Introduction

Dairy is an important source of subsidiary income to small/marginal farmers and agricultural labours. The manures from animals provide a good source of organic matter for improving soil fertility and crop yields. The gober gas from the dung is used as a fuel for domestic purposes as also for running engines for drawing water from well. The surplus fodder and agricultural by products are gainfully utilized for feeding the animals. Almost all draught power for farm operations and transportation is supplied by bullocks. Since agriculture is mostly seasonal, there is a possibility of finding the employment through out the year for many persons through dairy farming. A farmer can earn a gross surplus of about Rs.12, 000 per year from a unit consisting of 2 milking buffaloes. The capital investment required for purchase two buffalo is Rs.18, 223. Even after paying a sum of Rs.4294 pa towards repayment of the loan and interest the farmer can earn a net surplus of Rs.6, 000 to 9,000 approximately per year.

Package of common management practices recommended for dairy farmers

Some of the major norms and recommended practices are as follows.

1. Housing

1. Construct shed on dry, properly raised ground.
2. Avoid water-logging, marshy and heavy rainfall areas.
3. The walls of the shade should be 1.5 to 2mts high.
4. The walls should be plastered to make them damp proof.
5. The cattle shade should be well ventilated.
6. The floor should be pucca/hard, even non-slippery impervious, well sloped (3m per meter) and properly drained to remain dry and clean.
7. Provide 0.25 metre broad, pucca drain at the rear of the standing space.
8. Provide 5-10 sq. metre loaf space for each animal.
9. Provide proper shade and cool drinking water in summer.
10. In winter keep animals indoor during night and rain.
11. Provide individual bedding daily.
12. Maintain sanitary condition around shed.

m) Give adequate space for the animals.

1. Selection of animal

1. Immediately after release of the loan purchase the stock from a reliable breeder or from nearest livestock market.
2. Select healthy, high yielding animals with the help of bank’s technical officer, veterinary/animal husbandry officer of state govt./zilla parished, etc.
3. Vaccinate the newly purchased animal against disease.
4. Keep the newly purchased animal under observation for a period of about two weeks and then mix with the general herd.
5. Follow judicious culling and replacement of animals in a herd.
6. Cull the old animals after 6-7 lactation.

1. Feeding of milch animals

1. Feed the animals with best feeds and fodders.
2. Cut the fodder at the right stage of their growth.
3. Chaff roughage before feeding.
4. Moisten the concentrate mixture before feeding.
5. To estimate the daily feed requirement remember that the animals consumes about 2.5 to 3.0 per cent of their body weight on dry matter basis.

1. Milking if animals

1. Milk the animals two to three times a day.
2. Wash the udder and teat with antiseptic lotions.luke-warm water and dry before milking.
3. Milker should be free from any contagious diseases and should wash his hands with antiseptic lotion before each milking.

1. Protection against diseases

1. Be on the alert for signs of illness such as reduced feed intake, fever, abnormal discharge or unusual behavior.
2. In case of outbreak of contagious disease, immediately segregate the sick, in-contact and the healthy animals and take necessary disease control measures.

1. Breeding Care

1. Observe the animal closely and keep specific record of its coming in heat, duration of heat, insemination, conception and calving.
2. Breed the animals in time.

1. Care of Calves

1. Take care of new born calf.
2. Treat/disinfect the navel cord with tincture of iodine as soon as it is cut with a sharp knife.
3. Keep the calf separately from birth till two months of age in a dry clean and well-ventilated place.
4. Dehorn the calves around 4 to 5 days of age for easy management when they grow.

Essential sections of a milk processing plant

The milk processing plant shall have the following essential facilities.

1. Raw milk Reception Dock (RMRD) – consisting of can conveyor, can washer, weighing balance, dump tank etc.
2. Processing hall – cream separator, chiller, homogenize, pasteurizes and other related machinery are installed.
3. Storage area - for milk storage tanks.
4. Products manufacturing area-depends upon the type of products and the quantity of milk handled, the required equipment needs to be installed.
5. Packing area-for packing of liquid milk and other products.
6. Cold storage – for keeping the milk and milk products before sending to market.
7. Quality control laboratory – for testing the; quality of milk and milk products.
8. Utilities area – for installing boiler, generator set, water treatment plant, maintenance and store area for spaces.
9. Waste water treatment plant area – for treating the dairy effluents before releasing to the fields.
10. Quarters and office area – for all the essential staff.
11. Vehicle parking area- both for the milk procurement and distribution vehicles.
12. Input supply area – for providing veterinary service, supply of feed, fodder seeds, etc.

RAW MATERIAL

Dump Tank

Clarification

Cooling and storing

Preheating

Standardization

	Liquid milk		(Optional)
			Cream		Butter
	Homogenization			Ghee
	Pasteurization
	Packing
	Cold storage
	Distribution
	Whole milk (6% fat)
	Standard Milk (4.5% fat)
	Toned Milk (3% fat)
	Double toned milk (1.5% fat)

Ag.
Technologies
(Dairy)