Better Feed, Better Farming: How Nutrient Audits Are Changing Livestock Care

 Livestock plays a big role in Nepal’s economy, contributing around 24% to the agricultural GDP and 13% to the country’s overall GDP. But beyond just numbers, it’s also deeply tied to the social fabric of rural life. As Nepal moves toward making livestock farming more commercial, modern, and sustainable, one major challenge stands out: feed management.

Right now, feed accounts for about 70% of the total cost in livestock farming. However, most farmers still lack the tools and knowledge to provide animals with a balanced diet. Nepal is currently short of 33% of the required dry matter and 40% of digestible nutrients needed for healthy and productive livestock. This shortage directly affects animal health and productivity.

A New Scientific Approach: Livestock Nutrient Audit (LiNA)

To tackle this problem, a new system called the Livestock Nutrient Audit (LiNA) is being introduced. It’s a science-based method to help farmers better manage what their animals eat. The system tracks what nutrients are going into the animals and what’s needed for their age, type, and production stage (like milk or meat production). It then gives practical, data-based recommendations on how to create a balanced daily diet.

LiNA also encourages the smarter use of local feed sources, reducing the need to rely on expensive imported feed ingredients.

How Does It Work?

  • Step 1: Collect data on the types of feed (like grass, grains, and supplements) available at the farm.

  • Step 2: Enter information about the animals, such as their age and purpose (e.g., milk, meat).

  • Step 3: Generate a customized, balanced diet plan that meets each animal’s nutritional needs.

Where Can Farmers Access It?

Farmers can use the system through:

  • Local livestock service centers

  • Veterinary hospitals

  • Provincial livestock offices

  • Digital platforms (via smartphone apps or other online services)

This setup ensures that farmers across different literacy levels and regions can benefit from it.

Current Situation of Animal Feed in Nepal

Nepal has about 118 small and medium-sized feed industries producing around 2,600 metric tons of feed every day. But about 80% of the raw materials, like maize and soybeans, are still imported. Supplements and additives are 100% imported. This not only increases costs but also adds to the country’s trade deficit.

There’s a huge opportunity here: developing a grass-based feed system using local resources. This could lower production costs, improve livestock health and productivity, reduce import dependency, and even open up the potential for exporting livestock products.

Why This Matters

The Livestock Nutrient Audit could be a game-changer for farmers. It can lead to:

  • Healthier animals

  • Higher productivity

  • Lower feed costs

  • Better environmental practices

  • Increased incomes and improved livelihoods

For a country like Nepal, where livestock is a backbone of rural life, adopting such modern tools isn’t just helpful — it’s necessary. It’s time to shift from traditional methods to science-based livestock farming.

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