Dairy Farming in Pakistan
A dedicated section by MomekhAs with everything else on this site, 99% of the information is free. Please feel free to browse around and learn as much as you can. Many of the tactics can be learnt.
Is this your first time on this site? Then I recommend you read the original article on Dairy Farming in Pakistan. That article explains a lot of valuable decisions. After you have read that article, you can continue to take advantage of this section below. Thank you.
Some of the questions asked here have been answered on this page: Dairy Farming Questions Answered.
Welcome to the Dairy Farming Section.
I love simplicity. And I will try to keep this simple.
Dairy farming business can be divided into three main systems. Each system will have its very own set of processes, milestones and benchmarks. Dividing a project into smaller projects (or systems) helps you focus on each, without feeling overwhelmed. In dairy farming especially, it is very easy to become overwhelmed. Hopefully, not here.
These three systems are:
- The Environment: This is the environment of the animals and how you, as a dairy farm owner, plan to manage it. Cooling of the shed etc. Click Here to read more on The Environment of your dairy farm.
- Ration / Feed: What are you feeding the animals, and how are you procuring and growing that feed.
- Breed Management: Includes the health of the animals. Also includes your own benchmarks of the type of breeds that you want to introduce in your farm. This is one of the most overlooked aspect of any dairy farm.
All three of these systems are equally important and your dairy farm will have a higher chance of success if you get these three systems right.
Serious about dairy farming?
Serious about Dairy Farming? Then you may find The Dairy Farming Guide by Momekh to be useful. I wrote this because a lot of dairy farms get their tactics right, but fail due to bad strategy (i.e. bad mindset of the owner). Click here to know more.
As with everything else on this site, 99% of the information is free. Please feel free to browse around and learn as much as you can. Many of the tactics can be learnt.
Some of the questions asked here have been answered on this page: Dairy Farming Questions Answered.
Welcome to the Dairy Farming Section.
I love simplicity. And I will try to keep this simple.
Dairy farming business can be divided into three main systems. Each system will have its very own set of processes, milestones and benchmarks. Dividing a project into smaller projects (or systems) helps you focus on each, without feeling overwhelmed. In dairy farming especially, it is very easy to become overwhelmed. Hopefully, not here.
These three systems are:
- The Environment: This is the environment of the animals and how you, as a dairy farm owner, plan to manage it. Cooling of the shed etc. Click Here to read more on The Environment of your dairy farm.
- Ration / Feed: What are you feeding the animals, and how are you procuring and growing that feed.
- Breed Management: Includes the health of the animals. Also includes your own benchmarks of the type of breeds that you want to introduce in your farm. This is one of the most overlooked aspect of any dairy farm.
All three of these systems are equally important and your dairy farm will have a higher chance of success if you get these three systems right.
As more content (articles, videos, interviews, books etc) gets introduced in this section, the content will be categorized according to these three systems.
Goes without saying, basic systems such as accounting, human resource management etc are not unique to dairy farming. Advice on setting up these basic business systems can readily be found on the Internet, and besides, business systems are usually a result of the business owners’ personal requirement (and sometimes ‘taste’). Interested in how I set up my business systems, then check out the Starta post to get an idea.
List of Resources for Your Dairy Farm:
- Want to read about the uniqueness of a dairy farming business, and what are them most important activities that you should look after? Click here to read the answer.
- Basics of Silage Preparation? Check out this page.
I have inshAllah planned to put up a lot of resources, and linking to them from this page.
How to start your own Milk Brand? I started a milk distribution business before I started dairy farming. Alhumdulillah, that milk distribution business was profitable in the first month. I have written a detailed case study on starting a successful milk distribution, and how you can start a milk brand yourself. To read more / purchase, click here.
As you can see, this page is a work in progress. I suggest you subscribe to Life ETC for future updates on dairy farming, and how to be a better entrepreneur.
Hi,
Im interested in investing in a diary farm in punjab, pakistan.
I have no experience but i have the finances.
What can you tell me about the typical profit to be made from a venture, do you base it on number of cows or size of land etc.
From your own experience what profits or maybe even losses have you made?
Thankyou in advance.
Habib
Uk
Good way to decide on size is either number of animals or qty of milk sold per day. After you decide on this, you can determin profit possibilities.
As Mr Malik said, base your calculations on the number of animals or the quantity of milk.
But I’d like to add to this:
Focus on the quantity of the milk. For example, if you have a dairy farm with 10 animals, you should think in terms of 10×15 = 150 liters of milk average, over 10 months. Too many people think in terms of number of animals only, and that can be very dangerous.
I know of a farm that has 8 cows (local cross-bred cows!) that is producing MORE milk than another farm a few acres away with more than 60 milking animals! That is 8 animals vs 60, and the 8 are producing more milk than what the 60 are producing combined. The owner of 60 cows may boast of “herd-size” or “assets”… I guess. :/
And a word on experience; you said that you have no experience. Well, my friend, then you are at the right place! 🙂 (unconventional strategies at LifeETC )
I did not have any experience either. 😛 Just keep at it. InshAllah, you’ll get there soon enough.
