**2.2 Smallholder market-oriented production system**

As presented earlier, rural subsistence production system is changing into rural market-oriented smallholder production system with passage of years. This system is identified by its typical number of animal holdings and surplus milk production than the family requirements. There are usually 5–7 animals per household, both cows and buffaloes. Of these, there are usually 3–4 adult lactating animals along with one or two heifers and one or two male calves. Breeding bulls are normally absent. Feeding requirements of lactating animals are fulfilled from fodder along with wheat straw and seed cake. More than 70% of milk produced is sold either directly to retail shops or through intermediaries. This system is practiced by those smallholders who have access to nearby livestock markets, and they are encouraged to produce in excess of family requirements [3, 4].
