Holy Cow! Remembering The Forgotten Rakshaks Of Our Nutrition

Laxman Pai 27 Mar 2025

For centuries, humans have evolved—crafting civilizations, discovering medicine, and refining diets to ensure our own well-being. We obsess on nutrition, count calories, balance proteins, and obsess over superfoods. Milk, a staple in nearly every household, is celebrated for its nutrition—offering calcium for strong bones, protein for muscle growth, and essential vitamins for vitality.

But what about the ones who provide this milk?

Our dairy animals—cows and buffaloes—give tirelessly, day after day, yet their own nutrition remains an afterthought. We ensure our plates are filled with the best nutrients, but for them, it’s often stale straw, imbalanced feed, and poor-quality fodder. We speak of sustainable farming, yet we allow them to graze on depleted lands or survive on whatever is available, not what they truly need. Their health deteriorates, their milk yield drops, and they suffer in silence—unseen, unheard, and uncared for.

Isn’t it time we extend the same empathy to them? Shouldn’t the very source of our nutrition be nourished, not neglected?

A Farmer’s Daily Struggle

Ramprasad Yadav, a dairy farmer in Kanpur Dehat, Uttar Pradesh, wakes up before dawn, walking to his cowshed in the cold morning air. He carefully pours out the fodder—some dry straw mixed with a little oil cake—and watches his cows eat. He knows this isn’t enough.

“Gaay doodh kam dene lagi hai” (My cow’s milk yield has dropped), he murmurs to himself, shaking his head. The vet told him that poor nutrition is to blame, but quality green fodder is hard to come by. The open fields he once relied on for grazing have turned into dry patches of land. The cost of cattle feed has skyrocketed.

He feels trapped. If the cow eats less, she produces less milk. If she produces less milk, his earnings drop. It’s a vicious cycle, and one that thousands of farmers across India are caught in.

Ramprasad’s isn’t an isolated case. Almost all dairy farming household rely on the income from milk for sustenance. And the drop in milk productivity is a big problem that they seek solutions for. And with so much advancements in human nutrition, where the conversation has evolved drastically over the last 2-3 years, there is an urgent need to extend the same to livestock nutrition as well. Not only for stabilising incomes of dairy farmers, but to ensure we are able to sustain milk productivity for the increase need that will arise from human consumption point of view.

It’s time to feed our livestock right and not only what’s left! Because when we care for our livestock, they care for us.

So gear up folks. For, we will now take you through a Masterclass on what our livestock requires for optimal nutrition. You will soon realise that the gap in need and what is the situation currently is dire. If productive lactating animals don’t get optimal nutrition, then imagine what the situation of non-productive animals would be. Many of us would now be visualising vivid images of cattle loitering around and eating from trash cans in urban centres. That is exactly the scenario. And it needs to change.

So what is optimal nutrition for livestock?

For optimal milk productivity in livestock, dairy cows require a well-balanced diet that meets their energy, protein, fiber, mineral, and vitamin needs. Below is a breakdown of the key nutritional components and their role in milk production:

1. Energy (Carbohydrates & Fats)

Energy is essential for milk synthesis, body maintenance, and reproductive health. Dairy cows need high-energy feed to maintain peak production.

Potential Sources:

  • Cereal grains (Maize, Wheat, Barley, Sorghum) – High in starch, provides fast energy.
  • Oilseeds & Fats (Soybean meal, Cottonseed meal, Rice bran) – Enhances energy density.
  • Hydroponic Maize Fodder – Provides highly digestible carbohydrates for sustained energy.

Requirement:

  • Lactating cows: 65-70% of total dry matter (DM) intake should be energy sources.
  • Deficiency effects: Low energy reduces milk yield, fertility, and body condition.

2. Protein (Crude Protein & Amino Acids)

Protein is critical for milk protein synthesis, muscle growth, and enzyme production.

Potential Sources:

  • Leguminous Fodder (Berseem, Lucerne, Cowpea) – 15-22% protein.
  • Oil Cakes (Soybean meal, Mustard cake) – 30-40% protein, rich in amino acids.
  • Hydroponic Fodder (Maize, Barley, Wheat, Sorghum) – 13-16% protein, easily digestible.