Mr. Habib
We have completed our study to set up a Cattle Farming in suburbarn area of Karachi. Recently I am in Lahore and work as an exective in a local Bank. My team has completed the survey and feasibility to set up a Cattle Farm ( Not only Dairy) back in Karachi.
Our core product will be Kamori , Gulbai and RajanPuri Goat. Besides we will also raise different breeds of cows. In order to generate revenue for operational expenses we have plan to keep and raise Kajla Sheep for sale and Australian Cows for Milk and their male calf for sale.
On rental farming setup of 4 Acres – the CAPEX is PKR 7 Million and OPEX for first year only is PKR 3.5 Million. From 2nd year onwards farm will generate its own opex. Total Initial Investment is PKR 10.5 Million.
Investor has to wait for 30 months approx. After expiry of the 30 months period Investor will be resturned 10.5 Million. After 12 months 3 Million of Profit will be shared with Investor and this profit will be locked for next 10 years with no further investment in future as Farm will produce its own production after 3 / 4 breeding cycles.
If you are Interested in Cattle Farming Business – please reply me at [email protected]
Regards
Salman Ferozi
i am not longer afordable
how can i start my dairy farm
Thankyou Naem,
right, can you or any one else help me map this out here on the forum, im sure others will benefit from it aswell.
If i buy land to house 100 cows what size would it need to be, Would this be different if i intend to grow my own feed. Is there a ratio i.e size per cow?
What is the typical cost of a cow?
How many litres can they produce and what can it be sold for?
If i dont grow my own feed what is the cost of feed per cow?
Has anyone got a detailed business plan or forecast?
Thanks
wow momekh, i just noticed your post right after i posted mine 🙂
Anyways dude i like your style!!! Your ‘can do’ attitude is surely rubbing off on me.
And i love it when you mention the 80/20 rule.
Guess what??
I hope your part of the 20 thats going to help me get my dairy farm up an running:)
If God so Wills. I’ll try 🙂
I will be posting a ‘forecasting’ sheet that I use for pretty much any of the projects that I plan. I’ll tweak it for ‘dairy farming’ and inshAllah, include it with the ‘business plan’ for dairy farming.
I will probably be putting it online for free… God willing. Hope this helps. God bless and good luck!
JazakallahIl keep an eye for it. In the mean time i’l carry on researching 😉
a.o.a sir
you article abt dairy farmig is impressive.u r doing very great job.
i want to srat up dairy farming business.plz can u help me for its feasibility.
at the start of time i m very confused.plz give me proper guidance.
aami 123,
dont worry, you’ve come to the right place 😉
bro momekh has said he’ll be putting up some more info soon so thats definately worth a wait.
You just gotta remember whats been said before, the first steps the hardest!
Have you a list of questions that need answering? I think that will help you get to where you want be.
I have loads:)
What cows to buy? imported or homegrown? how much they cost?
What to feed the cows? to buy or to grow your own?
Buy land or rent land? I prefer buying as I have surplus cash which I’d love to invest in a large piece of land, maybe 12 acres, 100 kanals.
And the list can go on…but we have to start somehwere dont we;)
Sensie momekh hehe, as you can see, theres a lot of souls waiting for your master plan…:)
i was picking momekh’s brain on the other blog entry. Now I will just follow the pearls of wisdom on this forum.
thanks
hey guys,
I am in the process of setting up my own dairy farm in the Northern Part of Punjab. I recently finished touring a number of milk producing districts of Punjab myself and met a number of farmers raniging in size from as large as 1800 animals to 20 animal farms. The feedback I recieved was diverse as every farmer had their own personal preferences varying in building design to fodder choice and animal breeds.
Momek you are doing a good job and I think the info you provide is going to be very helpful for young entrepreneurs however there is no short cut to experience and I strongly suggest to all those considering undertaking this business opportunity to not just read theory but step out into the field and meet farmers in person as you will learn alot more and would really be able to understand the dynamics of this business as well as work out your own business plan accordingly.
It is no doubt a profitable venture however looking after live animals is not like any other business, it is something which requires a lot of care and attention and most important of all “presence” of the owner considerably more as compared to other businesses especially during the initial stages.
Anyways good luck to all wishing to undertake dairy farming ventures and keep sharing your experiences!!
Thank you for your valuable comments!
I agree that there is no shortcut to experience, and all theory is pretty useless unless it is followed by action.
aslam o alaikam,
hope u r enjoying good health. i want to start my own dairy biz.
iwant to hire sahiwal cows nd then crossed it from australian breeds.
what u sujjest about it. nd plz also inform me the average per day of
pure sahiwal cow. thanks
Hey Sardar Aamir..How u doing??
