Last Updated:
Low milk production of cows and buffaloes in winter is a common problem, but it can be prevented with proper care and diet. Dr. Poonam Soren, veterinarian at Deoghar Krishi Vigyan Kendra, says that milk production is maintained with jaggery cake, balanced diet and safe cowshed.
Deoghar: It is often seen that the milk production of cows and buffaloes suddenly decreases during cold weather. In common language it is called breaking the milk of an animal. As winter increases, animals start spending more energy to keep their bodies warm, which has a direct impact on milk production. In such a situation, cattle herders also have to suffer financial losses. But if proper care and diet are taken care of in time, then this loss can be avoided to a great extent. So let us know from the veterinarian how the cows and buffaloes should be taken care of in the cold season, so that the animals do not reduce milk production.
What does the veterinarian of Krishi Vigyan Kendra say?
Dr. Poonam Soren, a veterinarian posted at the Agricultural Science Center in Sujani, Deoghar, says that reduction in milk production of cows and buffaloes during winter is a common problem. However, it can be prevented by adopting the right measures. For this, first of all it is important to pay special attention to the diet of the animals. The amount of jaggery and cake should be increased in the diet of the animals in winter. Jaggery gives instant energy to the animal and helps in keeping the body warm.
Increase the amount of cake in animal’s diet
Also, cake is helpful in increasing milk production. Apart from this, the quantity of nutritious food being given to the animal, like bran, sorghum, chaff and green fodder, should also be slightly increased in winter. This will provide adequate nutrition to the animal and there will be no reduction in milk.
Keep the cow shed organized during cold days
If green fodder is not available then giving mineral mixture along with silage or dry fodder is also beneficial. Also, clean and lukewarm water should be fed, because animals drink less cold water in winter, which can affect their milk production. Along with diet, the arrangement of the animal’s living space i.e. cowshed is also very important.
protect the animal from direct frost
Dr. Poonam Soren tells that special care should be taken to ensure that the cold air and cold in the cow shed does not directly affect the animals. Keep the cow shed covered, the floor should be dry and if necessary, sack or straw should be spread. Make sure to make arrangements to protect the animals from cold when it gets very cold at night. If all these things are taken care of, then the milk production of cows and buffaloes remains intact even in the winter season and cattle farmers will not have to suffer losses.