Requirement:

  • Crude Protein (CP): 16-18% of total DM intake for high-yielding cows.
  • Deficiency effects: Reduced milk yield, weak immune function, poor fertility.

3. Fiber (Structural Carbohydrates)

Fiber supports rumen health, digestion, and prevents metabolic disorders like acidosis.

Potential Sources:

  • Dry Fodder (Wheat & Paddy Straw) – 30-40% fiber, provides bulk.
  • Silage (Maize & Sorghum silage) – Balanced fiber with good digestibility.
  • Hydroponic Fodder – 85-95% digestible fiber, improves gut health.

Requirement:

  • Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF): 28-35% of total DM intake to maintain rumen function.
  • Deficiency effects: Poor digestion, metabolic disorders, lower milk fat content.

4. Minerals (Macro & Micro)

Minerals play a vital role in bone strength, immunity, and milk composition.

Essential Macrominerals:

  • Calcium (Ca) – For milk synthesis & bone health (Required: 0.6-0.8% of DM).
  • Phosphorus (P) – Essential for energy metabolism & fertility (Required: 0.3-0.4% of DM).
  • Magnesium (Mg) – Prevents grass tetany, supports muscle function (Required: 0.2-0.3% of DM).
  • Sodium (Na) & Chloride (Cl) – Maintain fluid balance (Salt supplementation needed).

Essential Microminerals:

  • Zinc (Zn) – Enhances hoof health & immunity (Required: 40-50 ppm).
  • Copper (Cu) – Supports enzymes & red blood cells (Required: 10-15 ppm).
  • Iodine (I) – Prevents thyroid issues & weak calves (Required: 0.5 ppm).

Potential Sources:

  • Mineral Mixtures & Salt Licks – Balanced formulation to meet daily needs.
  • Hydroponic Fodder – Naturally rich in Calcium, Magnesium, and Phosphorus.

5. Vitamins (Fat-Soluble & Water-Soluble)

Vitamins improve milk quality, reproduction, and overall immunity.

Fat-Soluble Vitamins:

  • Vitamin A – Supports vision, reproduction, and skin health.
  • Vitamin D – Helps in calcium absorption and bone health.
  • Vitamin E – Boosts immunity and fertility.

Water-Soluble Vitamins:

  • Vitamin B Complex (B1, B2, B12, Niacin, Biotin) – Improves energy metabolism, hoof strength, and digestion.

Potential Sources:

  • Green Fodder & Hydroponic Fodder – Rich in Vitamins A, B, and E.
  • Vitamin Supplements – Needed for high-yielding cows.

6. Water (The Most Essential Nutrient!)

  • Cows need 4-5 liters of water for every liter of milk produced.
  • Ensure 50-70 liters/day for lactating cows to maximize milk yield.

Optimal Livestock Nutrition is as complex as that of humans

Ensuring a consistent and nutritious fodder supply is crucial for livestock health and milk productivity. The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) of India categorizes fodder into different types based on nutritional content and availability. However, with changing climate conditions and land constraints, hydroponically grown fodder is emerging as a superior alternative. Let’s explore the traditional options and how hydroponic fodder offers game-changing benefits.

Types of Fodder as per NDDB. NDDB classifies fodder into three main categories:

  1. Green Fodder: These are fresh, leafy plants that provide essential vitamins and minerals. Common examples include
    • Leguminous Fodder
      • Berseem (Egyptian Clover): 18-22% crude protein, improves digestion and milk yield.
      • Lucerne (Alfalfa): 15-20% protein, highly palatable, excellent for lactating cattle.
      • Cowpea: 16-18% protein, rich in essential amino acids.
    • Non-Leguminous Fodder:
      • Maize (Corn Fodder): High-energy source, rich in carbohydrates (12-14% fiber).
      • Sorghum: Drought-resistant, provides energy and fiber, good for hot climates.
      • Hybrid Napier: Rapid regrowth, high dry matter yield, excellent for cut-and-carry systems.
  2. Dry Fodder: These are preserved crop residues that provide bulk and fiber but lack protein and moisture. Examples:
    • Wheat Straw & Paddy Straw: Low in protein (2-4%), mainly a roughage source.
    • Maize Stover & Groundnut Haulms: Moderate energy content, used to supplement green fodder.
  3. Concentrate Feeds & Supplements: These include high-energy and high-protein components like:
    • Oil Cakes (Mustard, Groundnut, Soybean): 30-40% protein, essential for lactating cattle.
    • Grains (Maize, Barley, Wheat Bran): High-energy sources, essential for weight gain.

