Green fodder and bhusa alone cannot meet the needs of a milking animal. Here is what to look for in a good cattle feed – and how to match the feed to your animals.
Key Takeaways
- A milking animal needs concentrate feed in addition to green and dry fodder.
- Look for balanced protein, energy, minerals and consistent quality in every bag.
- Match the feed to the yield: higher yielders benefit from bypass protein.
In this article
A cow giving 8 – 10 litres of milk a day needs far more nutrition than she can get from grass and bhusa alone. Milk is made from what the animal eats – so the feed you choose has a direct effect on how much milk you get, and on the animal’s long-term health.
Why fodder alone is not enough
Green and dry fodder provide fibre and some nutrients, but they are low in energy and protein. A milking animal also needs extra calcium and phosphorus for milk. Without a good concentrate feed, she will draw on her own body reserves – milk falls, she loses condition, and heat cycles are delayed.
What to look for in a good cattle feed
- Balanced protein – for milk production, growth and repair of body tissue.
- Enough energy – from grains and brans, to keep milk yield and body condition steady.
- Minerals and vitamins – calcium, phosphorus and vitamin A for milk, bones and fertility.
- Digestible fibre – to keep the rumen healthy.
- Consistent quality – the same nutrition in every bag, so your animals do not face sudden changes.
- Freshness – a recent packing date, clean bags and a fresh smell.
Match the feed to your animals
| Animal / stage | What it needs most | Suggested Sitara feed |
|---|---|---|
| Average yielding cow or buffalo | Complete daily nutrition | Super Feed |
| Good yielders, less wastage | Nutrient-dense pellets | Uttam Pellet |
| High yielders, early lactation | Extra protein that reaches the intestine | Bypass Dairy Special |
| Saani and extra fibre | Fibre, energy and taste | Multigrain Chokar |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Changing feed suddenly instead of over 7 – 10 days
- Choosing the cheapest bag without checking quality – it often costs more in lost milk
- Giving a lot of concentrate with too little fibre
- Forgetting about clean drinking water
- Storing bags on a damp floor
A good feed shows its value in the milk bucket – and in the animal’s shiny coat, bright eyes and good appetite.
– Sitara Nutrition Team
Not sure which feed suits your herd? Send us an enquiry or read our daily feeding chart to work out the right quantity.