Nice to know you’ve taken these imporant steps.
Im also doing my research, be it theoretical but we have to start somewhere eh.
Id love it if you could provide some insight as to your experiences so far.
What herd size are you planning for ? Im gonna go for 50 initially inshallah.
You chosen what breed of cow? Im thinking of importing so as to get higher yield!
You gonna buy or lease the land? Im gonna buy (always had a dream of owning a farm 😉 )
You gonna grow your own feed? still researching myself!!
What rate you planning on selling the milk and to who?
It’ be awsome if bro momekh could share some specifics of his dairy farm as well.
Peace Out
InshAllah, your dream will come true, friend.
I will be putting up pictures of my farm as well (I am writing a small article on installing a fan to manage the heat stress for the animals).
Hey Habib,
You seem to be on the right track.I am also planning to set up two farms in two seperate locations starting with 50 animals on each. I will be importing crossbred animals from Australia dont even think of searching from the local markets cause it will be years before you can put together a decent herd of 50 animals!
As for land,I personally think if you are passionate about farming then you should buy your land cause farming is a slow and gradual process when you are going to put so much effort into developing a piece of land the last thing you want to do is to hand it over to the owners after developing it over years and putting so much hard work into it.
Agriculture is our family business and we already own land so I will be carrying out the cultivation of Green Fodder as well as maize on our own lands.
As for selling the milk I will probably be selling to Nestle along with Marketing our brand aswell.
Hope this helps!
Thanks for the informative reply sardar aamir.
Dont want to bug you but how much land you got and what proportion are you gonna use for the fodder?
Im thinking of buying around 25 acres in Punjab. Me dads in Pak so ive told him to source me some decent farmable land.
Is the target price we should be looking to get for our milk at 36 rupees reasonable???
Just as a quick note: the price of milk varies considerably. A farm near Pakpattan will sell the milk at Rs 34 per liter to Nestle, whereas a farm in Lahore is selling milk at Rs 47 per liter to a milkman. The price fluctuates significantly, and it must be found out within an area. It is safer to go with Nestle (it helps in planning)… I am selling to Nestle, another friend is selling to a dhoodhi (milkman).
Hope this helps in the conversation…
hey,
you are not bugging me at all bro, I am glad I can be of help. I myself have been bugging farmers starting from across Canada to Pakistan, visiting farms, meeting farmers discussing how they do what they do. Its all part of the learning process and the more you ‘BUG’ the more you’ll learn 😉
I am thinking of cultivating around 50 acres to begin with increasing as my herd size increases. A general rule here is about 3 to 4 animals can be fed on one acre of land if it is irrigated,this is for soilage and then you have to give about 4 to 6 kg of Grain or locally made ‘Wunda’ a packaged diet of different grains etc.
As for the price Momek is right it does vary from place to place and whom you sell to. I think Nestle is a safe bet to begin with and their initial price starts at around Rs 36 to 37 per liter, then you get incentives for different things like your volume, chilling etc etc.
Aslam o Alikum,
You guys doing fantastic job especially Momekh bhai that ll’ assist number of people around the world most importantly in pakistan. Most of us are new to this but i’m sure it ll’ not as difficult as it seems to be if we ll continue helping each other and sharing significant information, Inshallah.
Thank you for the kind words!
Sharing goes a long way indeed… I wish all of us the best of both worlds 😉
Salaam,
Firstly I’d like to congratulate and thank mr momekh burki on an excellent blog. Very informative and some great responses from everyone else. I am a foreign investor and have been looking into this business for a couple of years and think I’m now ready to take the plunge. I several questions and would appreciate if you could help in answering these for me.
1. What is the best way to overcome the current electricity problem, I have heard that biogas is one option, hi viable is this for a farm of 50. And is solar an option as well. I’m assuming Not much electricity is used on these farms, except in summer.(just a guess).
2.what help is available I have heard that nestle will help you but then you are tied into a contract with them, is this true and isit worth doing.
3. What the Pakistan dairy association, are they of any help at all, I have noticed that there website has not been updated for several years now.
Basically I’m ready to start but need some kind of design of sheds and help on that side. I’m assuming again that even though I intend on starting a farm of just 50, I need to plan ahead so I don’t need to keep reconstructing as farm grows.
I really look forward in hearing your thoughts.
ws bro Aleem,
Really good questions posed. I too am planning to invest in this sector. Inshallah still trying to source some land to start with around 50-100 cows.
As you mentioned you want to start with 50 cows, have you thought how much land you’ll need.
I’ve seen some pretty impressive shed designs online, not too sure on the cost or space required. Ive heard if you want to splash out you can even import a shed!!
Maybe theres a simple formulae to calculate how much space each cow requires in the shed??
