Moringa – a high-quality natural green fodder for dairy animals.

Sahjan (Moringa) – A High-Quality Natural Green Fodder for Dairy Animals

In livestock farming, fodder quality and availability directly influence milk yield, reproduction, animal health, and overall farm economics. In this context, Sahjan (Moringa oleifera) is now emerging globally as a “Super Fodder.” In India, this plant grows easily, and the nutrients present in its leaves are extremely beneficial for lactating cows and buffaloes.

Many scientific studies have shown that moringa leaves:

• increase milk yield,
• improve milk fat percentage,
• support better heat cycles and improve fertility,
• help correct calcium–phosphorus deficiency,
• and strengthen disease resistance in animals.

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🌿 1. Nutritional Profile of Moringa – Why is it Special for Animals?

If we compare its leaves with other fodders, moringa is found to be significantly richer in nutrients.

• Protein: 22–27% (in green leaves) — even higher than many legume fodders.
• Calcium: excellent for bone strength and milk production.
• Phosphorus: essential for energy metabolism and fertility.
• Vitamins A, C, E: improve immunity and support udder health.
• Antioxidants: help reduce toxins in the body.

Because of its high protein and mineral content, moringa leaves become a balanced, energy-rich, and highly digestible fodder for dairy animals.

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🐄 2. Effects of Moringa on Lactating Cows and Buffaloes

1) Increase in Milk Yield

Many studies report that including moringa at about 10–20% of the diet can increase milk yield by 8–15%. The reason is its high protein content and high digestibility. Moringa leaves break down easily and convert into energy, enabling the animal to produce more milk.

2) Improvement in Milk Fat Percentage

Due to beneficial fatty acids and minerals, moringa can help improve milk fat (Fat%). Some studies have reported an increase of around 0.2 to 0.6%.

3) Better Gut Health and Digestion

Moringa contains natural fiber and antioxidants, which:

• reduce indigestion, acidity, and bloat,
• support healthy rumen microflora,
• improve feed digestion by 10–15%.

4) Faster Improvement in Fertility

With regular use of moringa:

• heat cycles become more regular,
• conception rate improves,
• animals conceive earlier after calving or after milk withdrawal.

The combined effect of vitamins A, C, E and amino acids helps keep the reproductive system active.

5) Stronger Immunity

Antioxidants and micronutrients present in moringa strengthen immunity and improve the animal’s ability to fight diseases such as fever, pneumonia, and infections like FMD/HS.

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🌱 3. How to Include Moringa in the Ration?

1) Fresh Green Leaves

• Up to 10–15 kg (for an adult animal) is considered a safe quantity.
• Animals often prefer it slightly wilted.

2) Dried Leaves (Moringa Leaf Meal)

• 1–2 kg per day can be mixed into the ration.
• Mixing 10–15% moringa leaf meal into concentrate feed can be highly beneficial.

3) Moringa Pods

• The pods provide energy and support digestion.
• Useful for animals losing weight or producing low milk.

4) Moringa Seeds

Seeds should be given only in limited quantity— 200–250 grams/day (only for animals with high energy requirements). Excess seeds may cause bloat.

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🌳 4. Benefits of Growing Moringa – Especially for Dairy Farmers

• Grows well with very little water.
• Becomes harvest-ready within 3–4 months.
• One plant can remain productive for 20–25 years.
• Even after repeated cutting, new leaves regrow quickly.
• Seeds, leaves, and pods— all three can be used as fodder.
• Depending on the season, 4–6 cuttings per year are possible.

Low cost and high nutrition—this makes moringa one of the most profitable trees for dairy farmers.

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🧪 5. What Do Scientific Studies Say?

Many institutions worldwide have studied moringa. The general conclusions are:

• Milk yield increased by 10–15%
• Fat % improved by 0.2–0.6%
• Better disease resistance
• Improved conception rate
• Better digestibility of fodder

Trials conducted on Indian breeds (Sahiwal, Gir, Tharparkar, Haryana) have also reported similar benefits.

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⚠️ 6. Important Precautions

• Do not start with high quantity—introduce it gradually.
• Do not feed dirty, spoiled, or rotten leaves.
• Keep the seed quantity under control.
• Ensure adequate drinking water when feeding fresh leaves.
• For buffaloes, start with only 5–7 kg and increase gradually.

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🌾 Conclusion

Moringa is not just a tree—it is a low-cost, high-protein fodder for dairy farms. It increases milk yield, improves fat percentage, supports natural immunity, and enhances reproductive performance. With less land, less water, and low input cost, moringa can become a true blessing for livestock keepers.

Pashupalan.co.in requests farmers to plant moringa along farm boundaries, fodder plots, and fence lines. This small step can bring a big change in your dairy business.

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