Nepal Introduces Nutrient Audit to Revolutionize Livestock Feed Management

 As Nepal pushes toward modernizing its agriculture, a new focus is emerging within its livestock sector—feed management. While livestock already contributes 24% to the agricultural GDP and 13% to the national economy, the real transformation lies in how animals are fed. Experts now say that scientific feeding practices, more than ever, will determine the future of sustainable and productive livestock farming in the country.

Source: Worldbank

Despite feed making up nearly 70% of total livestock farming costs, many farmers still rely on guesswork when it comes to animal nutrition. This has led to a 33% shortfall in dry matter and a 40% gap in total digestible nutrients, directly affecting animal health and productivity. In response, Nepal has introduced the Livestock Nutrient Audit (LiNA)—a scientific tool designed to evaluate and optimize nutrient flow in livestock production.

LiNA is a data-driven system that calculates animals' exact nutritional requirements based on species, age, and production stage. It helps farmers make smarter use of local feed resources while reducing their dependence on costly imported ingredients. This shift toward balanced, locally-sourced feeding could significantly cut production costs and improve yields across Nepal's livestock sector.

Currently, Nepal’s feed industry includes around 118 small and medium-sized producers, supplying 2,600 metric tons daily. However, much of the raw material, including maize, soybean, and all feed additives, is imported—placing additional strain on the economy. LiNA’s implementation, alongside a growing push for grass-based and forage-focused feeding, could change that dynamic and even open doors to export in the long run.

The government is working to make the system accessible through local veterinary centers, livestock offices, and mobile platforms, ensuring it reaches even the most remote farmers. By offering precise feed plans tailored to individual animals, the system promises healthier livestock, reduced environmental impact, and greater income for farming households.

In a country where rural life is deeply tied to livestock, this move toward science-based feeding isn’t just timely—it’s necessary. If embraced nationwide, the Livestock Nutrient Audit could mark a turning point for Nepal’s agricultural future, empowering farmers to grow more, spend less, and farm smarter.