Anyways looking forward to others to chime in.
p.s has any one a detailed business plan / profit loss forecast for this business. I know SMEDA provide one but has any one got their own.. love to compare and contrast:)
I know bro Momekh said he’ll be putting one up soon 😉
Salam brother habib,
Basically I have abt 18 acres in the village my father is from and rather than let the land waste I thought I’d invest some money, this way it secures the land as well.
My main concern is the current electricity problem there, I knw people say wait for the government to change etc. But sorry to say my feeling are that no matter what government we have, we shudnt have this problem, not in 2011 anyways. From what I have seen in Pakistan, basically the people are evolving but the country is not. ( anyways that’s a long discussion probably fir another blog)
So u see, because of the above issue I feel I need to have a set up where I Dnt have to rely on the country, if that makes sense.
There is an excellent video on you tube of pakistans first ever environmental control farm, and I have to say, it looks great. This particular farm is using the dung to produce electricity and therefore the farm is self sufficient. The farm is capable of keeping the inside temp as low as 20•c while outside the temp is 42.
My other concern is water, can filtration systems be added so the water out of the ground is filtered or treated before it goes out. As I believe Pakistan has many areas where the water is hard.
Looking forward to hearing everyone’s thoughts and if u haven’t already please type in YouTube “dairy farm Pakistan” and see the video I am referring to. I believe smeda had a big hand in it.
Salaam all
Slam,
Please shed some light on law and order situation in villages. Is it easy to start farm there. I heard that cows get stolen by ” Dakus ” . And unless u have an army of people with guns, its really hard to manage dairy farm.
Is there any formal training available for wanna be dairy farmers. Since i don’t have any prior agri experience. I want to learn the basics of the dairy farming and than dive into this business.
And please give your detailed analysis on why you choose local cow over a foreign one. Please tell me what is the average of local cow.
And lastly please update this blog frequently. As I have not seen a new article for some time.
Thanks and I appreciate your entrepreneurial spirit
Regards,
It mainly depends a lot on the area where you are opening your farm, of course.
It is not the case everywhere of course. There are places where you need to be careful. And the people you hire, the people who are managing the business for you, they should be trustworthy by all means. That is true for any business, more so in Dairy Farming.
If you are planning to stay at your farm, then that’s a bit different, but still… you do need to secure your farm. Again, It mainly depends a lot on the area where you are opening your farm, of course.
You will have to do that research yourself. Ask around.
One Word of Advice: IF YOU ARE planning to manage the farm Yourself, then make sure it is not far from your residence. I have met a person who is willing to sell his whole farm (land, animals everything) for the main reason that the farm was about 3 hours away from his residence.
We should not get carried away in our zest to start! If you have a reliable team managing your farm, then it is OK to be as far away from the farm as you wish (you can be in New York and you farm in Haveli Lakha, whatever! 😛 )… but if you do not and initially you plan to do it yourself, either you shift your residence to the dairy farm, or have the dairy farm close to your residence. 🙂
Salaam brother momekh,
Can u kindly read my post dated june 6, and shed some light to the electricity problem and biogas options.
Hey Aleem…
I have seen BioGas generated from dairy farms (in a small village called Naagpal, near Pakpattan!)
And without a generator (either running on petrol or biogas), you can not keep the farm environment cool enough. So yes, a generator is a MUST for the summers, given the electricity situation in the rural areas.
Thanks Momekh for the advice.
How many cows u have currently?
Salam to All,
MashAllah very nice to see contribution from every one… Great sharings!!
Just want to ask and request you guys to please share your knowledge about the use of Solar energy fro Agri purpose ?
Take care
Hi. A wonderful blog. I plan to start a dairy farm; currently I am working in a multinaitonal company and would leave the job altogether and work on this project full time. I intend to work in a dairy farm for 2-4 months before starting my own project. What do you think about this?
Now i want to be very sure of the input costs. Can you guide me on below:
– Say i buy a local cow for 100,000. HOw much milk should i expect for the 300 day lactation period.
– What is the daily feed requirement for this cow? what are the basic components of cow feed?
I ma planning to start it near Karachi where almost all feed is brough from Punjab or interior sindh. I dont intend to grow my own feed. I would appreciate if you could explain in detail the feed requirement.
You do not need to do a job in the dairy industry to find out how it works, but it can be a good idea if done properly, I think.
A local cow for 100,000 will give an average of about 10-12 liters for the lactation (if you manage to keep it relatively cool during the summer season!). I suggest that you buy a smaller number of cows, but try to get better cross-bred cows. In the range of 130 to 150,000, you can get cows that give an average of 15 to 18 per day for the lactation period.
The basic components of cow feed are usually covered by feeding them corn, in the form of silage. And then adding some ‘wanda’. There are different calculations, not that complex, to figure out how much acres you’d need to for the cows. For example, I used the formula of 3 cows per acre of maize for silage, for one year. When I say it like this, I don’t know if I have been able to make you understand, but just get in touch with any good Nestle person (or a PhD from the Livestock govt dept) to get the exact requirements.
