A Sahiwal cow eats a mix of green fodder, dry fodder and a measured amount of concentrate feed every day, plus clean water and minerals. A common rule of thumb is that a cow eats dry matter equal to about 2.5 to 3 percent of her body weight, with most of it from forage. The exact amounts depend on her weight, milk yield and stage of lactation, so use these numbers as a starting point and ask a local vet or dairy extension officer.
About the Sahiwal Breed
The Sahiwal is a heat-tolerant zebu breed from the Indian subcontinent. It is prized for its hardiness, resistance to many tropical diseases and good milk yield in warm climates. Because it is efficient on forage, feeding a Sahiwal well is mostly about good-quality fodder and sensible concentrate, not heavy grain feeding.
The Daily Ration in Three Parts
- Green fodder: fresh grasses and legumes such as napier or other grasses, maize fodder and berseem or lucerne where available. Legumes add protein.
- Dry fodder: wheat straw, paddy straw or hay to supply fiber and keep rumen function normal.
- Concentrate: a balanced cattle feed, oil cakes or grains. A common rule of thumb in Indian dairying is a maintenance amount of concentrate plus extra in proportion to milk produced. Ask your dairy officer for the figure that matches your cow’s milk yield.
Water and Minerals
A lactating cow needs a lot of clean water, often well over 50 liters a day in hot weather. Keep a trough filled and clean. Offer a mineral mixture and salt lick, because milk production draws heavily on calcium and phosphorus.
Adjusting the Ration
- Dry cows: reduce concentrate, keep good forage and follow your vet’s advice on late-pregnancy feeding.
- Heifers and calves: need growth rations with higher protein. Make changes slowly.
- Hot season: feed during cooler hours and provide shade and water.
Common Feeding Mistakes
- Overfeeding grain, which can cause acidosis and digestive problems
- Sudden diet changes instead of switching over a week or more
- Moldy fodder or feed, which can make cows sick
- Ignoring mineral supplementation
Related Guides
Read more about feeding a pregnant cow, the best feed for a nursing cow and choosing cattle feed in Maharashtra.
Bottom Line
Feed a Sahiwal mostly on good green and dry fodder, add concentrate based on milk yield and keep water and minerals available. Work with a local vet or dairy officer to set exact amounts for your cow.
This is general information. Always get feeding amounts and health advice from a qualified veterinarian or dairy extension officer.
