Millions of Cows Fed Brewery Waste, Raising Dairy Alarm
India’s booming milk production is increasingly supported by the use of unregulated brewery waste—primarily spent grains and by-products from beer production—as cheap cattle feed on dairy farms nationwide. While this practice helps boost milk volumes, veterinarians, dairy scientists and farmers warn it may be compromising milk quality and herd health.
Industry observers say that rising feed costs and seasonal fodder shortages have made brewery waste an attractive alternative feed source for many small and medium dairy farms. Because brewery by-products are rich in carbohydrates but inconsistent in nutrient balance and often poorly stored or fermented, long-term feeding without supplementation can stress rumen function, reduce feed efficiency, and increase risk of digestive disorders in cows.
Experts also express concern that such unconventional feed practices aren’t being tracked or regulated by food safety authorities. In the absence of systematic oversight, the impact on milk composition, safety and shelf life remains unclear, and there is a possibility that milk from cows fed brewery waste may fail to meet quality benchmarks expected by processors and consumers.
Veterinary scientists urge stronger policy frameworks, feed safety standards and extension support for farmers to adopt balanced cattle nutrition — especially during dry or lean fodder seasons — to protect both animal health and dairy product quality across the value chain.
Source : Dairynews7x7 Feb 23rd 2026 Read full story here
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