For Wanda: For a cow giving 3 liters of milk, you’d give 1 kg of wanda. So if your cow gives you 15 liters, you’d give it 15/3 = 5 kgs of wanda per day. This will increase the liters AND the health of your animal, God willing.
Green fodder (like chaara and jawaar) is overrated. Although Barseem (winter chaara) is excellent and you can save costs on wanda by halving the wanda and replacing with barseem. So if you are giving 4 kgs of wanda to a cow, you can give 2 kg and let the cow have a good fill from the barseem!
Hope this will get you going in the right direction.
God willing.
I am setting up a small course, and have lined up a few qualified people to give interviews and tutorials and instructions, put it up on video, and then make it available online to would-be dairy farmers in Pakistan, God willing.
Thank you for your support. Hope this helped.
Hi Momekh,
I have the same questiona as Ubaid has. What is average daily cost of fodder per cow.
Dear Momekh,
It is good to see so many people are getting interested in dairy farming, which is to me is a challenging job in current circumstances. I have covered the same number of miles for searching bufs which you have mentioned in one of your posts though after searching for number of weeks we could only manage to purchase only few.
It would be great if you can provide me the contact of people who are either breeders or local suppliers for buffaloes “Reliable Ones”. I am also looking for a good pedigree bull for bufs. Let me know what could be the range and where could i find one.
Looking forward to hear from you soon.
Thank You
Oshan Amin.
Rachna Livestock & Dairy Services has a data base,and can help you meet good buff breeders and will help you find good bull from Nili area.
Long silence ????
I am sincerely hoping that this is the silence before the storm 🙂
Because I have got a few things lined up, not only with Dairy Farming Section here, but also with Lifestyle Design 🙂 … and earning haq halaal kee online! 🙂
I am in fact at my dairy farm right now…preparing the next batch for silage, and am preparing a list of questions good folks like you have asked here, to answer them in the best of my capabilities, God willing. The beauty is, that I have some great teachers, and I keep bugging them. I am hoping to report back on my blog as I learn! 🙂
Thank you for the patience man.
Since you are preparing a list of quetions please add couple of more from my side:
1- How to get / hire a good Farm manager please briefly describe the qualities of a good Farm manager because you have one of them 🙂
2- What should be and average package for a Farm Manager.
3- Importance of water at dairy farm.
Cheers
Sir you advised to buy local breeds but the cattle’s in yours farm house seem to be cross …….what should be fair price of shaiwal breed cows and where can i find pure cows of that breed
I do not mean local breeds, I meant locally bred! 🙂 Sorry for the confusion. The thing is, I just don’t want to keep 100% pure bred cows because they are relatively harder to manage, and I want to take things a bit slowly with this project.
Please check out the Dairy Farming Questions Answers page, where I have talked about the Sahiwal breed.
Dear All,
Its indeed pleasure reading all the comments and the Blog of brother Momekh. Wonderful job brother.
I am a Karachi based Media Consultant by profession and I have also developed this “Shooq” of starting the Dairy Farming as well as Cattle Fattening Farming for Meat production as well as Eid Ul Azha.
I have following suggestions for all who want to start a dairy farm for Milk production or already running one:
1. The best step to increase milk production per animal is to keep them untied. Let them roam around (in fence).
2. Provide good shelter from the extreme weather and most importantly, given free access to water 24 hours a day 7 days per week. This can lead to an increase in production, resulting in cows producing an extra 1lt per day.
3. Fodder planning is an important step in reducing the reliance on the traditional practice of feeding low quality but high cost wheat straw. For this new varieties of fodder have been introduced such as multi-cut sorghum, Rhodes grass and Lucerne.
4. The new farm management practice of silage making must be mplemented to assist in overcoming feed shortage periods.
People living in Karachi and interested in setting up their own Dairy & Fattening Cattle Farm Houses, should sit together and share their experiences and observations with each other. If there are Karachiites here, lets meet sometime.
Zeeshan Jaffri
Excellent write up Zeeshan.
I would add two things here:
1. Silage should not be for ‘feed shortage’ periods, but should be the main fodder. It is actually cheaper and is more healthy than shorgum and what not.
2. A meet up of sorts is a brilliant idea and I totally agree that building and participating in a community is the best way forward. God guide and help us all.
Thank you for your feedback.
Thanks Momekh for providing us with an opportunity to interact and learn from each other. I always believe that more than one thinking head is better for ideas and businesses. We should help and support each other in order to build this nation and economy. My dream is that my beloved Pakistan becomes the top country in the world in terms of Milk and Meat production. In my visits to Farm Houses in Karachi and outskirts, I have seen that people are raising high-quality local and foreign breeds and earning upto 70% to 120% profit through cattle fattening for Eid ul Azha. Educated and sensible people should come forward and prove their metal in this field too.
