Moga, 11 June 2025 : Due to the extreme heat, the health of animals can be severely affected, so it’s essential to take special care of them during this season. To protect animals from the danger of heatwaves, Dr. Harveen Kaur Dhaliwal, Deputy Director of Animal Husbandry, Moga, has issued an advisory for livestock owners.
Dr. Harveen Kaur advised that if animals are kept in open areas, every effort should be made to keep them in shade. If they are kept in sheds, fans, coolers, etc., should be used, and sprinklers or foggers should be operated between 12 PM to 4 PM when the heat is at its peak. All animals should have 24-hour access to fresh, cool drinking water. Water troughs should be filled 2–3 times a day using a motor. Animals that are tied all day should be untied at least 6–7 times a day and taken to the water trough.
Animals feel intense thirst after eating fodder or after milking, so during these times, they should be allowed to remain near the water trough for some time to drink adequately. To reduce the impact of heat, animals should be bathed twice a day. Feeding should be done early in the morning and late in the evening when the temperatures are lower, as their appetite is reduced during peak daytime heat. At night, sheds should have dim lighting, and feed/fodder should be kept in troughs so animals can eat more at night.
To reduce the effects of heat, 10 grams of amla powder per animal per day should be added to their diet. Additionally, Vitamin A and Vitamin D3 supplements can be used.
She further stated that rising temperatures cause stress in animals. To manage this, include 50 grams of a good quality mineral mixture or trace mineral powder per animal per day in their diet. For lactating animals, protein and energy content in feed should be increased with expert guidance, including mustard cake, oil cakes, and bypass fat. Heat stress can reduce milk yield, fat percentage, and gravity. To combat this, include 125 grams of yeast per quintal of feed in their daily diet.
She advised giving deworming tablets regularly and ensuring timely vaccination against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Hemorrhagic Septicemia (HS). During summers, flies, mosquitoes, and ticks thrive around animal sheds and can cause severe diseases such as anemia, bloody urine, and high fever. To prevent this, keep the farm clean and consult a veterinarian for proper tick medication. Insecticidal sprays may also be used in sheds on expert advice.
In conclusion, Dr. Harveen Kaur Dhaliwal urged livestock owners to immediately contact their nearest veterinary institution in case of any problem or animal illness.
Summary: Deputy Director issues guidelines urging proper shelter, hydration, and care for animals to prevent heat-related harm during intense summer temperatures.