics, more cream, but lower yield.

I’m not saying/not sure if there is a correlation between yield and cream, but for sure Holsteins have been bred to do one thing: make lots of milk. Nothing else. Not work, not meat, just to make sure milk production go up. And it’s not all that creamy; I certainly wouldn’t trust it to produce a lot of butter or cheese.

An anecdote regarding infection, our best producing dairy cow as expected had the largest udder and made way more milk than her calfs could drink. Sometimes it got to the point where her teats got so swollen that the calf couldn’t physically put his mouth over them to nurse. This is when she was at risk of mastitis and we would have to step in and milk her so she and her calf could stay healthy and nurse comfortably.

Despite us trying to keep Devon genetics alive by using heritage breeds, last I heard the dairy was shifting more and more toward being American shorthorn because there are so few Devon bulls.

tl:dr Holsteins are THE cow in America because they produce so much milk even though it’s not great for other products. Meanwhile other breeds, particularly heritage breeds, can’t compete.

Is there beef with the Holstein cows and you or what was that joke lol

It's kind of wild It's just never come up on this blog before, but I HATE holsteins. Bottom 10 cow breeds for me. I hate how they're so common they account for the majority of milk produced. I hate that they're the "default" cow to the point where some don't even know cattle HAVE other colors. I hate their tiny horns (IF THEY EVEN HAVE THAT. LOSER ASS HORNLESS COW) and their painfully massive udders.

Legit I'm trying so hard to not launch into a No Mouth Must Scream style AM speech-- shoot my hand slipped.

(AM speech about why i dont like holsteins below the cut)

For starters, I have to give a brief lesson on what these terms mean; the "Holstein" is the American strain of the "Frisian" breed. Frisians are an ancient breed from Frisia, in the north of what we now consider the Netherlands. Crosses between the breeds are "Holstein-Frisians."

(There’s even more to this but im keeping it as simple as possible. Also one of my friends is Frisian and she is probably going to kill me for describing it like that.)

Historically, livestock was adapted to the environment they lived in. Frisians were bred by the Frisii people for hundreds of years in extremely grass-rich, lush, flat environments. The "polders" of the northern parts of the Netherlands. They're huge and eat a LOT of food.

Traditional Frisians were developed to produce as much meat and milk from a single individual as possible, without compromising the health of the cattle with constant inbreeding to get quick gains. We are talking about a breed that is over 2000 years old. They had the perfect environment to make The Ultimate Food Cow and by god they did it. I can respect that.

So, take that, drag it across an ocean to a place that does NOT have polders, and add the rapid enshittification of capitalism to it. BAM you've got a fucking holstein.

There is ONE goal for "improving" the holstein. Make More Milk. As long as the black and white milkbag leaks enough, nothing else matters. Health? Fertility? Feed ratio? Ability to not die of infection? WHO CARES. MILK LINE GO UP.

Over 90% of holsteins are inbred to start with, because Milk Line Go Up. To the tune of having an average COI of 8%-- where extreme negative effects (think Hapsburgs) start to crop up around 10%

Holstein bulls are aggressive bastards (many dairy bulls are), so no one wants to keep intact males in their herds, meaning most cows are artificially inseminated

Not being limited by the natural lifespan of a living bull means that the same stud can keep having direct offspring for decades after his death

Toystory the bull had 500,000 calves before he died, and hit over 1 million offspring in 2015. That's ONE animal and to put this in perspective, there are 9 million holsteins in the US.

DON'T WORRY IT GETS WORSE

Not only can 99% of holsteins be traced back to just two bulls-- 99% of male holsteins share one of two exact Y chromosomes with those two bulls.

The gene pool is so small that it's equivalent to about 60 individuals. Warrior Cat allegiances are larger than that. That's barely bigger than modern ThunderClan.

"Massive lack of genetic diversity" does not begin to capture the existential dread of this situation. Mark my words, WATCH, when the Bird Flu finally mutates a strain that rips through a mammalian population, it's gonna be in the USA and it's going to be through our dairy cattle.

This is not prophecy or me laying a curse on the land, this is the natural consequence of basing the stability of US milk production on the equivalent of 9 million clones of two classrooms worth of individuals, and then packing them in close quarters

And we don't have to wait for doomsday for the impacts to be apparent on the cattle themelves

Holstein fertility has also dropped by half since the 1960s when the intensive inbreeding really kicked into high gear

Because their whole body is dedicating all of their resources to milk production, they have a notoriously "bony" frame.

Show judges, however, like this because they think that's a very "feminine" look for a 1600 pound ruminant. Very normal thing to think.

Like. I don't know if i can communicate this to people who don't look at cows a lot (it's not quite as obviously dramatic as a pug skull) but here is a comparison of an "ideal" show holstein and an "unselected" holstein from a herd that's been established as a sort of "control group" for what they looked like back in the 1960s;

The way that the artery on the "modern" cow's belly runs to the udder like a big pink worm freaks me out the most ngl

The udder also bulges out from between the back legs

The show cow is so thin

And then compare these both to a Holstein-Frisian cross who leans more on the Frisian side;

Proper weight, developed legs. Its biggest "problem" is actually just the udder shape-- deep udders, which "hang" low like that, aren't optimal for milk-focused breeds because the higher away from the ground the less chance there is of infection. In that department, the "unselected" holstein clearly outclasses the holstein-frisian.

But it probably won't be surprising to hear that the "show holstein," with its massive, swollen udder, is SUPER prone to infections such as mastitis.