All comments posted and really very informative. Sorry for pushing but it seems the below points needs to be addressed more precisely.
a) Average per cow fooder cost both in case we buy from local market or we grow on leased land.
As this is one of the main factors you have to consider while calculating operating cost.
Assalamualaikum,
I have a small piece of spare land (12 marlay) in Kharian. Will I be able to setup a small farm in this space.
I am new in this industry and dont have much knowledge about dairy farms. However I have done some research. I believe Australian cattle (holstein friesian cattle or holstein friesian cattle/jersy cross breed) is the best type for dairy farms. What would the cost be to setup a small farm?
Please can someone help and let me know how many cows I can keep in this amount of land and what I will require i.e shed, fans etc. Pictures of an existing farm would be great if anyone has pictures them.
BarakAllah
As salam alai kum
Thank you very much Mr. Momekh for giving us the opportunity to share our opinions.
it’s very good and very beneficial also to all who are in dairy farms business or want to start this business. it’s my dream to start the dairy farm business, however it’s still not possible for me because i have not too many funds to start the business. Can Mr. Momekh, you tell me that minimum how much funds I need to start this business. and also please give me your contact number and Mr. Zeeshan Jafri’, I also want to thank you for sharing the very fruitful information, can you also give me your number in order to meet you in any suitable time.
You are most welcome, Sultan! 🙂
What we need to do is ‘make a plan’. Money is a problem, as it was for me too. But that should not stop you from making a plan! Trust me on this… imagine for a moment that you do not have a financial problem, then work out a plan on how you personally will own or run your dairy farm?
This exercise alone will have two immediate benefits:
1. It will give you a MUCH clearer picture, and you will be able to see if you REALLY want to take up such a business. It will either further inspire your, or it will help you focus your energies on projects that you’d truly enjoy (enjoying our work is the single-most important thing for being creatively self-employed 🙂 ).
2. It will give you a very good approximation of how much money you’d need. This way, you might end up sharing this information with a trusted investor (your family members for example), and they too will see that you have done your homework.
I wish you all the best!
P.S. I am thinking of arranging a small meet up here in Lahore, regarding dairy farming (and other self-employment opportunities). What do you guys think?
assalamo alaikum Mr Sultan,
Can you please email me at [email protected]
Irfan
assalamo alaikum:
Even though I will not be able to attend because I am not in Lahore, I fully endorse Momekh’s idea of a meetup. It can be a starting point for some great synergy and co-operation in the future. Please keep us posted!
As salam alai kum
when could we see some pictures of your farm?
Sultan, your dream must come true one day brother, all you need to do is focus and concentration and the thirst of learning. Nothing is impossible in this world. All we need to do is prepare ourselves psychologically and financially and then plan in best possible manners to minimize the risks to optimum.
For instance, if you want to start it from your home-farm you can even start it with 5 animals. You need to decide if you want to keep animals for milk production or fattening purpose? Cost would vary in both the cases as Milk Cow, local and foreign cross, would cost you around 1 lakh per cow. But if you want a Cholistani or Sahiwal breed only, it can cost you 50 to 70 thousand.
Similarly, if you want to raise animals for beef production, cost depends on the age and size of the animal. A calf aged 3 to 5 months of Sahiwal+Foreign breed cross would cost you around 30 to 40 thousands and a same breed 1 year Cow could cost from 80 thousand to 1 lakh.
If you dont have much funds available the better is to start it with a small farm and get the experience first. Once you understand the dynamics of the Business, you can always invite others to see your business and invest.
Prepare yourself, read the material available online. Its not just a Business, you need to make it a passion as Animals need lot of love and care like our wives 🙂
You can always get in touch through [email protected]
Momekh’s idea of organizing a meeting would be great as people from similar interest can learn from each other. I would also try to join you guys in Lahore if i remain alive in the season of killing in Karachi. 🙂
please guide me how to manage people and fodder for cows. and from where i can get good quality cows
Dear Sir,
I am interested to set up farm for 50 animal (prefer buaffalo). Kindly pass how this possible and how much land require??
Averge cost and milk?
regards
A.O.A.,
A very strange question, I have 15 acres of land which is 25 kilometers away from my built factory. I have big halls 3 level with space for cargo lift of 18×18 feet. These could easily climately controlled. With these halls I have 2 level halls for milk processing, I have also lot other space but factory was built for medical devices.
Please advise me is it worth able to operate a diary farm.
Thank you.
You dont need climate controlled sheds for dairy farm.18 ft hgt is manageable,but one would have to visit before a lay out can be planned.How long are these sheds?
Hi, want to know fully about modernized silage from corm system and possibly seting up something for sales. Regards
Many people looking into commercial silage these days. Can be v.viable provided cost is reasonable.Ave acre of hybred corn will yeild abt 350 mnds. Engro and other parties are buying these days for abt 100 rs.a mnd.This is a poor price for the farmer.
