Milk of cow and buffalo decreases in cold, just adopt these 4 indigenous methods, stream will flow from bucket

The impact of winter in Hazaribagh is now clearly visible on animal husbandry, an important pillar of the rural economy. Due to continuous drop in temperature, milk production across the district has reduced by 15 to 25 percent. This has become a matter of great concern for cattle farmers.

On this subject, Dr. Mukesh Kumar, Veterinary Surgeon of the Government Veterinary Hospital, Hazaribagh, said that as soon as the cold starts, the cows and buffaloes eat less fodder and show reluctance even in drinking water. Due to this, the energy of their body decreases rapidly, which has a direct impact on milk production.

He told that in such weather the milk of cow and buffalo reduces. As the cold increases. Similarly the arrival starts decreasing.
Where on an average an animal is giving five to six liters of milk. However, now this quantity has come down to 3-4 litres.

He further explained that due to sudden drop in temperature the metabolism of animals slows down, due to which their milk production naturally reduces. In such a situation, timely care is very important.

Dr Mukesh Sinha further explains that in this season many cows and buffaloes drink less water due to cold, due to which there is water deficiency in the body. This condition further slows down the process of milk production. The fodder fed in winter also has an impact. If the feed is not high enough in energy, it is common for milk yielding breeds to drop production.

While advising the farmers, he said that they should make arrangements to keep the animals warm at night and give them lukewarm water to drink. Along with this, there is a need to put sacks or plastic sheets in the barn to stop the wind. There is also a need to take special precautions for newborn calves. Because they have a higher risk of pneumonia.

He further said that in winter it is most important that cold air does not enter the living space of the animals. Therefore, applying sack, tarpaulin or plastic sheet in the open parts of the animal house is very effective. Along with this, it is important to keep the ground dry and lay thick bedding, so that the animals do not sit on cold soil or floor. Laying dry straw, chaff or old sacks keeps the animals warm and also reduces the risk of getting sick.

Animals need more energy in winter. Therefore, giving cake, maize, jaggery, gram and mineral mixture in the fodder is very beneficial. Many animal farmers also make a light decoction of ginger, turmeric and jaggery at home and feed it to the animals, which provides relief from cold and cough.