Issue Date: May 2017
Based on the prevailing temperature conditions in Tamil Nadu, the period from November to February can be considered favorable not only for livestock but also for humans. During this time, the average temperature ranges between 23°C and 29°C.
From April to September, Tamil Nadu experiences extremely high temperatures, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 44°C. During these six months, there is a high chance of heat stress affecting livestock.
Heat stress in crossbred cows can reduce milk production by 35-40%. Increased heat and humidity also severely affect the growth and health of crossbred cows, making them more susceptible to diseases like mastitis and foot-and-mouth disease, particularly in high-yielding breeds.
Due to summer heat, cows face breathing difficulties, reduced milk production, fertility issues, and weight loss. They also tend to consume less solid food, leading to protein and fiber deficiencies.
Compared to local breeds, high-yielding and crossbred livestock suffer more in hot and humid conditions. Generally, temperatures above 26°C and humidity above 50% negatively impact livestock productivity.
Heat stress in livestock is measured using the Heat-Humidity Index (HHI), which considers both air temperature and humidity. India is divided into different HHI zones, with local breeds mostly found in high HHI regions.
Maximum Non-Damaging Heat Levels:
- Crossbred Cows: 25°C
- Local Cows: 27-33°C
- Buffaloes: 36°C
Heat Stress Symptoms:
- Restlessness
- Panting
- Excessive salivation
- Rapid breathing
- Sweating
- Increased body temperature
- Reduced heart rate
- Decreased food intake
- Increased water consumption
- Reduced milk production
Daily Water Requirement (November – February):
- Calves: 15-20 liters
- Heifers: 35-40 liters
- Lactating Cows: 60-70 liters
- Non-Lactating Cows: 50-60 liters
Daily Water Requirement (April – September):
- Calves: 30-40 liters
- Heifers: 50-80 liters
- Lactating Cows: 100-170 liters
- Non-Lactating Cows: 70-90 liters
Preventive measures should be taken to protect livestock from direct summer heat. Providing natural and artificial shade is essential. Dense, tall shade trees can protect livestock from heat, and there should be a 10-meter radius of shade around the livestock shelter. Grazing should be done only in the early morning or late afternoon when the heat is less intense.
Livestock should not be exposed to direct sunlight. Quality, cool drinking water should be available to livestock at all times, both day and night. In arid areas, sprinkling water on livestock during peak heat times can help.
Breeding Recommendations: Breeding should be adapted to the climatic conditions. The National Breeding Policy should be considered. Holstein Friesian breeds are suitable for hill regions, while Jersey breeds can be reared in plains. To improve the quality of local breeds, the best cows and bulls should be selected for breeding without crossbreeding with foreign breeds.
For increasing milk production in unclassified local breeds, crossbreeding with high-yielding local breeds or a single generation crossbreeding with Holstein Friesian or Jersey breeds is recommended. Direct crossbreeding with Holstein Friesian or Jersey breeds should be avoided after the first generation. The genetic composition of crossbreeds should be maintained between 50-75%, ideally not exceeding 62.5%.
Herbal First Aid for Summer Heat:
- Indian Gooseberry (Amla) Treatment: Soak 50 grams of dried Indian gooseberry per cow, grind it, and mix it with fodder.
- Fenugreek Treatment: Soak 50 grams of fenugreek seeds overnight, grind them in the morning, and administer orally once a day.
- Banana Treatment: Give two ripe bananas daily.
Herbal Medicine for Summer Diseases:
- Mastitis Treatment: Grind together 10 betel leaves, 10 tulsi leaves, 10 neem shoots, 4 garlic cloves, 10 grams of turmeric powder, and mix with 50 grams of butter. Apply this mixture multiple times a day and prepare fresh daily.
- Foot-and-Mouth Disease: Grind 250 grams of aloe vera with 50 grams of turmeric powder and 15 grams of lime. Apply this mixture to the affected area 10 times a day for at least 5 days, preparing fresh daily.
- External Parasites: Grind together 200 grams of aloe vera, two handfuls each of thumbai, tulsi, kuppaimeni, and omavalli leaves. Separately, crush 25 grams of asafoetida, 10 peppercorns, and 10 grams of turmeric. Boil these mixtures in 4 liters of water until reduced to 1 liter. Mix 100 ml of this decoction with 1 liter of water and spray on livestock during hot periods.
Note: Mix 100 grams each of turmeric powder and asafoetida powder with 1 kilogram of lime and apply it to the walls and floors of cattle sheds.
Dr. N. Punniyamurthy, J. Vijay Anand, A. Ilamurugan, Traditional Herbal Veterinary Medicine Training and Research Lab, Veterinary University Training and Research Centre, Thanjavur.
