Which fodder should be fed to increase milk production?

Question

Sathiyavarsha K · Answer

Types of Fodder for Higher Milk Yield
1. Green Fodder (Energy + Vitamins)

These provide energy, vitamins, and some protein:

Maize (corn) – high energy, improves milk yield.

Jowar (sorghum) – good bulk fodder.

Bajra (pearl millet) – very digestible, increases body condition.

Oats (jai) – winter fodder, very good for milkers.

Napier Bajra Hybrid grass (CO-3, CO-4, Super Napier) – high yielding, protein-rich.

Berseem (Egyptian clover) – high protein, excellent for milk production.

Lucerne (alfalfa) – called the “queen of fodders”, very rich in protein.

2. Dry Fodder (Fiber for digestion)

Needed for rumen health and milk fat content:

Wheat straw (bhusa)

Rice straw (parali) – should be mixed with green/protein fodder.

Groundnut haulms, pulses straw – more nutritious than cereal straw.

3. Concentrates (High energy & protein for milk)

Very important for lactating animals.

Oil cakes: Mustard, Groundnut, Cottonseed cake

Grains: Maize, Barley, Wheat bran

Protein meals: Soybean meal

Mineral mixture + common salt – must be given daily.

4. Fodder Trees (for extra protein)

Subabul (Leucaena leucocephala)

Sesbania, Gliricidia, Drumstick leaves

Feeding Management Tips for More Milk

Balanced diet – Mix green fodder + dry fodder + concentrates.

For every 1 liter of milk → give 400 g concentrate feed.

Always provide mineral mixture + salt lick.

Give plenty of clean water (40–50 liters/day).

Avoid sudden feed changes (it stresses rumen bacteria).

Feed in regular timings (morning–evening).