But it is also just more prone to getting sick generally

And, to keep up with these insane demands, holsteins need a TON of food. You aren't going to just turn these things out into a pasture and be done with it. Even its ancestor the Frisian needed premium Dutch polder grass to be such a good cow-- crank that up to 11 with these Monuments to Humanity's Hubrice

The Texas Longhorn developed in semi-feral conditions and can eat a bush to become the best thing in a 10 mile radius. The Scottish Highland was iron-forged in upland moors with a steady diet of turf and rain.

Meanwhile if a Holstein has less than 5 homemade meals a day without poland spring bottled water it will die to death.

And the WORST part? You have to use these if you want to make money in dairy farming. It's WAAY too expensive to just run a suboptimal farm. Their milk isn't great, but they sure do make a lot of it.

...so Holsteins and Holstein-Frisians (and other "super efficient" breeds) have absolutely decimated heritage cattle. The American Milking Devon is a deep reddish brown with gorgeous horns and low maintenance; rare. Randall Linebacks are painted with lines of white speckles down the back and can be used for any purpose; critically endangered. The Niata was a pug-faced cow who could fight jaguars; extinct.

And THAT'S what makes me hate them most of all. I LOVE cows, but whenever I see a reference to one, it's a holstein. It's always boring black and white splotches with big pink udders. They're practically synonymous with "cow" when their homogeniety is actually hiding much cooler breeds from you.

Did you know cows can be tiger-striped?

And that England has its own type of longhorn?

Or that cow horns can twist upwards like an antelope?

And that they can have REALLY LONG ears?

And that they can be blue?

And that's not even getting into some of the cows that have gotten a small crumb of attention lately, such as Highlands, Ankole-Watusi, and Texas Longhorns. There's so many cool cows out there! And they're all really different from holsteins! MOST of them are also a lot healthier and produce tastier milk and meat!

TL;DR yeah i don't like holsteins and I like sniping at them. For reasons both legit and petty.

[excelnutrition]

Best Livestock and Feed Services in India—Enpro Feeds

India's livestock industry is a key part of the country's farm economy, which generates considerable employment in rural areas and food security. With such a dynamic setting, there has been a demand for high-quality animal feed and expert livestock services that is escalating by the day. A name that comes forth as the shining star in serving this burgeoning need is Enpro Feeds—the dominant player in the feed and livestock sector, famous for its superior quality products, innovation, and sustainable farming philosophy.

A Trusted Name in Animal Nutrition

With years of experience behind them, Enpro Feeds has established itself in the Indian animal feed industry. The firm provides a complete assortment of feed solutions custom-made to fulfill the nutritional requirements of various breeds of livestock, such as cattle, poultry, and aquaculture. Their products are formulated through intensive research and are made to increase productivity, improve the health of animals, and minimize feed conversion ratios.

From small-scale dairy producers to huge commercial livestock units, Enpro Feeds has gained the trust of thousands of customers throughout India. They establish their reputation through transparency, quality, and performance.

What makes Enpro Feeds stand out?

1. Quality-First Policy

Enpro Feeds focuses on quality at each step—right from raw material sourcing to delivery. Ingredients for use in their feed formulations are put through strict quality controls to assure consistency and nutrition. In state-of-the-art manufacturing units with cutting-edge technologies, Enpro ensures that its offerings are of the highest safety and efficacy levels.

2. Customized Feed Solutions

Various animals require different diets depending on their breed, age, surroundings, and production objectives. Enpro Feeds is well aware of this and provides tailor-made feeding programs for dairy cattle, beef cattle, poultry, and even aquaculture. Their nutritionists are experts who closely collaborate with farmers to come up with personalized plans that yield the best results while also maintaining animal health.

3. Sustainable Practices

Sustainability is one of Enpro Feeds' fundamental pillars. They recycle by-products such as DDGS (distillers dried grains with solubles) to produce environmentally friendly feed solutions that are nutritious and cost-effective. Their actions help in waste reduction and optimized use of agricultural inputs, promoting a more circular and more resilient farming system.

4. Veterinary Support and Extension Services

In addition to simply providing feed, Enpro Feeds also provides livestock management services that entail veterinary consultation, health check-ups, disease control, and training programs. Their veterinarians and technical specialists visit farms on a regular basis, assisting farmers with best nutrition practices, hygiene, and overall herd management.

Varied Product Range for Livestock of Every Need

Enpro Feeds has a comprehensive product range that serves multiple segments of the livestock business. Let's take a closer look:

1. Dairy Cattle Feed

Enpro's dairy feed is supplemented with vital nutrients such as bypass protein, vitamins, and minerals that boost milk production and quality. These feeds enhance digestion, fertility, and immunity, resulting in healthier and more productive dairy cattle.

2. Cow Cattle Feed

For cattle producers, Enpro Feeds has high-energy rations that are formulated to enhance swift weight gain, improved carcass quality, and optimal feed conversion. With their customized formulas, animals reach market weight in less time without any impairment to health.

3. Poultry Feed

Whether broilers, layers, or breeders, Enpro Feeds has specialized poultry feed that is formulated to promote maximum growth, egg laying, and immunity against major poultry disease conditions. With amino acids, enzymes, and probiotics, their poultry line is one of the most cutting-edge on the market.

4. Aqua Feed

As India becomes a dominant force in aquaculture, Enpro's fish and shrimp feed has become extremely popular. Designed to improve growth rates and disease resistance among aquatic animals, their aqua feed is breaking waves in environmentally friendly fish farming.

5. Specialty Feed Additives

Enpro also supplies feed additives such as vitamin premixes, mycotoxin binders, and digestive enzymes. These enhance nutrient utilization, prevent diseases, and increase overall animal performance.

