1. Dairy Farming – Overview
Dairy farming is one of the most important allied agricultural sectors, providing livelihoods to millions of rural families. India is the world's largest milk producer, contributing over 22% of global milk output.
- High-Yield Breeds: Holstein Friesian, Jersey, Sahiwal, Gir, Red Sindhi.
- Average milk yield: 15–25 litres/day (crossbred); 6–10 litres/day (indigenous).
- Proper housing, ventilation, and hygiene are critical for herd health.
2. Dairy Nutrition & Feed Management
A balanced diet directly impacts milk yield and quality. Dairy cattle require a combination of roughage and concentrates.
- Roughage: Green fodder (maize, sorghum, napier grass), dry fodder (straw, hay).
- Concentrates: Groundnut cake, cotton seed cake, maize bran, mineral mixtures.
- Provide clean, fresh water at all times — a cow drinks 50–80 litres per day.
- Supplement with mineral mixtures to prevent deficiency diseases.
3. Dairy Health & Disease Management
- Vaccinate against Foot & Mouth Disease (FMD), Brucellosis, and Hemorrhagic Septicemia.
- Deworm animals every 3–6 months.
- Mastitis is the most common dairy disease — maintain udder hygiene and milking practices.
- Maintain a herd health record for each animal.
4. Poultry Farming – Overview
Poultry farming includes the rearing of chickens, ducks, turkeys, and quails for meat and eggs. It is a fast-growing sector with low initial investment and quick returns.
- Broiler Farming: Meat production; birds reach market weight (2–2.5 kg) in 6–7 weeks.
- Layer Farming: Egg production; hens lay 280–320 eggs per year.
- Popular Breeds: BV-300, Lohmann Brown (layers); Cobb 400, Ross 308 (broilers).
5. Poultry Housing & Biosecurity
- Maintain proper ventilation to prevent ammonia buildup and respiratory diseases.
- Litter management: replace or turn litter regularly to reduce disease risk.
- Biosecurity measures: restrict visitor access, disinfect equipment, and quarantine new birds.
- Vaccinate against Newcastle Disease, Marek's Disease, and Infectious Bursal Disease.
6. Economics & Marketing
Both dairy and poultry offer strong income potential when managed efficiently.
- Join dairy cooperatives (e.g., Amul model) for assured milk procurement and fair pricing.
- Explore value-added products: ghee, paneer, curd, butter for higher margins.
- Poultry farmers can sell directly to local markets, hotels, and processing units.
- Government schemes: NABARD dairy loans, Poultry Venture Capital Fund.