Abstract:
Small-scale dairy farming is an important
contributor to Sri Lanka's agricultural sector, yet
productivity and sustainability are limited by inefficient
feeding practices, dependence on expensive commercial
feed, and limited access to modern technologies. This
paper proposes CattleCare, an integrated framework that
combines a web-based advisory platform with a low-cost
automated feed dispensing system to support sustainable
feed management for smallholder dairy farmers. A field
survey conducted across 16 dairy farms between March
and June 2026 collected data from approximately 60
cattle representing indigenous and crossbred dairy
breeds. The platform analyzes existing feeding practices
and generates customized feeding recommendations
based on cattle characteristics, milk production,
environmental conditions, and locally available feed
resources. The framework is designed to interface with a
low-cost automated feed dispensing system for accurate
feed allocation, with field validation planned under real
farm conditions. By promoting the use of locally available
fodder, agricultural by-products, and affordable digital
technologies, the proposed framework supports circular
agricultural practices while reducing reliance on
imported concentrate feeds. Preliminary field
observations demonstrate the practical potential of the
proposed framework for supporting structured feed
management; however, long-term effects on milk
productivity, feed efficiency, and environmental
performance require further validation.
