Cows in India do best on a diet built around green fodder, dry fodder and a concentrate mix, with clean water and minerals available all day. Green fodder gives vitamins and energy, dry fodder (straw or hay) gives bulk and fiber, and concentrate fills the gap for protein and energy, mainly for milking cows.
The Three Parts of the Ration
1. Green fodder
Fresh forage is the best base for dairy cows. Common choices in India include Napier (hybrid napier) grass, maize, sorghum, berseem and lucerne. Legume fodders such as berseem and lucerne add protein; grasses and cereal fodders add energy. Many dairy guidelines suggest a mix of legume and non-legume fodder, rather than only one type.
2. Dry fodder
Wheat straw, paddy straw, ragi (finger millet) straw and sorghum stover are the usual dry fodders. They are low in nutrients on their own, but they keep the rumen working. Straw is much better when paired with green fodder or a concentrate, and chopping it reduces waste.
3. Concentrate or compound feed
Compound feed, usually sold as pellets, cubes or mash, blends grains, brans, oilcakes (such as groundnut or cottonseed cake), minerals and by-products. It is mainly for cows in milk, late-pregnant cows and growing calves. Choose a feed with a clear nutrient label, and buy from a trusted brand or local cooperative. Our guide to Santosa cattle feed covers one example.
Water and Minerals
- Water: a milking cow needs a lot, so keep clean water available at all times, especially in summer.
- Mineral mixture: a small daily amount of a balanced mineral mix (with calcium and phosphorus) supports milk production and fertility.
- Salt: offer a salt lick or small daily amount.
Feeding Tips
- Change feeds gradually over several days to avoid digestive upset.
- Feed concentrate in two portions, ideally at milking time, and give roughage separately.
- Wilt very lush young fodder (like fresh sorghum) before feeding, because some young plants can cause poisoning.
- Do not feed moldy straw, spoiled grain or kitchen leftovers, and avoid sudden big amounts of grain.
- Feed amounts depend on the cow’s weight, milk yield and stage of lactation, so ask a local veterinarian or your dairy extension office for a ration plan.
Foods to Skip
Cooked food, spicy leftovers, plastic and packaged waste can all harm cows. Cattle are often seen scavenging in towns, and eating plastic is a leading cause of serious rumen blockage, so do not let them.
Bottom Line
Feed cows in India a base of mixed green and dry fodder, add concentrate according to milk yield, and always provide water and minerals. For more cattle feeding ideas, see how much silage to feed cows and homemade treats for cows.
A veterinarian or local dairy extension officer can tailor a ration to your animals’ needs.