AOA;
Can some brother who has experience on the fodder costs explain the cost of silage fooder per head / per day. Jazak Allah Khair.
AOA; can any brother give me suggestions about impotance of cattle in dairy than buffalo?thanx
1.cows eat less than buffs
2.produce more milk
3.mature earlier [18months]
4.less dry period
5.easier to handle
6.calve earlier
7.heard management easier
8 economically viable
Any way must be of good cross bred stock,with ave of above 15,ltr
milk output per day and last full lactation.
Dear Momekh / Naeem Malik
Need comments on the fact any disadvatage / de merit of a dairy farm adjacent to poultry controll shed.
the exhausts are not facing directly to dairy farm.
“I love Nature” Yes i really love, While leaving in the Karachi City too fast life style,
need some relax after observing people around working like machines but result “restlessness, impatient, full of frauds(1st with them selves), and lies”.
Nature Pure provide us energy, and a direct link to Allah’s creation and spark to thinking “what exact life is”
So well i am planning an alternative business (over pure neat lines no hanky panky) other than my current job architecture-interior-construction. Dairy and Cattle farming…the idea force me while i working for importing cattle Feed “Palm Kerenel Cake” Malaysia trying to provide and promote alternate to cotton seed cake, (banola Khali).
I select middle region of Punjab some where around Okara Military farms, to develop a farm for 20 – 100 over a time of some year on Modern line of structure and facilities to animals, Hygienic to all and production too, but trying to design structure on cheaper ways of construction.
I already read Sameda feasibility reports, other concerns but not enough information on life cycle of Cows and Buffaloes,
Like what is dry time,
what approx cost of feed per animal,
the best composition with green fooder and concentrate
how can electricity can be produced from dung Gas, where and what type of generator need.
Can any one guide me the rest.
momekh burki i m very glad to hear that you have become a dairy expert. i hope that 8 cows farm, which is better milk producer than a 60 cows farm, is owned by you. by chance i know the person who owns that 60 cows farm and will ask him to take advice from you.
Salam alikum sab logon,
Urdu main likhoonga kioonkay daftar main hoon,
haan to mere bhai, beroon e mulk kaafi log hain jo yeh karobaar shroo karna chahtay hain, lekin kahin se koi maloomat hi nahi milti, Allah aapka bhala kare jo aapne itni maloomat faraham ki.
Ap ka bohot bhala hoga inshAllah , agar aap human ‘figures’ faraham kar dain, yaani ke, doodh ki keemat e farokht waghera, Allah aapko khush rakhe, Pakistan dunia ka 6 sab se ziada abadi wala mulk hai, or agar hum log mil ke kuch karen to aaram se aik khud kafeel mulk ban sakte hain, or apni jaib bhi garam rakh sakte hain.
Masalam
AA,
Currently I am doing some preliminary research on cattle farming as I am eager to start a dairy farm/ cattle farm. I came across your blog and find it really helpful for novices like me. I appreciate your personal experience sharing as it is hard to know all this stuff from anybody already in this field. I really look forward for your help in near future. God bless you.
Regards,
Umair
ASA,
It really hard to find every thing on document either in any field unless you dive into the deep in practice, Finally after making sheets of sheets, collecting data from all resources, design and planning a farm and their basics,… I am gonna dive in……….
So i believe before going in….. check it all out left right ups and downs… and be prepare for hard struggle…
Dairy farming and Feed lot fattening… looks good… feel good, Give you good :).
May Allah bless my thoughts and care me and all of us… So keep praying .
A.H
Assalam-o-Allaikum Every Body,
Good day to all of you.
Its Ashfaq Hussain Duggal here with your from Dubaii (UAE) .
I am really glad to see the passions and interest of my young brothers in Livestock business. May Allah bless you all with success in all of your endeavors.
Having same desire and passion as I found in all of you, to own and run a Livestock & Dairy Farm. I am preparing the feasibility and cost analysis to start the project. Can any one please guide me on couple of questions.
1- Is imported OR local breed ed cattle best of Dairy Farming?
2- Holstein Heifers and Jersey, which one is best and yields high milk?
3- Does these breeds get adjust to all the four seasons of Punjab?
4-Most Important! what is the average price these days to Import a pure breed Cattle in Pakistan?
Desperately waiting for your kind reply.
Regards,
Ashfaq Hussain Duggal
From Samundri Faisalabad
Lives In – Dubaii – UAE
Will recomend local crossbred cows.
Lots of imported cows already in farms,with mixed results.
Saw bunch of imported cows being sold to butchers last summer near Sialkot.Most farms[imports] large farms with management from abroad.Do not let people know exact output. Some are doing ok.
Approx price non preg.heifer jer/fre cross from Aust.170,000.
Local crossbred fresh calved,approx price 125 to 150,000.
