Abstract
The average yearly milk production for dairy cows and buffaloes in India is approximately 1000L; these production
figures are about 1/1o" of that observed in developed countries. The principal reason is the relatively low nutritive
value eg, inadequate energy, a lack of metabolisable protein / essential amino acids and mineral deficiencies in
the diet which is comprised primarily of crop residues and straw based constituents. An evaluation was
undertaken of the strategic use and economic potential of using innovative feeding technologies including the role
of by-pass proteins, slow release urea/protein complexes, mineral supplements and ration balancing programs. In
this brief communication, the progress made on the utilisation of some of these feed technologies at the village
level in India. This technology may also have application in other developing countries and may also assist in the
major challenge facing the Pakistan dairy industry, to enhance milk yield of indigenous breeds of the dairy cow
and buffalo will be summarised.
