Discover how to build a profitable integrated farming system combining cow, goat, and chicken farming. Learn setup, cost, income, and management practices for sustainable agriculture.
In today’s competitive agricultural world, farmers are moving beyond single-crop or single-livestock systems toward integrated farming, a model that turns every waste into wealth. The Integrated Farming System with cow, goat, and chicken is one of the most profitable and sustainable approaches gaining traction in India and abroad.
This system blends traditional livestock rearing with modern scientific management — where the waste from one animal becomes a valuable input for another. Cow dung powers the biogas plant, goat droppings enrich compost, and chicken manure boosts soil fertility — creating a closed-loop, zero-waste ecosystem.
For farmers seeking steady income, reduced feed cost, and improved soil health, this combination of cows, goats, and chickens provides year-round productivity and financial stability. It’s not just farming — it’s an agribusiness model for the future.
1. What is Integrated Farming?
Integrated farming combines different types of livestock or crops so that the waste of one becomes the input for another. In this case, cows, goats, and chickens create a closed-loop farming system — maximizing efficiency and minimizing waste.
It’s sustainable, eco-friendly, and highly profitable for farmers looking to diversify.
2. Components of the System
Cow Farming (10 Units)
-
Purpose: Milk, dung (for manure & biogas).
-
Breed Options: Gir, Sahiwal, Jersey cross.
-
Housing: 1000 sq ft shed, well-drained floor, good ventilation.
-
Feed: Green fodder, silage, crop residues, and mineral mix.
-
Waste Use: Cow dung → Biogas plant → Slurry for compost/fertilizer.
Each cow gives 8–10 liters of milk/day → Annual milk yield = 30,000–35,000 liters.
Goat Farming (50 Units)
-
Purpose: Meat, milk, and manure.
-
Breed Options: Osmanabadi, Sirohi, Beetal.
-
Housing: Elevated bamboo or wooden floor for hygiene.
-
Feed: Leaves, crop waste, fodder grasses, kitchen scraps.
-
Waste Use: Goat droppings enhance compost quality.
Average gain: 20 kids every 6 months = steady meat income.
Poultry (Chicken Farming - 500 Birds)
-
Purpose: Egg and meat production.
-
Breed Options: Vanaraja, Gramapriya, Desi birds (for rural market).
-
Housing: Deep litter system, 1 sq. ft per bird.
-
Feed: Broken grains, kitchen waste, insects.
-
Waste Use: Chicken manure (high nitrogen) → vermicompost.
Each bird gives 200–220 eggs/year → potential 1,00,000+ eggs annually.
3. Integration Cycle (Zero Waste Model)
Crop residues → Cow & Goat feed Cow dung → Biogas → Slurry fertilizer Goat droppings → Organic compost Chicken manure → Vermicompost Compost → Crop production (fodder) Crops → Feed again for livestock
Every element supports the other — making the system self-sufficient and eco-efficient.
4. Income & Profit Estimation (Approximate)
| Component | Units | Annual Gross Income (₹) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cow | 10 | ₹6,00,000–₹7,00,000 | Milk & manure sales |
| Goat | 50 | ₹4,00,000–₹5,00,000 | Meat, kids, manure |
| Chicken | 500 | ₹2,50,000–₹3,00,000 | Eggs, meat, manure |
| Total | — | ₹12–15 lakh/year | High potential model |
This system can scale further with biogas power, dairy value addition (ghee, paneer), and branded organic manure.
5. Management Tips
-
Keep animals vaccinated and regularly dewormed.
-
Maintain clean sheds and proper drainage.
-
Grow green fodder on nearby land to cut feed costs.
-
Install a biogas unit (6–8 m³) for cooking and power.
-
Use vermicomposting pits for chicken and goat manure.
-
Maintain a small water harvesting pond for livestock needs.
6. Environmental & Social Benefits
Reduces dependence on chemical fertilizers
Provides continuous employment for rural youth
Enhances soil fertility and water retention
Reduces greenhouse gas emissions through biogas use
7. FAQ
Q1: Is integrated farming profitable in small land areas?
Yes, even 1–2 acres can support this system efficiently with proper planning and waste recycling.
Q2: How much land is needed for 10 cows, 50 goats, and 500 chickens?
Around 2–3 acres including housing, fodder cultivation, and waste management areas.
Q3: Can this model be organic?
Absolutely — use natural feed, herbal dewormers, and organic compost to make it fully organic.
Q4: What is the initial investment?
Approximately ₹8–10 lakh, depending on shed, breed quality, and equipment.
The cow, goat, and chicken integrated farming system is the future of sustainable rural income. It aligns tradition with modern agribusiness strategy — reducing costs, improving soil health, and generating multi-stream revenue.
A perfect model for progressive farmers and agripreneurs aiming for long-term profitability.
Suggested Reading
1.Goat Farming: 10 Essentials You Must Never Miss for High Milk Yield & Meat Profit
2.7 Things You Should Never Miss in Dairy Farming for Maximum Milk Yield & Long-Term Profit
