Nepal’s livestock sector contributes approximately 24% to the total agricultural gross domestic product (AGDP) and 13% to the national GDP. Beyond economics, livestock holds deep social significance in the country. In the journey toward making livestock farming more commercial, modern, sustainable, and competitive, feed management is emerging as the most crucial pillar alongside animal health, breeding, and market systems.
In Nepal, about 70% of the total cost in livestock farming is spent on feed. Yet, farmers still largely lack access to scientific tools for managing balanced diets. Currently, the country faces a shortage of 33% in dry matter and 40% in total digestible nutrients (TDN), directly affecting both animal productivity and health.
To address this issue, a new scientific approach called the ‘Livestock Nutrient Audit (LiNA)’ is being introduced as a transformative solution in animal nutrition management. This system helps assess the flow and balance of nutrients within livestock production systems and offers data-driven recommendations to meet the nutritional needs of animals effectively. For Nepali farmers, this innovation has the potential to become a revolutionary game-changer helping reduce production costs, enhance output, and minimize environmental pollution.
About Livestock Nutrient Audit
A Livestock Nutrient Audit is a systematic process for calculating the daily feed requirement of animals based on the source and quantity of nutrients, animal type, age, and production level. The system works by:
- Collecting data on roughages, concentrates, and feed additives or supplements available at the household level.
- Processing the information on the animal’s type, age, and production stage to generate a customized, balanced daily feed plan.
- Promoting the optimal use of local resources while reducing dependency on imported raw materials.
How can farmers access the system?
Farmers can access the Livestock Nutrient Audit system through local livestock service branches, veterinary hospitals, or livestock expert centers under provincial governments. The system can also be made available through digital platforms, allowing smartphone users to access the service remotely. This ensures inclusivity and accessibility for both literate and illiterate farmers.
Current status and potential of animal feed in Nepal
At present, Nepal has 118 small and medium-sized private feed industries producing around 2,600 metric tons of feed daily. However, nearly 80% of the key raw materials, such as maize and soybean, and 100% of feed supplements and additives, are still being imported, contributing significantly to the national trade deficit.
In this context, the development of a grass-based feeding system, relying on locally available forages and feed resources, presents a great opportunity.
Such systems can help reduce production costs, boost productivity, cut down imports, and even pave the way for exports in the future.
Conclusion
The Livestock Nutrient Audit system holds the promise of becoming a groundbreaking innovation for Nepali livestock farmers. Its widespread adoption can lead to healthier animals, increased productivity, reduced feed costs, better environmental management, and ultimately, improved income and living standards for farmers.
For an agriculture-dependent country like Nepal, where livestock farming is deeply rooted in rural livelihoods, the adoption of such scientific tools is not just beneficial, it is essential. This is the moment to move from traditional practices to science-based livestock management.
The ‘Livestock Nutrient Audit’ could very well be the driver of that transformation.
