Low on high-fat milk, Aavin adopts 2,000 buffaloes

CHENNAI: In a bid to improve the supply of high-fat milk, Aavin has adopted 2,000 buffaloes from dairy farmers in 12 districts, including Namakkal, Salem, Erode, Tiruppur and Karur.

Farmers, who otherwise would not be able to afford the cost of rearing buffaloes, will be supported through village-level primary milk producer cooperative societies that supply milk to Aavin.

The state’s buffalo population increased from 11.8 lakh in the 18th livestock census in 2007 to 5.19 lakh in the 20th livestock census in 2019.

On the other hand, states like Punjab, Gujarat and others have seen an increase in buffalo populations, which has also increased their milk production.

Following the recommendations of the state planning commission, the project is fully funded under TANII (Tamil Nadu Innovation Initiatives) and a total of Rs 8.2 crore has been sanctioned for this project, with each beneficiary receiving Rs 41 000 of free inputs.

Under the program called the Buffalo Calf Rearing Scheme, female buffaloes around six months old were selected, dewormed, monitored for weight gain and given a calf ration and mineral mixes every month until They reach the age of 32 months.

Aavin will also provide dairy farmers with high-protein livestock feed and mineral blends for 26 months, as well as in-home veterinary services.

The project aims to increase the buffalo population and boost production of high-fat milk for Aavin, according to official sources. Out of 30.5 lakh liters of milk received by Aavin, only around 10,000 liters are buffalo milk.

“Dairy farmers are fed cattle feed containing 85% protein for their buffalo calves, starting at 1 kg per day from the age of 6 to 10 months.

From 11 to 25 months, the quantity increases to 1.5 kg per day. Then, from 26 to 32 months, it increases further to 1.75 kg per day. The weight of the calves will be checked weekly by veterinarians appointed by Aavin and livestock services,” said a senior Aavin official.

Sources explained that although buffalo farming is very profitable for farmers, a section of them are reluctant, mainly due to issues such as sexual maturity at a higher age, long calving intervals , low production and high maintenance costs.

As a rule, young female buffaloes, under existing climatic conditions, come into heat between 3.5 and 4 years of age. However, with an appropriate calf ration and mineral mixtures, the age at maturity and calving can be reduced by six months to a year.

“Unlike exotic and crossbred dairy cows, buffalo do not exhibit the behavioral symptoms of estrus. This is why we have introduced scientific breeding techniques including ovulation synchronization and fixed time artificial insemination using sexed sperm for better results. Once the weight of the buffalo reaches 250 kg, we will carry out AI,” the official added.

S Vineeth, Managing Director, Aavin, said, “Once we train farmers on calf rearing methods and techniques, more people will be interested in buffalo rearing, which is the main source of high quality milk. We hope to secure funding for this program also for the second year.