Last checked against the sources below on 20-10-2026.
Donating fodder is one of the most direct ways to help a gaushala: it feeds the animals today. This guide explains how much cattle eat, what to buy, and how to make sure your donation is used well. For more on cattle, visit our cow hub.
How much does a cow eat?
The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) says a normal adult animal should be fed 6 kg of dry fodder and 15 to 20 kg of green fodder a day. [S1] So feeding one adult cow for a month takes roughly 180 kg of dry fodder and 450 to 600 kg of green fodder.
NDDB also advises: [S1]
- feeding legume and non-legume green fodder in a 1:3 ratio
- adding an area-specific mineral mixture to the ration
Green or dry fodder?
- Green fodder (such as fresh-cut grasses or legumes) is needed every day but spoils quickly, so it suits regular, smaller deliveries.
- Dry fodder (straw or hay) stores well, so it suits a larger one-time donation, if the gaushala has dry, covered storage.
- Mineral mixture is small, easy to store and part of NDDB’s recommended ration [S1]; ask whether the gaushala needs it.
Never donate stale or mouldy fodder, leftover human food, or anything in plastic bags; plastic is dangerous for cattle to eat.
How to donate, step by step
- Call first. Ask what they’re short of, green or dry fodder, or mineral mixture, and how much storage they have.
- Agree the quantity. Use NDDB’s figures above to match your budget to days of feed. [S1]
- Buy locally or ask their supplier. Many gaushalas have a regular fodder supplier; paying the supplier directly for an agreed load is simple and transparent.
- Get a receipt for the donation, from the gaushala or supplier.
- Visit if you can to see the fodder being stored and fed.
Check the gaushala first
Before you give, make sure the gaushala is genuine and well run: visit, look at the animals’ condition and the storage, and ask how many animals it keeps. See our guide to finding a genuine gaushala. Some states also pay gaushalas a grant per animal; see our adopt a cow schemes guide.
The Pawsitive Hoomans Take
A regular monthly fodder donation, even a small one, helps a gaushala plan better than a single big gift it can’t store. Start with what feeds one cow for a month, and visit to see it used.
🐄 If you keep cattle yourself, our free Vaccination Tracker builds a cattle schedule, and a Pet Passport keeps each animal’s records.
Frequently asked questions
How much fodder does a cow need per day?
NDDB says a normal adult animal should get 6 kg of dry fodder and 15 to 20 kg of green fodder a day. [S1]
Is it better to donate green or dry fodder?
Ask the gaushala. Green fodder spoils fast, so it suits regular deliveries; dry fodder stores well if they have covered space.
Can I donate leftover food to a gaushala?
No. Give proper fodder only, and never anything in plastic.
Do cows need anything besides fodder?
NDDB recommends adding an area-specific mineral mixture to the ration. [S1]
Sources and last checked
- [S1] National Dairy Development Board, Farmers’ Corner: Feeding of Dairy Animals – nddb.coop – Last checked: 20-10-2026
Disclaimer: PawsitiveHoomans is an independent information resource and is not affiliated with NDDB or any gaushala.