Raj Kumar’s mini dairy farm at Saliyana near the IPH office, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, serves as a testament to the growth potential in small-scale dairy farming when managed efficiently. Over the past 3-4 years, Raj has grown his herd from two or three animals to a thriving group of nine dairy animals, including four crossbred Holstein Friesian cows, one Jersey cow, two buffaloes and two buffalo calves. His success story provides valuable insights into the operations and challenges of running a small-scale dairy farm.IntroductionRaj Kumar’s mini dairy farm, located in Saliyana, has a well-managed small-scale dairy operation. With nine dairy animals on his farm, including four crossbred Holstein Friesian cows, one Jersey cow, two buffaloes and two buffalo calves, Raj Kumar has established a successful dairy business that integrates modern practices with traditional methods.Farm Operations and Labor DistributionRaj and his wife are both actively involved in the farm’s operations, yet Raj takes on most of the major responsibilities, including milking, selling milk, and trading animals. This division of labor is typical in many small-scale farms, where one member of the family often shoulders the bulk of the work. Despite the demanding nature of the job, the involvement of the entire family ensures that the farm runs smoothly and efficiently.
“Well-ventilated mini dairy unit at Rajkumar’s, Saliyana.”Farm Setup and InfrastructureRaj Kumar’s farm boasts a pucca cow shed that is well-ventilated, with ample windows and an open covered area for the animals. The shed is equipped with fans to ensure proper air circulation, contributing to a clean and hygienic environment. Observations over a six-day project trial confirmed that cleanliness and shed hygiene were maintained to a high standard throughout.
“Well-ventilated mini dairy unit at Rajkumar’s, Saliyana.”
” Clean, well-groomed animals with dirt-free hindquarters.”Herd Composition:Raj Kumar’s dairy farm consists of a herd size of 8 animals, which includes 5 crossbred Holstein Friesian cows, 1 Jersey crossbred cow, and 2 buffaloes. Out of these 8 animals, 6 have been self-raised, while 2 were purchased from external sources. Raj Kumar considers the calves and heifers as crucial economic assets, contributing significantly to the profitability of his dairy farm. Their growth and development not only ensure future milk production but also provide potential income through sales.BreedingRaj Kumar’s herd consists of a combination of cows and buffaloes, acquired through both purchasing and breeding via artificial insemination (AI). His buffaloes have been bred using both AI and traditional methods involving buffalo bulls. However, Raj Kumar has come to recognize that animals produced through AI tend to be of superior quality. This shift in understanding is largely due to the scarcity of high-quality buffalo bulls in the area. As a result, Raj Kumar now plans to rely more heavily on artificial insemination for both his cows and buffaloes to improve the genetic quality of his herd.Feeding and NutritionFeeding on Raj Kumar’s farm is meticulously managed to ensure optimal nutrition and productivity. His animals are fed three times a day, with a strong emphasis on maintaining a balanced diet. To reduce production costs, he also sends the animals out for grazing, supplementing their diet with all available fodder resources, including tree leaves and local green fodder.Raj Kumar has also introduced silage into his feeding regimen, which provides a steady and nutritious feed source, especially during lean seasons. He prepares both green and dry fodder using a chaff cutter to ensure proper digestion and efficient feeding. In the late afternoons, his animals are sent out to graze, further lowering feed expenses.To optimize milk production, Raj Kumar experiments with two to three different types of feed, carefully assessing their impact on the milk yield of his animals. Additionally, he provides his herd with Agrimin mineral mixture to support their overall health and productivity. Green fodder, purchased from the local market, ensures that his animals receive a fresh and nutritious diet.By combining these feeding practices, Raj Kumar has successfully maintained the health of his herd and optimized milk production, demonstrating a strong commitment to animal welfare and farm efficiency.
“Buffalo milk selling at Rs 70 per liter in the market.”Milk ProductionThe average milk production on Raj Kumar’s farm is approximately 55 liters per day, with 50% of the animals currently in milk. The average milk yield per animal stands at 15 liters per day. The age at first calving for Holstein Friesian cows is around 2.5 years, while Jersey cows calve between 2.5 to 3 years. This timely calving age reflects effective management practices and proper animal care.Milk Sales and Pricing StrategyRaj Kumar’s dairy farm operates with a direct-to-consumer sales model, where most of the milk is sold right at the farm. Many local consumers visit his farm daily, both in the morning and evening, to purchase fresh milk. This direct approach allows him to maintain a loyal customer base and minimize transportation costs. Only the surplus milk is sold to a private dairy, Baba Dairy Panchrukhi.The pricing of the milk is determined by its quality, based on fat content and solid-not-fat (SNF) levels. Cow’s milk is priced at Rs 50 per liter, while buffalo milk commands a higher price of Rs 70 per liter due to its richer fat content. This pricing strategy not only reflects the premium quality of his milk but also aligns with local market demand, ensuring a fair return for Raj Kumar’s high-quality dairy products.Veterinary ServicesVeterinary services are primarily availed at home, ensuring that the animals receive timely care without disrupting the farm’s operations. Regular health check-ups and prompt attention to any medical issues are crucial for maintaining the overall health and productivity of the herd.Family InvolvementRaj Kumar’s dairy farm is truly a family-run enterprise, with each member playing a vital role in its daily operations. According to Raj Kumar, much of the workload, especially tasks related to animal husbandry, is shouldered by his wife, reflecting the common practice in the region where women are heavily involved in livestock management. This shared responsibility not only lightens the overall workload but also strengthens the sense of collective effort and dedication to the farm’s success. The active involvement of family members ensures the smooth functioning of the farm and contributes to its growth and sustainability.ConclusionRaj Kumar’s mini dairy farm in Saliyana stands as a model of effective small-scale dairy management. Through a combination of proper infrastructure, balanced feeding, and family involvement, Raj Kumar has achieved notable success in his dairy operations. His approach to managing milk production, maintaining hygiene, and ensuring good animal health provides valuable insights for others in the dairy farming community. With a positive outlook on the dairy farming business, Raj Kumar is also open to inquiries about buying animals and can be contacted at 7876447018.
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