When the temperature of the external environment is above 24°C, food consumption decreases and milk production decreases. High temperatures reduce the appetite of cows, which leads to less food intake and a decrease in the amount of milk they produce.
When the temperature exceeds 27-28°C, and the air humidity is around 80%, cows experience heat stress, which drastically reduces production. Heat stress affects highly productive cows more than those with lower production.
Milk production in non-ideal conditions: solutions
In these conditions, it is important to reduce the temperature and stimulate the cows to eat. The simplest way is to feed in the early morning and at night when it is cooler. Also, cooling methods such as fans and drafts are used. These methods improve the appetite of cows and increase milk production. In addition, it is necessary to ensure the constant availability of fresh drinking water.
Air temperature above 30°C is a great stress for all animals. In cows, this stress manifests itself through less feed consumption, an increased need for fresh water and a reduction in milk production, which can be reduced by up to 50% during the summer months. High air humidity further aggravates the situation. For example, at 28°C and 30% humidity, cattle are not stressed, but at 30°C and 85% humidity, the stress is extremely strong.
The process, in more detail
High temperatures combined with high humidity can be deadly, so it is important that livestock farmers are prepared to minimize losses.
- Provide sufficient quantities of fresh drinking water. Cows with low milk production use about 60 liters of water per day at 15°C, while cows that produce about 35 liters of milk per day use over 150 liters of water at 30°C. Lack of water reduces food intake by 25-30%, which leads to less milk production.
- Increase the energy intake in the meal to compensate for the energy deficit caused by reduced food intake.
- Feed the cows in the cooler part of the day (late in the evening or early in the morning) and make sure that old food does not remain, because it spoils easily.
- Ensure that the barn is not overcrowded.
- Maintain the hygiene of the barn, regularly change the mat and disinfect the building in order to reduce the number of flies and mosquitoes.
- Install additional ventilation (special fans) and use cold water cooling systems.
The conclusion is that cows tolerate low temperatures better than high temperatures. In winter, cows can withstand temperatures down to -10°C provided they are not wet and drafty, while in summer, temperatures above 30°C lead to heat stress and reduced milk production. Cattle farmers should provide sufficient amounts of water and regularly remove manure.
Source: Farmer
Source: boljazemlja.com