Enpro Feeds and DDGS—A Breakthrough Ingredient

One of the best things about Enpro Feeds is their creative utilization of corn-based DDGS (distillers dried grains with solubles). DDGS is a by-product of ethanol manufacture and is an extremely nutritious feed ingredient that is high in protein and energy.

Enpro has perfected the process of incorporating DDGS in different feed mixes, and their feeds become affordable and cost-efficient. Such a green technology not only reduces feed costs but also improves the health of the gut and the productivity of the animal. The dairy farmers and poultry producers utilizing Enpro's DDGS-fed rations have noticed substantial milk production, weight, and efficiency improvements. DDGS's excellent digestibility and palatability qualify it to be the feed of choice for ruminants as well as non-ruminants.

Widespread Reach and Farmer-Centric Model

With a strong distribution network spanning across India, Enpro Feeds ensures timely delivery and consistent availability of products, even in remote locations. Their field teams maintain close contact with farmers, offering training sessions, on-site demonstrations, and round-the-clock support.

They also conduct farmer awareness programs and workshops focused on

Efficient livestock management

Balanced nutrition techniques

Disease prevention and control

Sustainable farming practices

By equipping farmers with information and practical answers, Enpro fosters long-term relationships and improves rural livelihoods.

Technology Integration in Feed Management

Stepping into the digital era, Enpro Feeds has begun integrating intelligent technology into its livestock business. From electronic feed calculators to herd health tracking apps, Enpro's technology tools assist farmers in making informed decisions that maximize productivity.

Furthermore, their application of AI and machine learning in R&D speeds up the creation of the next-generation feed formulations. This visionary methodology places them in the forefront of industry trends and establishes them as an Agri-tech innovation leader.

Final Thoughts—Why Enpro Feeds is the Best in India

In a business where quality and reliability can spell success or failure for a farmer, Enpro Feeds is the best feed and livestock service provider in India. Their comprehensive approach—blending superior nutrition, expert guidance, and sustainable practices—results in healthier livestock and more lucrative farming businesses. Whether you own a dairy farm, poultry farm, or fish farm, Enpro Feeds has the solution just right for your requirements. With continued innovation and growth, Enpro is committed to revolutionizing Indian agriculture one farm at a time.

Make Enpro Feeds Your Partner—Where Nutrition Converges with Innovation.

[snehalshinde65799]

Rapeseed Meal Market Gains Traction with Advancements in Processing and Growing Global Protein Demand

The rapeseed meal market is an essential segment of the global agricultural and feed industry, playing a significant role in the protein supply chain for livestock. Derived as a by-product of oil extraction from rapeseed, rapeseed meal is known for its high protein content, making it a valuable alternative to soybean meal, especially in regions with limited access to soy-based feed.

Market Overview

As of 2024, the global rapeseed meal market is valued at approximately USD 13 billion and is expected to witness steady growth over the next five years. The market is driven by rising demand for protein-rich animal feed, the expansion of livestock farming, and increasing awareness of sustainable and cost-effective feed ingredients.

Asia-Pacific holds the largest share of the rapeseed meal market, followed by Europe and North America. China and India, in particular, are major consumers due to their massive livestock sectors and domestic rapeseed production. In Europe, countries like Germany, France, and the UK also rely heavily on rapeseed meal, primarily due to environmental regulations promoting local feed alternatives over imported soy.

Key Drivers

Increasing Demand for Animal Protein As global populations rise and incomes grow, particularly in emerging economies, there is a corresponding increase in meat and dairy consumption. This has intensified the demand for livestock feed, boosting the need for high-protein ingredients like rapeseed meal.

Cost Efficiency and Availability Compared to soybean meal, rapeseed meal is often more affordable and locally available in many regions, reducing dependence on imports. This makes it a preferred option, especially in Europe and parts of Asia.

Environmental Sustainability Rapeseed cultivation is considered more sustainable than some other oil crops, requiring fewer inputs in certain climates. The increased focus on environmental sustainability and the push for climate-friendly farming practices are encouraging the use of rapeseed meal over other protein sources.

Expansion of Biofuel Industry The biofuel industry, particularly biodiesel, relies heavily on rapeseed oil. The by-product of oil extraction—rapeseed meal—then becomes available in large quantities for feed, creating a symbiotic relationship between the fuel and feed industries.

Market Challenges

Despite its advantages, the rapeseed meal market faces several challenges:

Lower Protein Content: Compared to soybean meal, rapeseed meal has slightly lower protein levels and contains antinutritional factors like glucosinolates, which can limit its use in non-ruminant diets if not properly processed.

Weather Dependency: Rapeseed crops are susceptible to weather changes. Droughts, floods, or unseasonable frosts can impact yield and, subsequently, meal availability and prices.

Import-Export Regulations: Changes in global trade policies, tariffs, and phytosanitary regulations can affect the international flow of rapeseed meal, impacting market stability.

Innovations and Opportunities

Advancements in plant breeding and processing technologies are helping reduce glucosinolate levels in rapeseed, making the meal more palatable and nutritious for a wider range of animals, including poultry and swine. These innovations are expected to expand the market in the coming years.

Additionally, the shift towards organic and natural feed products presents an opportunity for rapeseed meal, particularly in premium livestock markets. With consumers becoming more conscious of the food chain and animal welfare, feed manufacturers are exploring more plant-based, non-GMO options like rapeseed.

Competitive Landscape

Key players in the rapeseed meal market include ADM, Cargill, Bunge Limited, Glencore Agriculture, and Louis Dreyfus Company. These companies dominate the processing and distribution of rapeseed meal globally and are increasingly investing in sustainable practices and supply chain efficiencies to maintain competitiveness.

