At some time, every dairy farmer will find references to supplements for boosting milk yield, including supplements made from herbs or Ayurvedic medicine. There are some that seem too good to be true, and others that are too easily ignored as a myth without a basis in fact. Then where is the truth? Are the herbs mentioned in Ayurveda really useful to increase milk yield in dairy animals or is it just marketing in traditional jargon?
This article discusses in an honest and practical way the classic and scientific support for their use in milk production, and how to consider their use in a contemporary dairy nutrition program.
The Traditional basis for Herbal Galactagogues
Herbs that have traditionally been used for milk production are commonly known as galactagogues, things thought to make milk. In fact, herbs have been used long before science could provide an explanation to why they seemed to work in either human and animal context, as well as for the treatment of lactose intolerance and for managing lactose in dairy farming communities, especially across India, which have been using herbal preparations for generations to feed milking cows.
It is not a proof of itself, but a traditional knowledge base that is of great value to take into account and is the starting point for modern research that is now beginning to explore and, in a few instances, confirm.
An indication of which herbs are associated with milk yield.
Some of the herbs used in cattle nutrition as per Ayurveda are thought to aid milk production in various ways:
- Shatavari: One of the most well-known herbs in Ayurveda for lactation support in both humans and animals, shatavari is traditionally believed to nourish reproductive and mammary tissue, potentially supporting more consistent milk output.
- Fenugreek (Methi): Fenugreek is extensively used in traditional dairy farming, with compounds thought to stimulate the production of milk glandular tissues and it is one of the most quoted galactagogues in both human and veterinary applications.
- Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha is mainly an adaptogen so its effects on overall vitality and stress resistance could also have indirect effects on lactating cows, as chronic stress has been shown to have negative effects on milk yield.
- Jeevanti: Considered a lesser-known but traditionally important herb, jeevanti is occasionally used in Ayurvedic cattle medicine with a focus on vitality and lactation support.
The herbs are not used on their own but are usually used in specific blends, as the intent is usually to work with the animal’s overall metabolic and hormonal balance, and not just milk production.
What does contemporary research say?
Although research on herbal galactagogues in dairy cattle is still in its infancy, the past few years have seen a few studies focused on the use of fenugreek and shatavari based supplements in lactating dairy cows and buffaloes. Some of these trials have shown significant improvement in milk production and some milk fat improvement when some herbs were supplemented into the normal feed rations over several weeks.
However, one needs to be cautious when interpreting these findings in a scientific manner. The size of studies is frequently limited and the results may differ depending on breed, nutritional status at the start of the production and general herd management. The simple answer is that, while there is real promise to herbal supplementation and a few traditional and emerging scientific studies to back it up, it is best when used as part of a comprehensive, well-managed nutrition plan as opposed to a single solution.
Herbal supplements help to promote milk production in a variety of ways.
Herbal supplements do not work as a simple, standalone “milk booster” but are thought to aid lactation via several interrelated mechanisms:
- Hormonal & Metabolic Support: Some of the herbs are thought to help maintain hormonal pathways associated with lactation, especially those involving prolactin.
- Better nutrient absorption and digestion: An improved digestive efficiency will have a profound effect on the ability to absorb and utilize the nutrients in the base diet, instead of losing them due to poor absorption.
- Reduce stress: Chronic stress has been known to inhibit milk production, so the herbs that create a more relaxed, balanced physiology may be indirectly helpful for milk production.
- Overall vitality and immune support: A healthier cow with a stronger immune system will most likely be able to maintain adequate milk production throughout lactation.
The effective use of herbal supplements.
Before adding any herbal or Ayurvedic supplements to the daily rations of your dairy herd, a few things are important to consider for achieving real results:
- Action over time: The effect of herbal supplements is usually long term, meaning it will take some time to see the results, typically weeks of consistent use.
- Complementing a good base diet: Herbal supplements should not be used as a replacement for adequate energy, protein and mineral levels, but rather as an addition to a good base diet.
- Concentration and standardization are important: Products differ in the amount of active ingredients they contain, and a well-formulated and quality-tested herbal product is crucial for receiving a consistent, measurable effect over an unpredictable one.
- It is important to remember the time of supplementation: Early supplementation (around the time of lactation onset or the transition period) can produce a greater meaningful effect than mid-lactation.
Collaborating with a supplement partner that has a specific expertise with the nutrition of dairy cows as this species, who has a lactation-focused nutrition approach, is more likely to produce consistent results than anyone using generic (un-branded) herbal blends with unclear nutrition compositions.
Setting Realistic Expectations
Being well-informed about the potential for herbals and what they can and cannot accomplish is important. They do not replace sound nutrition, housing, or herd management and they are not likely to drastically improve output in an unbalanced nutritionally and/or poorly managed herd. They can provide a beneficial and complementary supplementation on top of a sound nutrition and management base – especially for herds where subtle hormonal, digestive or stress-related factors may be subtly limiting yield.
Conclusion
So, is it possible to increase milk production in dairy cows with the use of ayurvedic supplements? The straight answer is: Possibly, if it is used properly and as part of a good nutrition plan. Traditional and emerging evidence for herbs in lactation support are strong with shatavari and fenugreek, but these herbs work best when used in addition to a solid base nutrition. The most rational way to achieve some real results is to select a quality-tested, scientifically formulated herbal supplement from a source with dairy-specific knowledge, such as Varah’s veterinary supplement line and continue to feed it in with good herd management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many days does it take to get a response in milk yield from herbal supplementation?
A: Most studies indicate that it takes a few weeks of regular supplementation before noticeable changes are seen, and traditional use indicates the same.
Q: Can the regular dairy nutrition programs be replaced by herbal supplementation?
A: No they are not intended as a substitute for a balanced base diet, but to complement a balanced base diet.
Q: Are fenugreek safe for long term use in dairy cows?
A: Fenugreek is a popular traditional supplement in dairy practices and should be safe when used properly and in moderation, but it is recommended to be used as a dietary supplement in small amounts and carefully observe the herd’s reaction.
Q: Do herbal supplements work for all dairy breeds equally?
A: There are many different factors that can influence your response, such as the breed, the nutritional status of the herd, and how you manage your herd, so you might see more uniformity if you work with a nutritionist or veterinarian to make the approach work for your herd.
