The research shows significant regional variation: in states like Jharkhand, West Bengal and Himachal Pradesh, the share of rearers who don’t sell milk exceeds 50 %–70 %, while even in more formalised dairy states such as Maharashtra and Karnataka, more than 30 % of cattle owners prioritise non-milk uses like dung and farm support products. These patterns are especially linked to households owning 1–2 indigenous animals integrated into mixed farming systems.

Across India, about 74 % of rearers value dung for manure, fuel or sale, and some 7 % keep cattle exclusively for non-milk purposes such as draught power or income from selling animals. This suggests that integrated cattle roles underpining ecological and household needs — beyond milk production — are a practical cornerstone of rural economies, particularly where feed and fodder shortages are pervasive and dairy markets are less accessible.

The study also highlights major constraints facing rearers, with three in four reporting feed and fodder shortages and limited adoption of government feeding interventions, which remain low despite high awareness gaps. Climate change impacts — including heat stress, disease and mortality — are reported by large shares of buffalo, crossbred and indigenous rearers, pointing to growing risks that interact with motivations for cattle retention and breed choices.