Kashmir Dairy Farming
Cows & Buffaloes
Common Dairy Feeding Mistakes Kashmir Farmers Make
Updated 08 Jul 2026 • By Falah Nutrition Desk, Animal Nutrition Advisor
Most feeding problems on Kashmir dairy farms are not about the feed being bad — they are about small, repeated mistakes in how it's fed. Fixing these costs nothing extra and often shows up in the milk can within days.
Common Signs
- Feeding the same quantity regardless of milk yield or season
- Sudden feed changes without a transition period
- Skipping mineral mixture and salt to save a little money
- Feeding once a day in a single large quantity
- Not adjusting feed for pregnant or freshly-calved animals
Possible Causes
- Guessing feed quantity instead of following the 1 kg per 2.5 liters of milk rule
- Changing feed brands or batches abruptly, upsetting the rumen
- Treating mineral mixture as optional rather than essential
- One large daily feed instead of splitting into 2-3 smaller feeds, which digests and absorbs better
- Using the same ration for a dry cow, a fresh cow and a peak-yield cow
What the Farmer Should Check
- Are you weighing feed, or estimating by handfuls or a tin?
- Is any feed change made gradually over 7-10 days?
- Is mineral mixture and common salt given daily, separately from the main feed?
- Is feed split into at least 2 feedings a day, ideally 3 for high yielders?
- Is the fresh-calved cow's feed different from a mid-lactation cow's?
Feed Guidance
Start by weighing feed properly rather than guessing — a kg scale pays for itself in a week. Follow 1 kg concentrate per 2.5 liters of milk plus 1 kg for maintenance, and split it into 2-3 feeds through the day rather than one large dump. Never withhold mineral mixture and salt — they are a small daily cost against a real loss in fertility and milk quality. Any feed or brand change should happen over 7-10 days, not overnight. And treat a fresh-calved cow differently: she needs a lead-in feed like GOKA Transition +21 before moving to her full lactation ration.
Relevant GOKA Products
Dairy Cows & Buffaloes
12-18 liters/day
NDF-rich feed for healthy digestion
Dairy Cows & Buffaloes
10-15 liters/day
Maintains milk fat, prevents repeat breeding
Fresh Lactating Cows & Buffaloes
Protects fresh animals from ketosis & weakness
When to Contact a Veterinary Doctor
For serious symptoms, consult a qualified veterinary doctor. Feed support can help overall nutrition and recovery but should not replace veterinary treatment.
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