Smaller regional players and cooperatives in Europe and Asia also contribute significantly to the market, especially in domestic production and distribution. Strategic collaborations between oil producers and feed manufacturers are becoming more common to optimize supply chains and ensure consistent quality.

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, the global rapeseed meal market is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 4–5% through 2030. Key trends such as the rising demand for sustainable feed, expanding livestock sectors in Asia and Africa, and innovations in crop genetics will continue to shape the market.

[advanced-cow-housing]

How advanced cow housing designs improve milk yield and health

Modern farming isn’t just about tradition – it’s about innovation. As dairy farmers across the UK face mounting pressure to increase productivity while maintaining high animal welfare standards, investing in the right livestock housing is more important than ever. That’s where advanced cow housing steps in.

The environment in which your cows live plays a vital role in their health, milk yield, and overall well-being. Poor ventilation, overcrowding, and moisture-heavy conditions can lead to stress, disease, and a drop in milk production. Conversely, clean air, natural light, and proper shelter can do wonders for your herd.

Advanced livestock housing offers a modern, adaptable solution designed to create optimal living conditions for cows, calves, and other livestock. From improving airflow to protecting animals from harsh weather, the right farm building is engineered for performance and animal welfare.

Let’s explore how advanced livestock housing designs are transforming dairy farms – and how they can help you achieve better herd health and higher yields.

How advanced cow housing improves milk yield and health

Enhanced ventilation for respiratory health

Respiratory health issues, when left unaddressed, can turn into a major factor when it comes to milk production, and having a proper ventilation system is important. In poorly ventilated environments, ammonia, dust, and humidity can build up, which often leads to respiratory diseases like pneumonia, directly affecting both cow health and milk yield. 

Diffused natural lighting to reduce stress

Stress is one of the most detrimental factors for milk production. When cows experience high levels of stress, their body’s production of milk can decline, and their general health may deteriorate. Advanced cow housing structures integrate diffused natural lighting through translucent roofing materials that mimic natural daylight.

Dry bedding conditions for udder health

Mastitis, an infection of the udder, is one of the leading causes of reduced milk yield and quality. It is often the result of dirty, wet bedding, which creates an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. Advanced designs prioritise dry bedding through effective drainage systems and superior airflow.

How McGregor Agri Span helps farmers improve cow health & milk production

With decades of agricultural experience, McGregor’s Agri Span shelters are specifically engineered to support the health and productivity of your herd. Designed around animal welfare, weather resistance, and ease of use, these shelters provide UK farmers with dependable and expandable livestock housing. Here’s how Agri Span delivers measurable benefits to dairy operations.

[cryolabltd]

Supporting Livestock Breeding with Cryogenics

Livestock breeding is essential to global agriculture, with animals such as sheep, goats, pigs, and buffaloes playing crucial roles in food production, textiles, and economic growth. In many regions, particularly in developing countries, livestock is a vital source of income, making effective breeding programmes necessary to improve breed quality, disease resistance, and overall productivity. Cryogenic technology provides an advanced solution, enabling the long-term preservation and transport of genetic material for selective breeding initiatives.

🐑 Sheep and Goats: Genetic Banking & Embryo Transfer

Sheep and goats are vital to agriculture, offering important resources such as milk, meat, and wool. For farmers and breeding programmes, preserving genetics is essential to enhancing breed quality and improving disease resistance. Cryolab’s CryoNest® LN₂ Storage Series is designed to securely store embryos and semen at ultra-low temperatures, allowing for long-term preservation that supports embryo transfer programmes and selective breeding.

The CryoNest® series features precise temperature control and scalable storage options, making it ideal for research institutes and farms focused on maintaining elite genetic lines. Whether for artificial insemination or cross-border breeding projects, Cryolab’s CryoStork® Dry Shippers ensure safe and regulation-compliant transport of frozen embryos or semen, minimising the risk of contamination or temperature variation.

🐖 Pigs (Swine): Semen Cryopreservation for Commercial Breeding

Pigs are essential to large-scale meat production worldwide, and genetic improvement is key to increasing productivity and disease control. Semen cryopreservation plays a central role in artificial insemination (AI) programmes, enabling breeders to introduce desirable genetic traits and maintain disease-free herds.

Cryolab’s CryoNest® storage vessels are specifically designed for the cryogenic preservation of semen. With the capacity to store thousands of semen samples in a stable -196°C environment, these high-capacity tanks are trusted by commercial breeding centres and genetic improvement programmes. During transportation, whether to AI centres or pig farms, Cryolab’s CryoStork® Dry Shippers maintain the semen in vapour phase LN₂ conditions, ensuring minimal evaporation and offering optional temperature monitoring for added reassurance.

🐃 Buffaloes: Embryo and Semen Storage Solutions

Buffaloes are crucial to dairy production and draught power across parts of Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. As demand for higher milk yields and improved breed characteristics increases, embryo and semen cryopreservation have become essential tools for genetic management in buffalo breeding.

Cryolab’s CryoNest® LN₂ tanks are engineered for long-term biological storage, making them the perfect solution for veterinary centres and government breeding programmes. These tanks allow the preservation of elite buffalo genetics and enable the sharing of valuable genetic material across national and international breeding networks. For the transport of these samples, Cryolab’s CryoStork® Dry Shippers provide reliable and safe cryogenic transport solutions, ensuring that genetic material reaches its destination without compromising quality or integrity.

