Impact of feed resources and feeding practices on milk production in dairy farms of the Northwestern province, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Dairy farming plays a crucial role in the economy of the Northwestern Province; however, milk production has declined in recent years due to various challenges. This study examined the impact of feed resources and feeding practices on milk yield in dairy farms across the region. A total of 72 farms were selected from 12 purposively chosen Veterinary Surgeon Divisions, based on dairy farm density and performance, to ensure regional diversity and capture variability in feeding practices. Farms were stratified by herd size into small (<5 animals), medium (5–20 animals), and large (>20 animals), followed by simple random sampling within each category. Data on socio-economic factors, feed resources, feeding practices and milk production were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, non-parametric tests, and multiple linear regression. Results indicated that semi-intensive farming was the most common system (69.4%), followed by extensive (20.8%) and intensive (9.7%). The use of silage and total mixed ration (TMR) was significantly higher in medium and large farms (p < 0.05). Milk yield per cow per day varied significantly across feeding systems (Kruskal-Wallis, p < 0.05), with the highest yield recorded under zero grazing (7.46 ± 2.11 L, mean ± SD), followed by partial (7.38 ± 2.36 L) and full grazing (5.17 ± 1.90 L). A significant difference was found between full and zero grazing systems (p < 0.05). Fodder quality also significantly affected milk yield (p < 0.05), but only 54% of farmers cultivated improved fodder, primarily due to land scarcity and limited support. Concentrate intake explained 56.7% of the variation in milk yield. The best-fit regression model explained 60.9% of the variation in milk yield, identifying concentrate amount (kg/day), feeding frequency, feeding system, fodder type, and education level as significant factors (p < 0.05). Findings suggest the need for farmer-led training, improved fodder access to fodder, and development of localized feed models to enhance milk production in the region.