Understanding Cow Gut Health

The cow’s digestive system, particularly the rumen, hosts a complex community of microorganisms essential for breaking down fibrous plant materials. A balanced gut microbiome ensures efficient digestion, optimal nutrient absorption, and a robust immune system. Disruptions in this balance can lead to digestive issues, reduced milk yield, and increased veterinary costs.

Hydroponic Fodder: A Nutrient-Rich Alternative

Hydroponic fodder is cultivated without soil, using water and nutrient solutions, typically harvested within 7–10 days. According to this research paper, this method produces a dense mat of sprouts, including roots and shoots, offering a rich source of easily digestible nutrients. According to the paper “Role of Hydroponic Fodder Production for Livestock in the Current Scenario of Climate Change,” feeding hydroponic fodder can enhance gut health by modulating beneficial microbiota in the large intestine and strengthening mucosal structures.

Improved Nutrient Digestibility

Feeding hydroponic maize fodder (HMF) to lactating cows has shown significant improvements in nutrient digestibility. As reported in the study “Effect of Feeding Hydroponics Maize Fodder on Digestibility of Nutrients and Milk Production in Lactating Cows,” cows fed with HMF exhibited higher digestibility of crude protein (72.46% vs. 68.86%) and crude fiber (59.21% vs. 53.25%) compared to those on conventional diets. Enhanced digestibility ensures that cows extract more nutrients from their feed, supporting better health and productivity.

Positive Impact on Milk Production

Improved gut health and nutrient absorption directly influence milk yield and quality. The same study noted a 13.7% increase in milk yield among cows fed with HMF compared to those on traditional fodder. Better digestion and nutrient utilization contribute to higher milk fat and solids-not-fat (SNF) content, enhancing the overall quality of milk produced.

Economic Benefits for Farmers

Incorporating hydroponic maize fodder (HMF) into dairy diets has been shown to enhance milk production and improve feed efficiency. According to the study “Effect of feeding hydroponics maize fodder on digestibility of nutrients and milk production in lactating cows,” cows fed with HMF exhibited a 13.7% increase in milk yield compared to those on conventional diets. This improvement is attributed to the higher digestibility of crude protein and crude fiber in HMF, leading to better nutrient absorption and overall animal health.

Additionally, farmers have reported cost savings by reducing the amount of concentrate feed required when supplementing with HMF. A study titled “Study on hydroponic maize fodder effect on milk production” found that feeding 12 kg of HMF per day to milch buffaloes led to a saving of Rs. 15.61 per buffalo per day on concentrate feed costs. In an actual in-market impact “Doodh Darpan” study conducted by Shunya in the summer heat of May 2025, we discovered that adopting Nutri Ankurit Feed and making smart substitutions, farmers were able to sustain milk output at 5% higher Fat, leading to an incremental 8% in net earnings. As compared to them, heat had an impact on productivity of animals who maintained status quo with milk output dropping 14% and net income dropping 25%.

How Shunya is Supporting the Shift

While the science around hydroponic green fodder is clear, access to the right technology, training, and reliable feed systems remains a challenge. And for many smallholder farmers, setting up individual production units may not be commercially viable due to the initial investment. This is where Shunya steps in.

Shunya works at the intersection of technology, sustainable agriculture and service, offering end-to-end solutions for setting up and managing hydroponic green feed systems as well as Fodder-as-a-service to smallholder farmers. Our flagship product, Nutri Ankurit Feed is designed to be consistent, clean, and easy to integrate into existing dairy operations. Built on research-backed principles, Nutri Ankurit Feed helps improve feed quality, animal health, and farm resilience. And by providing it through a subscription service, we help farmers gets access to the feed without having to go through the rigour of growing it themselves. In short, the model aims to provide affordable hydroponics fodder for small farmers

Apart from the hydroponic green fodder delivery model, Shunya also endeavours to provide digital veterinary service rural India and remote vet consultations India.

Conclusion

Cow gut health is more than a veterinary concern—it’s the foundation of dairy productivity, animal welfare, and farmer prosperity. As research continues to highlight the role of feed quality in shaping digestive health, hydroponic green feed stands out as a practical, science-backed solution. By embracing this innovation, India’s dairy sector can unlock a future of healthier animals, better milk, and more resilient incomes. With support from agri-tech partners like Shunya and their Nutri Ankurit Feed, farmers now have the tools to nourish their herds from the inside out—starting with the gut.