Why do cows and buffaloes give less milk in winter?, this advice of the veterinary officer will come in handy… | Life

Veterinary officers point out that as the cold sets in, animals often avoid drinking cold water, resulting in halving their water intake. Dehydration disrupts the nutritional balance of the body and reduces milk production. He advised livestock keepers to give warm water to their animals to maintain their water intake during cold weather. Lack of balanced diet also affects their milk production. If animals do not get nutritious and adequate feed during winter, they naturally start producing less milk. Veterinarians recommend feeding the following daily:

• 200-250 grams of wheat bran
• 200-250 grams of chickpeas bran
• Corn or other grains
• A little jaggery
• 50 grams of mineral mixture
• 50 grams of salt

Lack of sunlight in winter affects both animal body heat and digestion. Therefore, it is important to expose the animals to 2-4 hours of sunlight each day. It is recommended not to tie them in the open at night, to protect the shed from the wind and to put dry straw or sacks underneath. The use of woolen covers is useful to protect young calves from the cold.

Problems like indigestion, constipation and flatulence are common in winter. This home remedy is helpful for— take 1 teaspoon of turmeric, 2-3 teaspoons of ajwain, and 100-150 grams of jaggery. Eating this mixture for 3-4 days improves digestion. If animals are lethargic, drink less water, or experience a sudden drop in milk production, immediate attention should be paid to their care and feeding, the veterinary officer said. With proper management, milk production can be maintained even in winter.