Cryogenic storage solutions from Cryolab are revolutionising livestock breeding programmes worldwide. From sheep and goats to pigs and buffaloes, these technologies enable the preservation, transport, and improvement of livestock genetics, supporting global agricultural goals. With CryoNest® LN₂ Storage Tanks for long-term storage and CryoStork® Dry Shippers for secure transport, Cryolab is at the forefront of advancing breeding programmes, ensuring sustainable and efficient production for the future. For more information about our products or to place an order, please visit https://cryolab.co.uk/.

[nil098]

Desi Cow Milk vs Jersey Milk: What Should You Choose?

Milk is a part of every Indian household, but have you ever wondered if the milk you drink is actually good for your health? With rising health awareness, more people are now comparing desi cow milk with Jersey milk to understand which one offers better nutrition and overall benefits. In this blog, let’s explore the difference between the two, so you can make the right choice for your family.

What Is Desi Cow Milk?

Desi cow milk is obtained from indigenous Indian cow breeds like Gir, Sahiwal, Red Sindhi, and Tharparkar. These cows produce A2 milk, which is considered much healthier than regular A1 milk found in most commercial dairies.

This milk is rich in:

A2 beta-casein protein

Good fats

Vitamins like B2, B12, and D

Minerals like calcium and potassium

It’s also easier to digest and is considered pure desi cow milk when it comes directly from trusted farms without adulteration.

What Is Jersey Milk?

Jersey milk comes from the Jersey breed of cows, which are originally from the island of Jersey in the UK. These cows are often raised in large commercial dairies due to their high milk yield. However, the milk they produce contains A1 beta-casein protein, which is believed to be harder to digest and may trigger inflammation or lactose intolerance symptoms in some people.

While Jersey milk is common in the market, it doesn’t always offer the same health benefits as desi cow milk.

A2 vs A1 Milk: The Real Difference

The main difference between desi cow milk and Jersey milk lies in the type of protein they carry—A2 vs A1. Research suggests that A2 milk (from desi cows) is:

Easier on digestion

Less likely to cause bloating or discomfort

Better suited for kids and elderly

Naturally nutritious and closer to what our ancestors consumed

A1 milk, on the other hand, may lead to gut inflammation and is not ideal for long-term health.

Health Benefits of Desi Cow Milk

If you're still unsure about switching, here are some health benefits of choosing pure desi cow milk:

Boosts immunity and energy levels

Supports strong bones and teeth

Enhances brain development in kids

Reduces the risk of joint pain and digestive issues

Ideal for making Ayurvedic remedies and ghee

Why Is Jersey Milk Still Popular?

Despite the health benefits of desi cow milk, Jersey milk is still widely available. That’s because Jersey cows:

Produce more milk per day

Are cheaper to maintain

Support large-scale dairy operations

But remember—more quantity doesn’t always mean better quality.

Desi Cow Milk Is Better for the Environment

Did you know that desi cows are also more eco-friendly? They:

Graze naturally

Don’t require hormone injections

Produce dung that is useful for organic farming

Supporting desi cow milk also helps protect native cow breeds and supports ethical farming practices.

Taste & Cooking: A Clear Winner

When it comes to taste, pure desi cow milk wins hands down. It has a naturally sweet flavor, a creamy texture, and enhances the taste of:

Tea and coffee

Kheer and halwa

Homemade ghee and paneer

How to Identify Pure Desi Cow Milk

If you're planning to make the switch, here are a few tips to find pure desi cow milk:

Look for labels mentioning “A2 Milk” or the breed (e.g., Gir, Sahiwal)

Prefer farm-direct milk brands like Urban Farms

Avoid mixed or diluted milk

Choose vendors who provide test reports or certifications

Urban Farms offers pure desi cow milk directly from native cows, ensuring freshness, purity, and nutrition in every drop.

Final Thoughts: What Should You Choose?

If health, nutrition, and ethical choices matter to you, then desi cow milk is the clear winner. It’s not just milk—it's a return to our roots, to nature, and to sustainable living. On the other hand, Jersey milk may serve mass demand, but it comes at a cost—both to your health and the environment.

✅ Ready to Make the Switch?

Start your journey toward healthier living today. Choose pure desi cow milk from trusted sources like Urban Farms, where milk is delivered fresh from happy, well-fed Indian cows.👉 Visit Urban Farms to explore subscription options and get your first bottle of pure desi cow milk delivered to your doorstep!

[ajiteshspeaks]

Sustainable Dairy Production

Mondal Agro Tech's Farming Revolution

In the competitive landscape of Indian agriculture, Mondal Agro Tech stands out as a beacon of innovation and sustainability. Under the leadership of Ajitesh Mondal, born on March 1, 1981, this agricultural enterprise has transformed dairy farming in the region through technology integration and ethical practices.

Modern Dairy Infrastructure

Mondal Agro Tech's two dairy farms represent the cutting edge of dairy science in India. With climate-controlled environments, automated milking systems, and rigorous quality control, these facilities ensure optimal conditions for both animals and milk production.

Impressive Production Metrics

The 100 units of cows under Mondal Agro Tech's care produce an astounding 2,000 liters of milk daily. This high yield is achieved through a combination of selective breeding, nutritional science, and animal welfare practices that maximize productivity while maintaining animal health.

Technological Integration

Drawing from his experience guiding 17,000 engineering graduates, Ajitesh has implemented technological solutions throughout the dairy operation. From IoT-enabled monitoring systems to data analytics for feed optimization, Mondal Agro Tech exemplifies agriculture's digital transformation.

