How to start dairy farming

Question

Shikha bhatt · Accepted Answer

Hello, Starting a dairy farm begins with understanding the basics of dairy cattle care, milk production, and farm management. Begin by thoroughly researching the industry visit local farms, talk to experienced farmers, and learn about cattle breeds, feeding practices, common diseases, and market requirements. , develop a practical business plan. This plan should include your budget, land requirements, expected herd size, feed and veterinary costs, expected milk yield, and potential buyers (such as milk processing companies, cooperatives, or local markets). It’s also important to plan for infrastructure like a cow shed, feed storage, water supply, and waste management. Choose cattle breeds based on your climate, budget, and milk production goals. For example, Holstein Friesians are known for high milk yield but require more care, while indigenous breeds like Sahiwal or Gir are more heat-tolerant and disease-resistant. You'll need to build proper shelter for the animals well-ventilated, clean, and with enough space for each cow. Invest in milking equipment, feeding troughs, clean water supply, and storage for milk. Feed should be balanced, combining green fodder, dry fodder, grains, and mineral supplements. Water should be available at all times. Maintaining animal health is critical. Regular vaccinations, deworming, and veterinary check-ups will keep your herd productive. Milking should be done twice daily, using clean hands or machines, and milk should be stored in hygienic containers and chilled quickly. Once milk is collected, you'll need to decide how to sell it either raw to local markets, or processed into products like yogurt, ghee, or cheese. You may also consider chilling and packaging for retail.