As summer temperatures rise, there is a risk of decreased milk production in cows and potential health issues such as sunburn. Insufficient green grass availability exacerbates the problem. The heat can induce stress, weaken immunity, and lead to various symptoms in cattle. These include snoring, drooling, increased heart rate, reduced feed intake and excessive thirst, which if untreated, could be fatal.
Experts recommend a feeding regimen consisting of limited solid feed/fodder in the morning and evening, hay at night and supplementation with mineral mixture, breadcrumbs, vitamin A, salt and probiotics as prescribed by a veterinarian.
Animal Husbandry Department plans to conduct awareness sessions and formulate action plans at the panchayat level regarding summer feeding and cattle maintenance. It’s also crucial to consider the well-being of other pets like dogs, cats and parrots, as they too can suffer from sunburn. Providing cold water and probiotics and restricting outdoor activities to mornings and evenings are advised for them as well.
Key points for cattle care
– Avoid tying cattle in open areas.
– Provide well-ventilated stalls with fans.
– Consider drip/sprinkler systems or a watered roof for cooling.
– Refrain from tying cattle outdoors between 9 am to 5 pm.
– Ensure access to clean and cold drinking water (80-100 liters per day for dairy cows).
– Provide green grass, leaves, or palm leaves as feed.
– Be vigilant against diseases transmitted by ticks, fleas, lice, flies, mastitis, indigestion and diarrhea.
– Recognize sunburn symptoms.
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