While these fodder types form the foundation of livestock nutrition, farmers often struggle with seasonal shortages, fluctuating prices, and unpredictable quality. This is where hydroponically grown fodder presents a revolutionary alternative.

Hydroponically Grown Fodder can be a huge unlock!

Hydroponics is a soil-free farming method that allows farmers to grow nutrient-rich green fodder in just 7 days using minimal water and space. Grains such as maize, wheat, and barley are ideal for hydroponic cultivation due to their rapid growth and high nutritional value.

Nutritional Advantages of Hydroponic Fodder

  • Higher Protein Content: Hydroponic maize fodder contains 13-16% crude protein, compared to just 8-10% in traditional green fodder. 
  • Enhanced Digestibility: 85-95% digestibility compared to 55-60% in dry fodder, leading to better feed conversion. 
  • Rich in Enzymes & Vitamins: Increases Vitamin A, B, and E, improving overall animal health and fertility. 
  • Higher Moisture Content (80-90%) for better hydration and rumen function. 
  • Increases Milk Yield by 15-20% when integrated into a balanced feeding system. 

Economic Benefits for Farmers

  • Cost Savings: Traditional green fodder requires large land areas and significant water use. Hydroponic systems cut fodder costs by up to 30% while increasing efficiency. 
  • Space-Efficient: 1 kg of maize grains produces 7-10 kg of fresh hydroponic fodder, reducing the need for farmland. 
  • Consistent Supply: Eliminates dependence on unpredictable weather and seasonal shortages. 
  • Lower Veterinary Costs: Healthier cows mean fewer disease-related expenses, saving farmers money. 
  • Higher Profits: Increased milk yield and better cattle health lead to higher earnings per farmer, making dairy more profitable. 

Economic Impact: Hydroponic vs. Traditional Fodder

Our mission @ Shunya Agritech: Fodder as a Service

At Shunya Agritech, we recognize the challenges dairy farmers face in sourcing high-quality fodder consistently. That’s why we offer Fodder-as-a-Service, ensuring farmers receive fresh, hydroponically grown green fodder through our subscription-based model.

  • Prepaid Subscription Model: Farmers receive a regular, predictable supply without worrying about daily procurement.
  • Convenience & Reliability: Shunya’s Growth & Logistics Centers (GLC) handle fodder production, packaging, and direct delivery to farmers.
  • Tech-Enabled Access: Farmers can place orders using the Shunya Agritech mobile app & Whatsapp for seamless transactions and tracking.
  • Holistic Dairy Solutions: Beyond fodder, we will be providing veterinary teleconsultations, marketplace access, and financial solutions to empower farmers.

Why Farmers Should Make the Shift

Given the challenges in traditional fodder sourcing—such as unpredictable weather, land constraints, and fluctuating feed costs—hydroponic farming provides a scalable, reliable, and sustainable solution for Indian dairy farmers.

Ramprasad, whose example we read earlier has heard about Hydroponically grown Fodder. Heknows that it is a fresh, highly nutritious, chemical-free alternative grown without soil, using just water and controlled conditions. He got to know from his local milk collection centre that a new company called Shunya is providing this fodder on demand. He tries it using the attractive trial offer. When he tries it, the change is remarkable. His cows, once sluggish and weak, now eat eagerly. There is a sheen to their skin. They look healthy! They look happy! Within weeks, their milk yield increases by 15-20%. Their health improves, and so does Ramprasad’s income.

“Pehli baar mehsoos ho raha hai ki gaay bhi insaan ki tarah poshan chahti hai” (For the first time, I realize that cows, too, need proper nutrition, just like humans do), he says with a smile.

In conclusion:

Hydroponic fodder can potentially transform dairy productivity, reducing costs, and ensuring better farmer incomes. And with Shunya Agritech’s Fodder-as-a-Service, farmers don’t have to struggle anymore. They get fresh, nutrient-rich fodder delivered to their doorstep, ensuring consistent milk production, healthier cattle, and better profits.

The future of dairy lies in innovation. Let’s build a more productive and sustainable dairy industry—one fodder tray at a time!

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