MAIN CONSIDERATIONS IN SHORT:

LOCATION AND MARKETING: Please check about the location and the marketing opportunities before starting the dairy farm. In India eventhough there is no problem withregard to marketing, even then the private sector market is very unreliable and not trustworth. Keeping this in view , every State government has floated some cooperative society so as to collect the milk from the farmers and sell it in the market. However, the milk route and proximity to milk route should be checked before starting the same. Normally Cooperative societies pay lesser than the private market. However, procurement is guaranteed irrespective of the higher milk production from your side. All you have to concentrate is producing more milk and the marketing worries are left to the Federation or cooperative. Further these societies also provide better knowledge of maintenance, knowledge withregard to feed and fodder and also help the government withregard to implementation of different schemes benefiting the farmers.

2. CLIMATE SUITABILITY & DECISION ON THE BREED : Before purchasing the cows please consult with some experienced person with regard to the breed which will live properly under the climatic condition where you are setting the farm.

3. CONSTRUCTION OF FARM KEEPING IN VIEW THE COW COMFORT: Any type of shed is alright for cows if the following is kept in mind considering the cow comfort:

a. The floor should not be slippery, since the cows always remain under stress, 

b. There should be enough ventilation for taking the smell out, since it affects the cows respiratory system in a slower way,

c. Overally the cow comfort should be considered. Please make the shed with little bit of emotions since your pet cows will be staying in that shed;

d. Even after construction of the shed, if stress symptoms are observed in the cow, then monitor their movements and take appropriate action

4. WASTE DISPOSAL: Before construction of the farm please ensure that the water flowing out of the farm is not allowed to waste. Some times it becomes a health hazard if constructed inside the village, town or city. It should be used and disposed off in a environment friendly way. For example, you can divert the water in to a Bio-Gas plant which will take the methane gas out and provide you the much needed energy to cook, light. If the gas quantity is high you can use a small generator for generating electricity there by saving the main GRID for the Pump sets. Methane gas is 20 times more harmful as compared to carbon dioxide. As such these cows are already there in some part of this earth and polluting. By keeping them in the farm and treating their wastes through the Bio-gas plant you will be contributing towards Green earth.

5. DIET FOR THE COWS: This depends on various conditions, i.e. Milking or Dry, quantity of milk, etc. However as a thumb rule for a normal milking cow of 10 ltrs per day and approximate of 6 kgs of concentrate feed, 40 Kgs of Green Fodder and 5 to 10 Kgs. Of Dry fodder should be sufficient.

5.1.. FODDER MANAGEMENT: This is one of the most important factors in the dairy farm. You should have sufficient land to cultivate Grass and other Green eatables for the cows. Dry fooder also should be procured at the right time and stocked at your farm.

5.2.  AZOLLA COULTIVATION : If you donot have sufficient place to grow grass then atleast Azolla should be grown at the farm. It is proven well by the research that Azolla helps in increasing the milk yield and by saving feed cost. For Details of Azola cultivation please clIck here.

6. METHODS OF INCREASING MILK AND REDUCING POLLUTION: GO TO THE PAGE

THESE ARE THE INTIAL TIPS FROM OTHER EXPERTS WHICH SHOULD HELP IN  STARTING A FARM :

WHY DAIRY FARM :

It is eco-friendly and does not cause environmental pollution as compared to other industries.

Requirement of skilled labour is relatively less.

Dairy product market is active round the year.

Minimum investment on inventory. (No need to to stock raw materials in huge quantities.)

Entire establishment can be shifted to a new location (if need arises e.g. Fire, Floods etc.)

One can insure animals.

Less energy requirement. Biogas plant fed with cow dung can supply maximum energy to meet farms day to day requirement. Decomposed slurry of such plant can also be effectively used as organic manure.

Limitations and Constraints :

Breeding of animals and getting expected milk yield is a biological phenomenon, which depends upon various factors.

Dairy farming besides good planning requires hardworking, reliable and alert manager. In India, usually persons from the family take the responsibility.

Inadequate management of feeding ,heard health and lack of quality control in various stage of production can cause major loss affecting the profitability of the entire venture.

One needs to decide first on the aims and objective of the farm. Every year there should be a progressive aim for breeding ( including number of animals to be maintained) and production.

You can visit dairy farms that run on commercial basis and have a discussion with experienced farm owners. You need not have to rely much on others experience, analyze every event logically and if needed consult with local Veterinarians for more information.

If you plan to manage the farm on your own, look for opportunities to work for an existing farm for a minimum period of six months.

Develop interest and study feed and fodder's market in your region, its difficulties in relation to seasons.
Manage a good team of labourers. You need to choose hardworking reliable persons preferably with some experience. You can also train them for specific jobs.