Akash Wadal
Department of Animal Nutrition College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya -224229
INTRODUCTION
Maintaining the health, productivity, and well-being of cattle and buffaloes throughout the hot summer months requires proper feeding and management. Cattle and buffaloes are susceptible to heat stress during the summer months due to the high temperatures and humidity. Reduced feed intake decreased milk production, problems with fertility, and in extreme circumstances, even death, can result from heat stress. Cattle and buffaloes typically eat less feed in hot weather because they are less starving and drink more water. This may cause a shortage of certain nutrients, which could impair immunity, cause weight loss, and negatively affect bodily health. During the summer, a substantial increase in water intake occurs to offset fluid loss via perspiration and elevated respiration rates. In cattle and buffaloes, heat stress can have a deleterious effect on reproductive health, leading to delayed puberty, decreased fertility, and decreased rates of conception. Certain infections and parasites can thrive and spread more easily in environments with high temperatures and humidity. The profitability of dairy and livestock enterprises can be negatively impacted by inadequate feeding and management during the summer, which can result in decreased milk output, slower growth rates, and higher medical expenses. Farmer can reduce the negative impacts of summer weather and protect their cattle and buffaloes while preserving productivity and avoiding financial losses by employing suitable management and dietary practices.
The intense heat and humidity of the summer months provide a number of difficulties for cattle and buffaloes. Some of the main difficulties they face are as follows:
Heat Stress: Elevated temperatures and high humidity pose a challenge for cattle and buffaloes to efficiently release heat. This can result in intensified respiration rates, excessive panting, and sweating, all of which may contribute to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
Moreover, heat stress can lead to decreased feed intake, impaired fertility, and compromised general health and well-being.
Decreased Feed Intake: Because of their increased water intake and diminished appetites, cattle and buffaloes often consume less feed during hot weather. Weight loss, a deterioration in bodily condition, and vitamin shortages may result from this decreased feed consumption. It may also have a detrimental effect on growth rates and milk production, especially in growing calves and heifers and lactating animals.
Water Requirements: In order for making up for fluid loss from perspiration and higher respiration rates, water consumption rises noticeably during the summer. Drinking too little water can cause dehydration, which can make heat stress and other health problems worse.
Difficulties with Reproduction: Heat stress can impair buffalo and cattle’s ability to reproduce, leading to delayed puberty, decreased fertility, and a decreased rate of conception. Reduced pregnancy rates can also result from high temperatures’ effects on the development of embryos and sperm quality.
Disease Susceptibility: Heat stress can weaken an animal’s immune system, leaving them more vulnerable to infections and a range of conditions. Certain infections and parasites can develop and spread more easily in environments with high temperatures and humidity.
Environmental Challenges: Lack of shade and poor ventilation in housing facilities can exacerbate the effects of heat stress. Inadequate cooling systems or ineffective management practices can further compound the challenges faced by cattle and buffaloes during the summer months.
In order to lessen the summertime impacts of heat stress on cattle and buffaloes, housing management is essential. The following are the ways in which the points you raised support efficient home management:
Offering cooling/shade mechanisms such as fans, misters, etc: Animals are shielded from the sun’s rays by shades or shelters, which lowers the amount of heat that strikes their body. By enhancing air flow and evaporative cooling, fans and misters produce a cooling effect that aids in the animals’ body heat dissipation. By considerably lowering heat stress, these cooling systems can improve feed intake, milk production, and general health.
Appropriate ventilation and open housing: Proper ventilation and open housing facilitate improved air circulation and heat dissipation. Adequate ventilation facilitates the removal of
surplus moisture and heat from the housing area, hence enhancing the animals’ comfort level. Proper ventilation also contributes to better air quality and respiratory health by preventing the accumulation of ammonia and other gases.
Reducing stocking density: More space per animal during the summer allows for better heat dissipation and improved air circulation. Less competition for resources like water, feed, and shade also promotes better animal welfare. Overcrowding can exacerbate heat stress by increasing the heat load and reducing the available space for animals to dissipate heat effectively.
Timings for feeding/milking to avoid peak heat hours: Feeding and milking activities during the hottest hours of the day can increase heat stress and discomfort for the animals. Scheduling these activities during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening, can help minimize heat exposure and promote better feed intake and milk production. Adjusting the timings can also reduce the risk of heat-related health issues, like heat stroke or dehydration, in both animals and farm workers.
A vital component of providing for cattle and buffaloes throughout the sweltering summer months is nutritional management. The following are some ways that the points you raised support appropriate dietary management:
Raising the diet’s energy density (consuming more concentrates): Cattle and buffaloes often eat less dry matter (feed) in the summertime because their appetites are lower, and they drink more water. The diet should be made more calorie-dense by increasing the quantity of concentrates (grains, oilseed cakes, etc.) to make up for this decreased intake and maintain energy requirements. In spite of consuming less feed, this helps guarantee that the animals have access to enough energy for development, maintenance, and milk production.
