In a conversation with dairy farming expert A.C.H. Munaweera (Executive committee member at Sri Lanka Agriprenuers’ Forum, Ex. General Manager of NLDB, Ex CEO of Ambewela Dairy Complex, Lanka Milk Foods (CWE) PLC) we explore key strategies for small and medium-scale dairy farmers to improve their practices and overcome common challenges.
Can you share some of the key management practices that small and medium-scale dairy farmers should adopt to boost milk production?
Effective management is the foundation of a successful dairy farm. Small and medium-scale dairy farmers, who contribute to over 85% of national milk production of Sri Lanka, should focus on implementing practical solutions. First, they should regularly consult with experts who have experience in tropical dairy farming to create a tailored plan for their farm. Developing a sustaining cropping and feeding program ensures that cows receive the nutrients adequately and balanced. It is also essential to maintain an effective waste management system to optimize both productivity and environmental sustainability. Additionally, farmers must remember that a dairy farm is a biological system, so it should be managed cautiously. Further, no single size fits all farms. In fact, every farm should have its own unique management system well planned based on the circumstances of the particular farm and the farmer, thus, following someone else’s plan will not help succeeding yours. In small and medium scale farms, the proprietor farmer is both the manager and the investor, who should therefore, continually adjust the strategies to meet the specific needs of his farm to move forward.
You mentioned balanced nutrition and adequate feed supply is important for the overall success of a dairy farm. Could you explain further on this? And how farmers can implement this?
Balanced nutrition is critical for dairy cows to maintain their health and produce high-quality milk. A cow’s diet should include good-quality forages, grains, protein sources, vitamins, and minerals in proportion to its body weight and the physiological state. In fact, a cow requires 3% of dry matter as a percentage of its body weight for maintenance per day. This requirement increases with production of milk. For example, a 450 kg cow requires about 12 to 15 kg of dry matter per day, but this amount varies depending on milk production levels. Apart from this, farmers should focus on providing a Total Mixed Ration (TMR), which ensures that cows receive all necessary nutrients in the right proportions. TMR includes forages, grains, protein supplements, and other ingredients mixed together. This method not only promotes higher milk yields but also improves cow health and reduces feed costs. Not only that, a cow needs 50-60 L of fresh water per day. Furthermore, extra 4L of water is required per each 1L of milk produced. Farmers who balance their diets of their cows effectively will notice better lactation performance and overall productivity.
Cow comfort is often mentioned be experts as crucial for milk production and quality. Can you elaborate on why this is important and how farmers can improve cow comfort?
Cow comfort plays a vital role in enhancing milk production, quality, and overall health. Cows that are comfortable are more productive, as they can achieve higher milk yields and better reproductive efficiency. Providing adequate shelter, clean water, and proper housing conditions is crucial for their well-being. For instance, a matured cow needs 50-60 liters of fresh water per day, and this can increase significantly during hotter months. Farmers should also ensure that their animals have enough space to move freely and rest, as congestion can lead to stress and reduced milk production. Monitoring the cleanliness, posture, and behavior of the herd can help farmers address any discomfort early, minimizing economic losses.
What are the biggest challenges small-scale dairy farmers in Sri Lanka face today, and what practical solutions would you suggest to overcome these?
The dairy industry in Sri Lanka faces several challenges, especially among small-scale farmers. The most common issues include limited access to quality dairy animals, inadequate land for forage cultivation, poor genetics, and knowledge gaps regarding nutrition. Poor record-keeping and low success rates in artificial insemination are also hurdles. To overcome these, farmers should focus on educating themselves about improved breeding techniques, including artificial insemination, and consult experts to better manage their resources. Additionally, adopting regular record-keeping for each animal in the farm and investing in superior genetics can help farmers improve milk yield and quality. Government policies that support dairy farmers, along with the help of dairy processors, can also provide valuable resources to tackle these challenges.
So, as you mentioned accurate record-keeping is vital for a successful dairy farm. Why is this so crucial, and how can farmers improve in this area?
Record-keeping is one of the cornerstones of a successful dairy farm. Accurate records allow farmers to track the health, production, and reproductive performance of their cows, making it easier to identify issues early and make informed decisions. This is especially important for monitoring milk production and quality. Farmers should track body condition scores, lactation cycles, and daily milk yields to ensure that their cows are performing optimally. With proper records, farmers can improve breeding programs, manage feed more efficiently, and ensure the overall success of their operations. Adopting digital tools for record-keeping can also help streamline the process and reduce the chances of human error.
Finally, waste management is a growing concern for dairy farms. How can dairy farmers develop an effective waste management plan that benefits both their farm operations and the environment?
Effective waste management is crucial in running a sustainable dairy farm. Dairy farms produce large amounts of organic waste, including manure, which, if not managed properly, can negatively impact the environment. Farmers should create comprehensive waste management plans that address both the handling and disposal of manure. Optimum waste management in dairy farms reduced the emission of methane and other greenhouse gasses the atmosphere. Utilizing waste as fertilizer is an excellent way to reduce costs while maintaining soil fertility. Additionally, some farmers may benefit from investing in biogas systems, which convert animal waste into energy, thus converting a potential problem into an economic advantage. Keeping the farm clean and disposing of waste responsibly, in the other hand, contribute to the health and productivity of the herd as well. Therefore, climate smart dairy farming contributes the well-being of the environment while helping the farmer to produce his own energy for the farm and makes it more profitable.
Bhathiya Barukanda
