Cattle-rearing is one of the traditional occupations of the village communities. Though the art of rearing cattle in the traditional manner is slowly fading away with the advent of modern science, one has to accept that technology has really helped cattle farming in all possible ways starting from feeding, making fodder, and even milking.

Even though the term ‘technological cattle farming’ is applicable to only large-scale cattle farms like Aavin, R. Govind Prabhu from Vedapatti in Coimbatore has successfully adopted the practices at his farm. “I have always loved animals ever since my childhood. This inspired me to enter cattle farming,” he said.

He began his cattle farm four years ago with two cows. Success eluded him because his cows produced very less milk and were constantly ill. But, Govind Prabhu was able to succeed with the guidance of the Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS).

Now Govind Prabhu is the proud owner of 53 cows and a bull. Milk production has increased tremendously and he now supplies milk to various parts of the city. His success story is a result of hard work combined with smart technology to produce healthy milk. “I provide the cows with Velimasal green fodder, hay as the dry fodder, and concentrated feed that is prepared with the help of veterinary advisors. Most of the feed is produced here,” he said.

While Govind happily shares his feeding secrets, he wouldn’t disclose his secret formula of his concentrated feed, which keeps the cows healthy. He sells milk at Rs.45 per litre to around 80 houses and five commercial establishments. “While cows normally produce about 11.5 litres milk each day, my animals give around 15 litres on a daily basis. The taste and quality of the milk produced is high too, thus satisfying my customers,” he opined.

While Govind uses technical milking machines in order avoid labour headaches, he also takes special care of his cows. “We maintain separate charts for each cow and also make sure that one third of the cows are always pregnant,” he adds. He uses the dung as natural fertilizer for the green fodder and other plants in the farm.

Govind was awarded the best dairy farmer by the TANUVAS. These days, he shares his farming knowledge with college students from TANUVAS.