Overcoming Sectoral Challenges

Despite facing business rivalries and controversies that often plague agricultural ventures, Ajitesh has maintained Mondal Agro Tech's trajectory of growth and innovation. Even during his recovery from three heart attacks and a brain stroke, the operations continued to thrive, demonstrating the resilience of the systems he established.

Complementary Livestock Ventures

The addition of duck farming and goat farming to Mondal Agro Tech's portfolio creates synergistic operations that enhance sustainability: ✔ Resource Efficiency – Utilizing by-products across different farming operations ✔ Risk Mitigation – Diversifying against market fluctuations ✔ Ecological Balance – Creating agricultural ecosystems that minimize environmental impact

As India seeks solutions for sustainable food production, Mondal Agro Tech under Ajitesh Mondal's leadership offers valuable models for dairy operations that balance productivity, profitability, and ecological responsibility.

[farmerstrend]

How Much Feed Does a Cow Need to Produce 1 Liter of Milk?

“Discover how much feed a dairy cow needs to produce 1 liter of milk. Learn about feed efficiency, dry matter intake, and strategies to optimize milk production for profitable dairy farming.” “How much feed does it take to produce 1 liter of milk? Explore the science behind dairy nutrition, feeding practices, and tips to maximize feed efficiency for higher milk yields.” Dairy farming is a…

[dairymitra]

What Makes Murrah Buffalo One Of The Best Dairy Breeds?

Murrah buffaloes are renowned as one of the best dairy breeds due to their exceptional milk production, adaptability, and efficiency. They can produce high-quality milk, rich in butterfat, averaging between 7-8% fat content, making their milk highly valued in the dairy industry. Murrah buffaloes also thrive in diverse climatic conditions, demonstrating resilience and adaptability. Their robust health reduces veterinary costs, while their docile temperament makes them easier to manage. To discover Murrah Buffalo Suppliers in India, visit our B2B platform, Dairy Mitra, your ultimate resource for starting a successful dairy farm. Renowned for their high milk yield and adaptability, Murrah buffaloes are a preferred choice among dairy farmers. On Dairy Mitra, you will find a comprehensive list of verified suppliers offering quality livestock, along with essential details such as pricing, breeding history, and health status.

Call: +91-7015165894 Mail: info@dairymitra.com

[pop-goes-the-weasel]

Time for my first blog about non-grad school reading!

Currently reading

Indian Innovation, Not Jugaad: 100 ideas that Transformed India by Dinesh C. Sharma

Speaks about innovations in post-Independent India that profoundly impacted the country. It distinguishes innovation from Jugaad, which is sadly the name given to many innovations from the subcontinent, when it originally meant a temporary fix. The book is divided into 10 sections, and I speak here about my take-aways from the first two, Revolutions and Food, Water and Sanitation.

In Revolutions, the book speaks about the innovations which led to the massive increase in food production in the 1970's and '80s, as well the improvements in IT and telecom. Food, Water and Sanitation talks about just that, and more. The production of food is not enough to stop a populace from starving, you need excellent harvesting, storage and distribution systems in place. My key take-aways and comments?

Many of the wheat, rice and poultry breeds were developed by hybridisation and genetic engineering with foreign ones. Sure hope the dependence on a few varieties throughout this huge landmass, while overlooking the traditional breeds will not be criticised later. (Spoiler alert: it got criticised). But then, it did help India to go from a food-importer, to an exporter.

Oilseeds and fish! The ones where the varieties with high yields were developed in India itself! Intensive aquaculture has its drawbacks, but fish became more accessible within living memory itself

India seems excellent at solving mechanical problems!

The electronic telephone exchange lines developed by Bell Laboratories got adapted for high temperatures, humidity and the high load, expanding rural connectivity in just 3 years

The Swaraj tractor! The Mark II water pump! The first designed suitable for the small landholdings usual in the country. The second modified to water the entire farming community

Food in storage does not equate to food on the plate. Litigation after famine deaths (these are not a thing of the past), pushed grains into circulation for public rations, maternity food schemes and so on.

Feed the children! Food alloted to school lunches and pre-school kindergartens help! We have seen it in our country!

The Prime Minister who globalised the economy and liberated the market also introduced school lunches for free. These can go hand in hand

Wait...why did I not know till now that the Sulabh toilets in the railway and bus stations compost waste into biogas?

Many of these were made possible by people who were influenced by Gandhi, who was concerned with both nation liberation and nation building.

They are Tribhuvandas K Patel, who helped form the dairy co-operative making India the world leader in milk production; Tarabai Modak and Anutai Wagh, who formed the earliest, free pre-school teaching centres which would also contact drop-out children in their homes; and Bindeshwar Pathak, forming the compost toilets that ended open defecation stopped the people of certain castes of being condemned to a life of being manual scavengers and night-soil carriers

[randallrandykonsker]

Randall Randy Konsker’s Best Agricultural Services for Farmers

Agriculture is the backbone of global food production, and farmers need expert guidance to navigate challenges like unpredictable weather, soil health, and market fluctuations. That’s where Randall Randy Konsker, a renowned name in agricultural consultancy, steps in. With years of experience and a deep understanding of modern farming, Konsker has transformed the way farmers approach crop management, sustainability, and profitability.

Why Farmers Trust Randall Randy Konsker

Farmers across the country trust Randall Randy Konsker for his expert agricultural services, which focus on increasing productivity while ensuring sustainability. His consultancy services are tailored to meet the specific needs of each farm, whether it's a small family-owned operation or a large commercial enterprise.

By leveraging advanced agricultural techniques and precision farming strategies, Randall Randy Konsker helps farmers maximize their yields and improve overall efficiency. His goal is to equip farmers with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in today’s competitive agricultural landscape.

