Follow seasonal guidelines to protect cattle health: Animal Husbandry Director to farmers

In an advisory for livestock management during the Summer season, Director of Animal Husbandry Dr. T. Damodar Naidu on Thursday urged farmers to follow seasonal guidelines to “protect cattle health” and “improve productivity”.

Dr. Naidu stated in a release that rising temperatures, heatwaves, and hot winds can affect livestock. However, he said careful implementation of departmental advice can boost growth rates and farmer incomes.

Fresh guidelines

Directing field staff to engage actively with farmers and ensure best practices are adopted, he said farmers should provide clean water throughout the day and set up community water troughs.

Fodder should be chopped and fed during cooler hours, with mineral supplements of 30–50 grams to aid digestion and immunity, he said, adding that animals must be grazed only in mornings and evenings and kept in cool, ventilated sheds.

Stating that early morning milking reduces stress and improves yield, Dr. Naidu said sheds should face east-west, with water-sprinkled roofs, while crossbred cattle are provided with fans and sprinklers.

Signs of heat stress include rapid breathing, salivation and loss of appetite. Then, the farmers should cool animals immediately and consult veterinarians, the release read. Transport must be limited to cooler hours, with feeding every six hours, according to the statement.

The Director urged awareness programmes and regular visits to ensure preparedness during the summer. He also encouraged the use of mobile veterinary services for emergencies and advised hanging wet gunny bags around sheds to create cooling effects.

Coordination with rural water supply agencies and voluntary organisations can strengthen these measures, according to the statement.