Even cattle can suffer heat strokes
By: Dr. Satyawan Saurabh
The rising mercury has put a lot of stress on the milch animals and it will be worse when the relative humidity goes beyond 90%. Milk production under the prevailing conditions has also been reduced due to low feed intake and additional heat load.
The quantity of green fodder should be increased and long fodder should be cut before feeding. If grazing is practiced, avoid grazing the animals between 10 am and 5 pm. Soaking the fodder in an equal quantity of water for 20-30 minutes will increase nutrient utilization.
Besides, dietary mineral and vitamin supplementation should be increased during summer as its excretion increases under the effect of heat stress. The supply of sodium and potassium in the diet during the period of heat stress increases milk yield. Proper deworming and vaccination schedules should be followed to maintain the health of the animals.
The period of severe heat has started in many states of the country, and the effect of heat is visible on humans as well as cattle. In this season, there is a danger of heat stroke in animals, as well as high temperature affects milk-producing cattle and their milk-giving capacity decreases. The loss of which has to be borne by the farmers.
In such a situation, cattle farmers should take proper care of the animals at this time. Given the rising temperature, the advisory has also started being issued by the Animal Husbandry and Dairy Department to protect animals from heat stroke.
Cattle farmers should manage their animals according to the changes in the weather so that there is no adverse effect on their production. The possibility of animals falling ill increases in the summer season. There is also a danger of animals getting heat stroke due to hot winds and high temperatures.
In India, dairy animals are reared on a large scale under animal husbandry. These include the largest number of cows, buffaloes, goats and camels. Animal husbandry is a very responsible job, which includes cleaning the animals on time, feeding them, giving them water, milking them and taking them for a walk.
But as soon as summer arrives, the problem of animals getting sunstroke in the hot sun also surrounds us. However, by taking precautions in advance, diseases can be prevented from developing. But even then, if the problem increases, animals can be saved from getting sick by identifying them in time.
Although the ill effects of the summer season are seen in animals of all species, cows, buffaloes and chickens are more affected. This is due to dark colour, less number of sweat glands and effect of special hormones in buffaloes, and absence of sweat glands and high body temperature (107 F) in chickens.
Obviously, in the scorching sun in the country, the mercury sometimes goes up to 45 degrees. On top of this, hot winds can cause dehydration and heat stroke in animals. If precautions are taken in time, the possibility of diseases is reduced. But even then, if animals fall ill due to heat, then they can be identified by these symptoms – high fever and restlessness in the animal, not eating properly, panting in high fever, saliva flowing from the nose and mouth, redness of eyes and tears flowing, fast breathing and stumbling and falling, lethargy and stopping eating and drinking water.
During extremely hot humid or hot dry weather, the thermoregulatory ability of cattle to dissipate heat by sweating and panting is compromised and heat stress occurs. Severe heat stress may lead to increased body temperature, increased pulse rate, increased peripheral blood flow, reduced feed intake and increased water intake.
Ecto-parasites, whose infestation increases during summer, should be properly controlled by using suitable acaricidal sprays on the animals as well as in the shed, especially in corners and crevices. Proper care and management techniques during the summer season will help farmers maintain healthy animals, produce more milk and gain definite profits from dairy farming.
Caring for animals during the summer months is important to ensure their health, well-being and overall survival. Intense heat and extreme weather conditions can pose significant challenges and risks to animals, but these can be minimized with proper care and attention.
Providing adequate shade, fresh water, and adequate ventilation is essential to prevent heat stress and dehydration. Regular grooming and keeping the living space clean helps animals cope with the heat and reduces the risk of skin infections and parasites.
Additionally, it is important to adjust exercise routines, and feeding schedules, and monitor for signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke during hot weather. Educating yourself and others about the specific needs of different animal species during the summer can promote responsible pet ownership and prevent unnecessary suffering.
By implementing these measures, we can create a safe and comfortable environment for our animal companions, ensuring their well-being and fostering a strong bond between humans and animals. Remember, our furry, feathery, and scaly friends rely on us for their care and protection, especially during the challenging summer season.
(The author is a Poet, freelance journalist and columnist)