Top Agricultural Services by Randall Randy Konsker

1. Soil and Crop Analysis

A strong foundation for any farm starts with healthy soil. Randall Randy Konsker provides expert soil testing and analysis services to help farmers determine the best crops for their land. His consultancy offers precise recommendations on soil enhancement, fertilization, and crop rotation strategies to maintain long-term soil health.

2. Precision Agriculture Solutions

Technology has revolutionized farming, and Randall Randy Konsker ensures that farmers stay ahead of the curve. By implementing GPS-based mapping, sensor technology, and data-driven decision-making, he helps farmers optimize planting schedules, irrigation, and pesticide usage, leading to increased efficiency and reduced waste.

3. Sustainable Farming Practices

As environmental concerns grow, sustainable farming has become a priority. Randall Randy Konsker specializes in eco-friendly agricultural solutions, helping farmers reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining high productivity. His strategies include water conservation, organic farming methods, and integrated pest management.

4. Livestock and Dairy Farm Consultancy

Farmers in the livestock and dairy industries benefit from Randall Randy Konsker’s expert guidance on feed management, animal health, and breeding programs. His consultancy services ensure that farmers maintain healthy herds while maximizing output and profitability.

5. Financial and Market Advisory

Farming isn’t just about production—it’s also about smart financial planning. Randall Randy Konsker offers financial consultancy services, helping farmers secure government grants, manage farm budgets, and make informed investment decisions. He also provides insights into market trends, ensuring that farmers get the best prices for their produce.

How Randall Randy Konsker is Shaping the Future of Farming

The agricultural sector is constantly evolving, and Randall Randy Konsker is at the forefront of this transformation. His forward-thinking approach combines traditional farming wisdom with modern technology to create innovative solutions for farmers. By focusing on sustainability, efficiency, and profitability, he ensures that the agricultural industry continues to thrive for generations to come.

Farmers who partner with Randall Randy Konsker gain access to cutting-edge resources and personalized strategies that enhance their productivity. Whether it’s improving soil quality, adopting smart farming techniques, or making better financial decisions, his expertise covers all aspects of successful farming.

Final Thoughts

For farmers looking to improve their operations and secure a prosperous future, Randall Randy Konsker offers some of the best agricultural consultancy services available. His experience, innovative solutions, and commitment to sustainability make him a trusted name in the industry. By embracing his expert guidance, farmers can navigate the challenges of modern agriculture with confidence and success.

With a strong focus on Randall Randy Konsker’s best agricultural services, this article highlights the importance of expert consultancy in farming. His contributions continue to empower farmers, ensuring that they achieve greater efficiency, sustainability, and profitability.

[petski]

Precious Burden of Raising Punganur Cows

These "mini-cows" or small cows are being acclaimed for their phenomenal world-class efficiency in livestock management in a semi-arid area with excellent-quality milk production. Punganur Cow developed through selective breeding over centuries by agrarian communities in South India. As such, it has affirmed agricultural innovation comparable to that within India's biodiversity and cultural traditions. The flavour of this milk is much more healthy and medicinal, and therefore, it highly asks for it.

In addition, Punganur cows are hardy and resource-efficient who can just graze on coarse vegetation and can still survive with minimal water. Conservation challenges, high maintenance costs, and declining population numbers make preservation efforts even more urgent. How can modern agricultural policies support not only the conservation of the Punganur cow because of its heritage and ecology but also make it easily accessible to farmers?

Punganur Cows Advantages

Punganur cows have a reputation for being very good in milking; on average, they yield around 3-5 liters of milk in a day, which contain around 8% fat, apart from being richer than most indigenous breeds. 

The milk consists of A2 beta-casein protein, which proves easy for human digestion and is associated with various health benefits. The highly nutritious milk, rich in omega fatty acids, calcium, and potassium, renders Punganur cows fit for organic dairy farming. 

These qualities meet the high demands of health-oriented premium dairy products. Then, there is one more aspect of making these 'miniature cow breeds' even more attractive. Punganur cows make small-resource farmers leave at least a cow because they consume little amounts of water and rough fodder. 

These "little cows" are very much sustainable livestock for unpredictable climate areas because they are highly resistant to common diseases and drought. In addition to agriculture, Punganur cows hold a lot of cultural importance. 

Their role in sacred traditions shows that they Indeed, there are advantages, but several astringent challenges loom large for conservation regarding this breed. The population is extremely small, and genetic purity and thereby survival are grossly endangered as a result of crossbreeding for the Punganur cow. 

Challenges Faced in the Rearing of Punganur Cattle

Underprivileged rearers find it economically unfeasible to rear these "Punganur  cows." Costing between ₹1 lakh and ₹10 lakhs, depending on the purity and pedigree, Punganur cows are the most costly breeds and, therefore, are out of reach for many small farmers. This cost is vainly added to specialized breeding programs and veterinary treatments that will be required further.

The breed suffers from declining populations, currently numbering at about 600. The pure genes have been diluted through crossbreeding with higher-yielding breeds like Holstein Friesians, thus threatening the unique attributes that describe this "smallest cow breed in India."Some initiatives such as Andhra Pradesh's "Mission Punganur" are initiated for reversing this trend using some of the latest reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization (IVF) and artificial insemination. However, these projects require massive investment and sustained support in time..

Among them, the logistics include preservation of genetic diversity, inadequate grazing land, and accessibility to quality breeding inputs for small farmers. There is also the issue of the newly-commercialized agricultural economy that's emphasizing on high-yielding hybrid breeds rather than native breeds like the Punganur cow.

