We aren’t the only ones eating well-balanced diets – the cows on the Akshayakalpa farms are too!

At Akshayakalpa Organic, we strongly believe that ‘Nutrition prompts Nutrition’ and the story of the nutrients and purity of our organic milk is rooted in the soil of our farms – literally! Our farmers work closely with nutritionists to plan the diet for our cows. Because cows can spend almost 5 hours in a day eating, it is important to make sure that the food they eat not only has the right balance of nutrients but is also fresh.

Contrary to popular belief, the diets for cows are not ‘one-size-fits-all’. Factors like age, season and lactation play an important role in deciphering the essential nutrition the cow needs.

Let’s look at some of the important parts of a cows diet:

1) Water: In the quest of ensuring optimum protein and vitamins, it is easy to often overlook one of the most important parts of a cow’s diet – water. Cows drink almost 75-80 litres of water per day (that’s like one bathtub full!) and this is needed to regulate temperature, transport nutrients and more.

Cows at the Akshayakalpa Organic farm have access to fresh and clean drinking water 24/7. The water is RO purified to keep it free from any harmful bacteria. Troughs are also set up at lower levels for younger calves to access water easily.

2) Protein and carbohydrates: Just like us, cows too need sufficient protein for growth and over-all well-being and carbohydrates for energy. Young, growing calves and cows in late pregnancy or lactation have a higher requirement for protein in their diet.

While home-grown organic fodder is the main source of nourishment for cows at the Akshayakalpa farm, Total Mixed Ration (TMR) is also a part of their diet. TMR is a mix of hay, silage and other proteins, carbohydrates and nutrients. Just like children, cows can be picky eaters and fill up on food they like best (usually grains). This method of feeding ensures that the cows get a balanced meal in every bite.

3) Vitamins and Minerals: Vitamins and minerals are important for healthy functioning of the digestive system of cows and approximately 17 minerals are needed for a well-rounded diet.

Healthy and natural sources of vitamins and minerals are included as a part of the TMR to prevent any vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Millets and peanut cakes are added to make the TMR more wholesome.

When cows receive the right kind of food with the right kind of nutrients, the milk has the right kind of nutrition too. Cows that are healthy from within have better immunity and fall sick less often, thereby reducing the need for antibiotics.

They say you are what you eat. No wonder Akshayakalpa cows are happy, healthy and well-nourished!