High temperatures are a big problem for animals, causing temperature stress that requires extra attention and increased amounts of water. Cattle breeders from Northern Mačva emphasize the need for larger amounts of water during the summer months in order to reduce the negative effects of high temperatures on livestock. Veterinarians recommend that stables be well ventilated to facilitate cooling of the animals.
The young livestock farmer Radosav Panić from Noćaj points out that the animals’ need for water increases drastically during the summer, along with the regular need for food. Ensuring access to drinking water is the most important thing, and it is also planned to install a ventilation system in the barns due to the unbearable heat. Veterinarian Stojan Nikolić, who intervened on the farm in Salaš Noćajsko, explains that animals, like people, can experience heat shock at high temperatures.
Animals and their illnesses during the heat
Cows, as large livestock, are particularly sensitive to high temperatures, especially during lactation, when they need up to 100 liters of water per day. Milk production in the summer months decreases between 10 and 30 percent, which further increases the consumption of electricity and water for water sprinklers and cleaning the pens. Livestock farmers face high costs due to the need to cool livestock to avoid deaths.
Dragan Nikolić, a livestock farmer from Čenta, emphasizes that high daily temperatures bring high costs for water and electricity, along with reduced income from milk. Because of these problems, livestock farmers are exposed to a greater volume of work and reduced income, which will soon be felt.
When the host notices signs of stress in animals, such as sweating, rapid breathing and restlessness, it is necessary to call a veterinarian immediately. Until then, livestock keepers can take certain steps to cool down their animals themselves. Feeding livestock after sunset is desirable, because lower temperatures during the night help the livestock to recover somewhat from the heat of the day, adds Radosav Panić.
Building maintenance is necessary
Josip Mačković from Ljutovo near Subotica also shared his expert opinion. He emphasizes the need for professional help in building facilities that would facilitate the stay of livestock during extreme heat. Most livestock farmers do not have adequate barns for the current climatic conditions, which causes heat damage. According to Mačković, every building should have an insulated roof. At the same time, it should be shaded and equipped with ventilation in order to protect the animals from high temperatures.
Marko Josimović, a livestock farmer from Grgurevi, who keeps heifers and pigs, emphasizes that it is necessary to constantly maintain the facilities, change the straw more often than usual and wash the facilities with water. These steps are key to reducing the negative effects of high temperatures on livestock and maintaining their health during the summer months.
All these measures and advice from livestock farmers and veterinarians emphasize the importance of proper management and care of livestock during extreme weather conditions. Adequate access to water, ventilated and equipped barns, as well as proper feeding planning, are key to reducing animal stress and maintaining their production and health. Investing in these measures can significantly improve conditions for livestock and reduce economic losses for livestock farmers.
Source: AgroTV
Source: boljazemlja.com