Hi,
i am new in this business i started it recently please guide me how can i take forward my business i bought 8 animals for milk and they r producing 80KG milk per day
10kgs per day is not a bad start.Try getting good qlty cows even if you have to pay little extra,will pay off. Your cows should ave 15 ltrs per day as mausum is good these days.
Naeem Sb. – In one of your posts you commented that cows are better than buffaloes in several ways. Can you tell me which cow breed yeids highest milk production? and how much does it cost? I’ve completed construction in my farm and planning to buy animals now. Your feedback would greatly help.
Locally bred crossbred cows are the highest yeilders.with good management,they will give you up to 18.ltrs per day.You can contact rachnaservices.com and my cell.0300.4858292.Top qlty cows these days range from 130 to 150,000 each.Fresh calved.
Mr. Naeem Malik do you sell cows at Chishtian center.
Chishtian.is one of the centres,wr mostly buff and cholistan cattle are collected and shipped.Pls advise your specific req.and will try to cater.
Dear All Specially respected Momekh
i read all the comments on this page vary seriously coz i m going to plan for small scale starting and testing dairy farming project (10 cows) near my village in my aggri land,
i am a P.hd student of regional planning in peshawar university, and working with World bank,
but my special interest in dairy farming is increasing day by day.
that y i have prepared a plan for 10 cows complete building and now in search and selection of breed so if u have time plz comment other wise i observed from the conversation that local cross breed is more suitable.
UR job is vary fabulous dear.
Crossbreds[local] most suitable for you,and this is good time to buy and start.If you need help contact rachnaservices.com
DR. Naeem Malik
sir i want to buy 2-3 fresh calved cross breed cows, will you please tell me from where of your farms i can visit and buy them.
Asslam -O- Alikum
This is Mudassar from New York.I would like to start a dairy farm in Sahiwal,Pakistan from where i basically belong.I would like to get some help from you for the set up.I know its hard but nothing is hard if someone want to get it done.Your blog is very informative and i have got some positive knowledge from it.But will love to get some basic advises from you guys. By the way i am also running a business here in NY USA but not in dairy farming .I have my family back there who will be managing this dairy farming business .I will be the investor.
Regards
Hello , how can i be part of conversation.
Very helpful site
Assalam O Aliekum
Respected sir
ur blog is very helpful and gives a lot of guidance to new commers.
i am a govt. employee but not satisfy my job due to less salary.
i want to open a dairy farm but have not enough money.
can you tell me about any organization or individual who support me or issue loan for such projects at low interests.
i hope your reply will be in detail and Beacon of light to me.
Assistant Manager / Manager Dairy Farm Operations
At Islamabad Dairies, we are looking for a young dynamic individual who can share our vision of sustainable growth in diversified business in the agricultural and dairy sector. Currently we run a 60 head farm with a vision and resources to double our capacity within next 8 months inshaAllah.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Independently oversee all the technical operations of the farm including animal health, feed management and labor management.
Minimize production costs by introducing and implementing new ideas.
Maintain proper records and efficiently updates data in our management information system on computer.
Introduce profitable business ideas in the related sectors.
Maintain and upgrade agri-based knowledge of management and employees.
REQUIREMENTS:
Has four to six years of experience in operating a dairy farm preferably buffalos’.
Advanced degree in Agriculture, Animal Sciences or related field.
Technical expertise in animal husbandry including dairy and cattle production.
Believes in management information systems and timely reporting due to a distinctive management structure.
Self motivating and possess an ability to work on initiative.
Preferably a bachelor and agrees to reside on the facility in Islamabad.
Market salary can be expected along with free food and residence.
Should you be interested; please send your resume at
aoa.naeem sab what is the crossbred?plz tell me.
lambiiiii khamoshi.why?
I am considering to establish a small size Calf Growing Farm for Beef on land. Would you or some one else help me in this regards. I am available on 0300-8402218
Regards
Dear bro,
I’m successfully running my dairy farm in it’s 13th week now and MashAllah giving optimum production. I am getting excellent rates for my milk picked up from my farm being in the immediate suburbs of Islamabad.
Now I’m planning to launch a beef fattening project as well. Please share your knowledge and experience of the same. And be kind enough to discuss cheap/affordable shed construction methods. Ive made mine with traditional brick and fabricated roof structure. Now for my further venture I’m thinking either poles and cgi sheets or mud structure. Please advice ??
Regards and thanks
Hey that’s BRILLIANT news Adil, mashAllah.
And I highly recommend going for metal poles with a ‘desi’ mud structure on top for the roof. I use that on my shed and it has worked out so far (a few more details on this but I am sure you get the point).
I do not have any direct experience with calf fattening. Maybe someone else here can help?
I wish us all the best! 🙂
hi Adil! thats good to heat about your dairy farm. I am also a new comer at the moment i am working on my infrastructure.
please share some details with us like as follows.
1. with how many animals you have started.
2. what is the average milk your are getting.
3. could you be any help in buying me some animals with your contacts.