India’s dairy sector is the largest milk producer in the world, supporting millions of rural livelihoods. But behind the success story lies a growing concern: poor-quality fodder is silently fueling a surge in antibiotic use – weakening cattle, compromising milk safety, and increasing the risk of antibiotic resistance.

This is how it happens.

The Link Between Poor Fodder and Antibiotic Use

1. Poor Fodder Weakens Cattle Health

Cattle need balanced nutrition to stay healthy and productive. But when fodder lacks essential nutrients – like copper, selenium, and vitamin E – cows become more prone to infections. Nutritional deficiencies directly compromise their immune systems.

A study published by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) highlights how fodder quality directly impacts milk yield and cattle health. Diseases like mastitis and diarrhoea often follow poor diets, especially in high-producing cows.

2. Increased Disease Leads to More Antibiotics

Weak cattle fall sick more often. Mastitis, fevers, diarrhoea, reproductive issues – these are routine on many small farms. And the quick fix? Antibiotics.

Reports from Punjab Agricultural University suggest mastitis alone accounts for over 50% of antibiotic treatments in dairy cattle. The pressure to maintain milk output and easy availability of drugs encourages overuse—sometimes without veterinary consultation.

3. Unregulated Practices and Misuse

With limited veterinary support, many farmers administer antibiotics themselves. Wrong drug. Wrong dose. No withdrawal period. The result?

• Antibiotic resistance in animals
  
• Residues in milk
  
• Ineffective treatments that don’t address the root cause—poor nutrition

A report by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has raised concerns about antibiotic misuse and residue levels in Indian milk.

The Consequences

For Cattle

• Weakened immunity and repeated illnesses
  
• Lower productivity and milk quality
  
• Antibiotic resistance, making future infections harder to treat
  

For Humans

• Antibiotic residues in milk can cause allergies and gut issues
  
• Boiling milk is not enough – many antibiotics survive heat
  
• Long-term risk: Rising antibiotic resistance in humans

For Dairy Farmers

• High treatment costs
  
• Loss of income from discarded or rejected milk
  
• Low awareness of the connection between feed quality and antibiotic use
  

A Healthier Alternative: Shunya’s Nutri Ankurit Feed (NAF)

One of the root causes of excessive antibiotic use in Indian dairy is poor fodder. When cattle don’t get the nutrients they need, their immunity drops – and disease creeps in. That’s where Shunya’s Nutri Ankurit Feed (NAF) steps in as a game-changer.

NAF is a hydroponically grown, freshly sprouted green fodder – packed with nutrients, moisture, and digestible energy. Unlike traditional dry fodder or crop residues, NAF offers a complete nutritional profile in a form that cattle love to eat.

Why NAF Works:

According to research, cows fed with hydroponically-grown maize fodder have shown:

• 25% increase in milk yield
  
• 15–20% improvement in milk fat content
  
• Faster recovery from nutritional deficiencies
  
• Stronger immunity – reducing reliance on antibiotics
  
• Higher feed palatability – especially in hot or dry seasons when appetite drops
  
  

Nutritional Content of NAF:

• Protein-rich (up to 15% on dry matter basis)
  
• High in digestible fiber
  
• Loaded with natural enzymes, amino acids, and antioxidants
  
• Moisture content over 70% – improving hydration and digestion
  
• Grown without pesticides or chemicals
  
  

The Result?

When cattle eat better, they stay healthier, fall sick less often, and need fewer medicines. NAF helps close the nutrition gap at the source – leading to stronger immunity, better milk, and lower antibiotic use.

By switching to NAF, dairy farmers can:

• Reduce veterinary expenses
  
• Avoid milk rejection due to residues
  
• Earn better returns through quality milk

It’s a simple fix to a big problem – with healthier cattle, safer milk, and more sustainable farming.

In Conclusion

Antibiotic misuse in Indian dairy farming is often a symptom of something deeper – poor nutrition. When cattle don’t get the right nutrients, their immune systems weaken, making them fall sick more often. And to treat those illnesses, farmers turn to antibiotics, sometimes without proper guidance. By switching to NAF, farmers can protect their cattle, improve milk quality, and safeguard human health. Because when cows eat better, everyone benefits.