The provision of high-quality green fodder is essential because: -Green fodders, including lush pasture grasses or leguminous crops, are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and protein. In order to enable cattle and buffaloes meet their nutritional needs during the summer, high- quality green fodder should be provided. Additionally, green fodders taste better and can boost feed intake, which is frequently decreased by heat stress.
Utilization of vitamins, minerals, and bypass fat as feed additives or supplements: – Rumen-protected fat, also known as bypass fat, is a concentrated energy source that can assist in supplying the extra energy needed in the summer. Vitamin A, D, and E supplements, as well as minerals like zinc and selenium, can help strengthen the immune system and reproductive function, both of which can be harmed by heat stress. Yeast cultures and probiotics are two examples of feed additives that can increase feed efficiency and digestibility and assist animals get the most nutrition possible from their diet.
Making sure there is always a sufficient supply of clean drinking water: – Summertime causes a large increase in water intake because of increased fluid loss from breathing and perspiration. Sustaining multiple physiological processes and preserving hydration levels require a steady supply of pure, fresh water. Dehydration can make heat stress symptoms worse and cause other health problems.
Through the application of these nutritional management techniques, farmers can assist cattle and buffaloes in managing the summertime stressors. During the hot months, maintaining body condition, supporting milk production, and promoting general health and well-being can be achieved by optimizing the diet, providing high-quality forages, supplementing with vital nutrients, and making sure enough water consumption is maintained.
Managing health is an essential part of summertime care for buffaloes and calves. The following are the ways in which the points you raised support efficient health management:
In order to promptly intervene, it is imperative to identify the indicators of heat stress, which include increased respiratory rate, decreased feed intake, excessive panting, and lethargy. The use of shade, cooling devices (fans, misters), assuring access to clean water, and modifying feeding schedules to coincide with cooler weather are some management techniques for heat stress. Veterinarian support and supportive therapy, including electrolyte replacement and cooling techniques, may be necessary in severe heat stress situations.
Deworming cattle and buffaloes prior to summer: Internal parasites can seriously stress animals and damage their well-being and output. Deworming before summer arrives can help lower the parasite burden, which can be especially harmful during the sweltering and demanding summer months. The demanding summer months, a reduced parasite burden can enhance general health, feed efficiency, and productivity.
Vaccinations: – To protect cattle and buffaloes against a range of infectious diseases, it is imperative to adhere to a suitable immunization regimen. Due to stress and environmental factors, some diseases, such foot-and-mouth disease, or respiratory ailments in cattle, might be more common or severe in the summer. Vaccinations strengthen an animal’s immune system and lower the likelihood of disease outbreaks, which can have catastrophic repercussions during the already difficult summer months.
Ectoparasite control measures: – Cattle and buffaloes can experience severe discomfort, stress, and health problems as a result of ectoparasites like ticks, mites, and flies. Since ectoparasites prefer warm, humid environments in the summer, control methods become even more important. Ectoparasite infestations can be managed, and the stress and health concerns associated with them can be decreased by putting tactics like pour-on treatments, sprays, dips, or ear tags into practice. Minimizing ectoparasite breeding grounds can also be achieved by maintaining proper cleanliness and managing manure in the housing zones.
Farmers can prevent heat stress and other summer-related problems from negatively affecting their cattle and buffalo herds by incorporating these health management strategies into their entire summer management strategy. Maintaining animal health, productivity, and well-being throughout the hard summer months can be facilitated by early detection, preventive measures, and rapid treatment.
Here are some other crucial summertime management pointers for buffaloes and cattle: Breeding plans to prevent late pregnancies during the height of summer: – Late pregnancies during the height of summer can be extremely stressful for buffaloes and cattle, raising the possibility of difficulties and having a detrimental effect on the health of the calf
and the mother. It is important to practice responsible breeding management to prevent animals from being in the latter stages of pregnancy during the summer months. Breeding herds can be divided according to anticipated calving dates, breeding timetables can be changed, or reproductive technologies like artificial insemination can be used.
Controlling the movement of animals during hot hours: Moving cattle and buffaloes during the hottest parts of the day can cause severe heat exhaustion and pain. Animal movement should be limited or avoided during the hours of maximum heat, which are usually late morning to late afternoon. If movement is unavoidable then appropriate safety measures, like offering water, shade, and rest areas along the route, should be followed.
Grooming strategies to dissipate heat: – Regular coat care and grooming can assist cattle and buffaloes dissipate heat more efficiently in the summer. Brushing, washing it out, and partial or complete hair cutting are some of the techniques that can improve the body’s ability to dissipate heat. Certain grooming supplies, such cooling rinses, or sprays, can give the animals even more cooling and refreshing. Proper hoof trimming can lessen the chance of developing foot issues, which can be made worse by heat stress, and increase mobility.
Farmers can further maximize the care and well-being of their cow and buffalo herds during the demanding summer months by implementing these extra management guidelines. In addition to lowering the risk of problems and heat stress, proactive breeding management, avoiding needless movements, and applying proper grooming techniques can also improve general health and productivity.