A field visit was conducted to Ali Sons Dairy, a private-sector corporate dairy farm located in Sohan, Islamabad. The visit was facilitated by Dr. Abdul Jabbar of Inshall Pharmaceutical Industries and Farm Manager Dr. Huraira Aslam. The team was also accompanied by Engr. Zeeshan Syed Shah, CEO of SunSaviour Solar Energy Company.
The farm currently maintains approximately 100 Holstein-Friesian cattle including 60 calves. The adult animals have been imported from the United States, utilized for both milk production and breeding purposes. The animals appeared to be in good health and welfare condition, producing an average of 22 kg milk per animal per day presently. The low average is because of the farm policy of drying up the animals and breeding plan. The farm’s financial operations—including expenses and income—also appeared well-managed.
Despite the overall strong performance, a key issue observed was postpartum infertility, particularly during early lactation. The farm is utilizing estrus synchronization protocols like Ovsynch followed by fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI). However, challenges persist, primarily due to metabolic and oxidative stress linked to high milk yields.
From a physiological perspective, genetically improved dairy animals often suffer from conflicting priorities between metabolic and reproductive systems. The hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis responsible for reproduction, and the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis involved in stress response, operate in an inverse relationship. During stress or negative energy balance, the HPA axis dominates, suppressing reproductive functions.
High-yielding animals mobilize body fat reserves (lipolysis), leading to: i) A reduction in body condition score (BCS); ii) Decreased levels of leptin, which is critical for signaling reproductive readiness; iii) Suppressed estrous behavior, ovulation, and fertilization.
It was also observed that infertility rates were higher among higher-yielding animals, which aligns with the known nutritional prioritization hierarchy: i) Lactogenesis (milk production); ii) Health maintenance; iii)Reproduction. In such cases, glucose and other nutrients are consumed in milk synthesis, leaving inadequate supply for follicular development, ovulation, or embryo survival, often resulting in infertility or early embryonic loss.
Recommendations
A comprehensive discussion with the farm team led to the following recommendations:
- Delay postpartum breeding until after the peak lactation phase has passed, allowing animals to recover from negative energy balance.
- Consider initiating breeding based on milk yield categories:
- Category A: ≥35 kg/day — rebreed after 150 days
- Category B: ~25 kg/day — rebreed after 120 days
- Category C: ~15 kg/day — rebreed after 90 days
Develop a nutritional and management plan tailored to each category (A, B, C) to: i) optimize reproductive outcomes; ii) increase milk yield and; iii) reduce farm costs.
Energy Infrastructure Assessment
An on-grid solar system installed at the farm was inspected. A fault was identified in power generation, compromising system efficiency. Recommendations included: i) Rectification of the existing fault, and; ii) Upgrading to a hybrid solar system for: i) Uninterrupted power supply, and; ii) Reduction in electricity costs.
Role of Dairy Science Park
Dairy Science Park (DSP) has long advocated for the integration of academia, industry, and government to:
- Promote sustainable and environment-friendly livestock practices,
- Foster entrepreneurship, and
- Create decent employment for youth.
Corporate dairy farms like Ali Sons Dairy demonstrate the potential of technology and science-led management in transforming the livestock sector. Adoption of good farming practices, smart energy systems, and animal welfare protocols is critical for ensuring food security, environmental protection, and economic viability.