Punganur cow is an example of sustainable farming principles:

 It is nutrient-rich milk and thrives in low-resourced environments, and completely fits the ideology of eco-friendly agriculture. Being the smallest among cows in India, it will hold the example for efficient livestock management and resilience against climate change. 

Unusual Attributes and Contributions: 

Milk Quality-the Punganur cow's nutrient-rich milk has medicinal properties, thus being the best suited for ghee and butter production. 

Its fat content is higher than other types of small cow breeds, including micro-mini cows. It uses limited resources to the fullest extent, surviving dry spells and grazing on dry forages. 

Thus, it has become a preferred species for farmers living in semi-arid conditions. It is venerated for its sacred contribution to the religious arena.

The Way Forward

Increasing collaborative efforts between governments, farmers and conservationists in the directions of supporting subsidies to farmers, initiating genetic preservation programmes and awareness-campaigning would help mitigate such situations as these. 

Well-stated online platforms for "Punganur cow for sale" and acquiring resources to "buy online" would improve accessibility to conserve the breed.

Conclusion

Among the various jewels of Indian agricultural heritage and sustainability, the Punganur cow, or mini cow or small cow, has been regarded as one of the most exquisite. It is one of the smallest cow breeds in the world but is symbolic of perseverance as it gives very rich high-fat milk and is really suited to resource-poor conditions. However, it is threatened by high costs, dwindling populations, and genetic dilution.

Having a Punganur cow is much more than livestock farming as it promises the cause of sustainable living through cultural preservation. These miniature cows flourish in semi-arid conditions, are very low maintenance, and adapt well to both urban and rural settings. Healthy living is made possible through their rich milk, and their temperament also serves to make them ideal companions.

It nurtures real-time experience in conservation and biodiversity nurturing this breed, and portals like Petsfolio provide expert strategies on how to go about adopting and caring for these cows. Thus, bringing Punganur cows would mean one is moving towards a very sustainable living favoring a rich agricultural legacy.                                                                                   G SUJATHA

[johnnwickyy]

Challenges and Solutions in Running a Desi Cow Dairy Farm in Haryana

Haryana has a rich history of dairy farming, with desi cows being the backbone of the industry. The demand for pure, A2 milk from desi cows is growing as more people become aware of its health benefits. However, running a desi cow dairy farm in Haryana comes with several challenges that farmers need to tackle effectively. In this blog, we will discuss the common difficulties faced by dairy farmers and practical solutions to ensure a successful dairy business.

Challenges in Running a Desi Cow Dairy Farm in Haryana

1. High Initial Investment

Setting up a desi cow dairy farm in Haryana requires significant investment in land, cow sheds, feeding systems, and milking equipment. Many farmers struggle with financing their dairy business, which slows down growth.

✅ Solution: Government subsidies and bank loans are available for dairy farming. Entrepreneurs can also partner with dairy brands like DairyJoy to secure funding and a stable customer base.

2. Limited Availability of Pure Desi Cow Breeds

Finding and maintaining purebred desi cows like Gir, Sahiwal, and Tharparkar can be a challenge. Crossbreeding has led to a decline in the availability of pure A2 milk-producing cows.

✅ Solution: Farmers should source cows from reputed breeders and maintain proper breeding records. Genetic improvement programs and artificial insemination with purebred semen can help maintain high-quality cattle.

3. High Cost of Feeding and Nutrition

Providing a balanced diet to desi cows is essential for high milk yield, but quality fodder and organic supplements can be expensive.

✅ Solution: Farmers should grow their own fodder to reduce costs. Hydroponic fodder systems and silage-making techniques can also ensure year-round availability of nutritious feed.

4. Lack of Proper Veterinary Care

Regular health check-ups and vaccinations are necessary to prevent diseases like foot-and-mouth disease and mastitis, but many villages lack access to skilled veterinarians.

✅ Solution: Farmers should collaborate with local veterinary hospitals or dairy cooperatives for regular health camps. Training in first-aid and disease management can also be beneficial.

5. Challenges in Marketing and Selling Milk

Many small dairy farmers struggle to find reliable buyers for their milk and dairy products. Large dairy brands dominate the market, making it difficult for small farmers to compete.

✅ Solution: Partnering with dairy brands like DairyJoy can help farmers get better prices and wider market reach. Farmers can also sell directly to consumers through digital platforms and doorstep delivery services.

6. Low Awareness of A2 Milk Benefits

Many consumers are unaware of the health benefits of A2 milk, which limits demand for desi cow dairy products.

✅ Solution: Educating customers through social media, blogs, and promotional campaigns can increase awareness and demand. Collaborating with health professionals and fitness influencers can also boost credibility.

How DairyJoy is Supporting Desi Cow Dairy Farmers in Haryana

DairyJoy, a leading dairy brand, is playing a crucial role in supporting desi cow dairy farmers. By offering fair pricing, technical training, and marketing support, DairyJoy ensures that farmers can run profitable dairy businesses. The brand is committed to delivering pure A2 milk and dairy products to health-conscious consumers, helping the desi cow dairy industry thrive.

Conclusion

Running a desi cow dairy farm in Haryana is challenging, but with the right strategies, it can be highly profitable. By addressing issues like high investment costs, lack of veterinary care, and marketing difficulties, farmers can build a successful dairy business. Partnering with established brands like DairyJoy can provide the necessary support to scale operations and reach a larger customer base.

For those looking to enter the dairy business, investing in desi cow farming is a rewarding opportunity that benefits both farmers and consumers. With growing awareness of A2 milk, the future of desi cow dairy farming in Haryana looks bright.